Have you read our guide on how to select the right keychain? If you haven’t, I’ll urge to do so before continuing. If you did, maybe the decision is close at hand but you’re looking for inspiration to expand your research. Thus, without further ado, allow me to introduce you to 5 of the most popular key organizer brands.
All brands on this list offer at least one key organizer with the following characteristics:
- Made of metals (e.g., steel, titanium, aluminum), plastic (e.g., Ultem, G10, carbon fiber), leather (authentic or faux), or fabric.
- Modern key case or key holder minimalist style, that secures all keys in place without free movement.
- Typically compatible with various add-ons such as multitool, flash drive, bottle opener, flashlight, etc.
Compared to standard key ring formats, a key organizer will provide you with a more definitive way to properly secure and organize your keys. Ah, and did I mention is practically noiseless? No more jingling in your pocket.
We won’t cover ring or pouch keychain formats in this post (check out these blog entries instead: key ring brands, key pouch brands).
| Brand | Fabric | Leather | Metal | Plastic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ekster | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| KeyBar | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| KeySmart | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Orbitkey | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Ridge | ✔ | ✔ |
Ekster
- Origin: Netherlands
- Materials: Leather, stainless steel, aluminum
- Accessories: Chipolo tracker, flashlight, ring attachment
- Key/tool capacity: Up to 8
- Prices: $31 – $65 (USD)
- Website: ekster.com
Dutch brand Ekster was established in 2015, headquartered in Amsterdam. As a Certified B Corp, they aim to leave the biggest impact on how you move through the world with the smallest impact on it. Ekster markets two key organizer models. One made of leather with inlaid stainless steel securing mechanism, with a detachable D ring for bigger keys or car fob. Another one made of aluminum with an embedded flashlight, with a magnetic ring attachment for adding more keys or car fob. Additionally, Ekster only sells a Chipolo tracker compatible with both key organizer models.
KeyBar
- Origin: United States
- Materials: Aluminum, brass, copper, titanium, Ultem, G10
- Accessories: Carabiner, pick, tweezers, fob, flash drive, multitool, pen, flashlight
- Key/tool capacity: Up to 12
- Prices: $24 – $180 (USD)
- Website: keybar.us
KeyBar was established in 2014 in Savannah, GA. They set out to create a key and tool organizer designed for durability and everyday use that will make life easier. KeyBar produces two models of key cases in a myriad of different materials, mostly metals such as aluminum, titanium, and brass, plus a couple Ultem and G10 plastic alternatives. Where they distinguish themselves from other brands is in the vast number of optional accessories including multitool, flash light, pen, and flash drive additaments, just to mention a few.
KeySmart
- Origin: United States
- Materials: Carbon fiber, faux leather, aluminum, titanium, polycarbonate
- Accessories: Pocket clip, bottle opener, stylus, flash drive, multitool, folding knife, pen, pliers, flashlight, nail file
- Key/tool capacity: Up to 14
- Prices: $10 – $60 (USD)
- Website: getkeysmart.com
Launched in 2014, KeySmart is headquartered in Chicago, IL. After introducing their patented design through Kickstarter, they now also offer smart trackers plus various EDC and keychain accessories. KeySmart does include a bottle opener and a pocket clip on all its models, while two provide smart tracking capabilities in conjunction with Tile or Apple apps. They manufacture key organizers using varied materials such as aluminum, titanium, and polycarbonate, with carbon fiber and faux leather plates in certain special edition models.
Orbitkey
- Origin: Australia
- Materials: Fabric, leather, TPU
- Accessories: Multitool, bottle opener, flash drive, nail file, tracker
- Key/tool capacity: Up to 7
- Prices: $25 – $45 (USD)
- Website: orbitkey.com
Similarly launched through Kickstarter in 2013, Orbitkey is based out of Melbourne, Australia. Since their beginning, they’ve worked towards more sustainable manufacturing processes and materials, and designing truly functional innovations. Orbitkey pioneers in offering key organizer options made of leather as well as more eco-friendly options such as fabric and TPU. They also offer useful add-ons such as multitool, bottle opener, flash drive, nail file, and even a Chipolo tracker.
Ridge
- Origin: United States
- Materials: Carbon fiber, aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, gold
- Accessories: Bottle opener, AirTag holder
- Key/tool capacity: Up to 6
- Prices: $60 – $135 (USD)
- Website: ridge.com
Ridge is an American brand established in 2013 and based in Santa Monica, CA. Emulating their wallet designs, their unique key organizer design is also minimalist, aimed to carry less and live more. Ridge utilizes some of the same materials used on their wallets, hence we find key organizers containing plates made of carbon fiber, aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, and even 24k gold. Accessory-wise, they only offer bottle opener and AirTag holder add-ons.
Key takeaways
In conclusion, here are some pros and cons of choosing a product from any of these popular key organizer brands.
Pros of a key organizer:
- Practically noiseless – no more keys jingling
- More elegant than other keychain types
- Rugged and durable
Cons of a key organizer:
- Less key storage capacity
- Some material options might be heavier
- Usually more expensive than other keychain types
- More complicated to maintain