So you’re looking for the best key organizer? I tested the most popular key organizers to see which ones are worth your money!
“Phone, wallet, keys… I’m good!” If you’re a guy, you can picture the scene — the ritualistic pocket pat down to ensure your everyday carry is all there. While phones and wallets are streamlined and comfortable to carry, keys are more unwieldy.
They tend to jab into your leg or sit uncomfortably in your pocket. That’s why you should consider getting a key organizer.
The ideal organizer keeps all your keys together in a compact, comfortable-to-carry package. Are you curious which ones make the most sense? Read on for an in-depth look at the organizers we tested.
Quick Take
In case you don’t have time to read the complete list, here are our top four picks for the best key organizers you can buy right now:
The Orbit Key Organizer is a great little product that has a high quality look and feel.
I found Bellroy Key Covers to have a premium feel, which makes them a pleasure to use. They also feel great in the pocket.
Keybar is a heavy duty key organizer. Its minimal design is great for anyone who wants something simple and bulletproof.
Jibbon is a great key organizer if you want a leather finish and prefer cleaner design. It uses a spring locking mechanism instead of the standard screw-through bolt mechanism.
Read on for the complete list.
Why Use a Key Organizer?
If you’re on the hunt for the best key organizer, you’re probably not happy with your current key situation.
I feel your pain. Keys are one of the most essential parts of your everyday carry (EDC), and the traditional setup — loose keys on a key ring — is less than ideal for several reasons:
- Your keys poke into your leg
- They cause excessive wear on your pockets
- They they create an ugly bulge
- Keys shift around as you walk
If this loose key situation annoys you, you’re not alone. Guys don’t typically carry bags; we keep stuff in our pockets.
And if the things in our pockets cause discomfort throughout the day, it can be super annoying (even if it’s just mild discomfort).
The solution, of course, is to use a key organizer to “tame” your key situation and make it easier to carry around all day.
What Is a Key Organizer?
Whether a sleek leather case or a sliding plastic contraption, a key organizer keeps all your keys in place.
As I’ve alluded to, a key organizer solves the problems I outlined above.
They’ll hopefully minimize the bulge in your pockets that keys on a key ring create. They also can prevent premature holes in your pockets and stop your keys from jingling around or poking into your leg.
How To Choose the Best Organizer for Keys
Now, many different key organizers are available for purchase online. Some brands that make organizers specialize in accessories and EDC. Other brands focus specifically on key organization.
If you search Google for any variation of “best key organizer,” you’ll find many round-up articles listing the top 5, 10, or 20 options. The problem is, in my research, I couldn’t find anyone who actually tested all of the most popular options to see which one is really the best.
Since I’m incredibly particular about my EDC and possibly a bit obsessive about organization, I decided to get to the bottom of this once and for all.
Insight Into My Review Process
My plan went as follows:
- Identify the most popular key organizers on the market
- Unbox and set up each organizer 3-4 times
- Use each organizer every day for at least one week
- Share my results with you
I’m happy to say that this plan went smoothly. But before we discuss each key organizer, you need to know a couple of general points.
#1: These Are All Great Options
The products I tested are the best of the best. Hundreds of key organizers are out there, including many “me too” products and rip-offs.
The brands included in this article are consistently rated very highly. They’re all great options for keeping keys from jingling around in your pocket.
#2: You’ll Sacrifice Some Convenience
Key organizers make keys more comfortable to carry, but they don’t make them easier to use.
When it comes to actually using your keys (taking them out of your pocket and unlocking a door), all of these organizers add an extra step. Some organizers are better than others in this regard (more on this later), but they all add this extra step.
#3: It Depends on Your Key Setup
In general, less keys is better. Most of these organizers work better for people who don’t own a car or drive a modern car with keyless entry.
If, like me, your car has a thick plastic key and a fob, some of these organizers will be harder to use.
On the other hand, suppose you don’t have a car key or you have a car that only requires a fob. Or maybe you have one with the buttons built into the key. These products will work better.
I found that most key organizers don’t work with my setup. I have a thick plastic car key, a separate fob, and a couple of loose keys.
#4: These Don’t Work With Fobs
No key organizer will “hide” a bulky fob. Most of these organizers have a ring for your fob, meaning it will dangle off one end. So, a key organizer may be necessary if you only carry a fob and, say, 1-2 keys.
#5: These Work Great With Multi-Tools
If you like to carry a small knife, bottle opener, USB stick, or multi-tool, you’ll love using a key organizer. Many of these products can accommodate EDC extras like multitools and knives without adding bulk to your setup.
Please note that the last few organizers on my list are ones that I didn’t necessarily test myself. However, I’ve heard good things about them and think they deserve a place on the list.
How To Organize Keys
The best way to organize your keys is going to depend on three factors:
First, it depends on how many keys you have.
Second, it matters what types of keys you have in your arsenal.
Third, it is important to consider what type of key organizer you have.
Naturally, it’s easy to organize a couple of keys. If you have a dozen, it will be a bit harder. Bulky car key fobs can also be hard to fit into many organizers on the market.
The exact way to organize your keys varies widely depending on the organizer you’re using.
Check beforehand to make sure that your keys will fit in the organizer. Also, check the brand’s site — it should explain how to use their system in detail. Alternatively, for reference, you can consult the photos below. You’ll see how I’ve organized my keys while testing out each organizer.
The Best Key Organizers Right Now
Now, let’s take a closer look at each product, in no particular order:
1. Bellroy Key Cover Plus
If you search the web for the best key organizers, you will surely come across Bellroy.
Their Key Cover Plus is the larger version of their always-popular Key Cover. I tested both sizes, and the bigger version accommodates my bulky car key nicely.
I like several things about the Bellroy Key Cover Plus. First, it has a magnetic closure that makes it easy to use with one hand.
Second, it’s very easy to set up. The only organizer I tested that was easier to set up was the Campbell Cole Key Wrap. This comes in handy when you need to lend your key to a friend or take it with you when you go running.
I found both Bellroy Key Covers to have a premium feel, which makes them a pleasure to use and great in the pocket.
For all of these reasons, the Bellroy Key Cover Plus is among my top two picks for the best key organizer.
2. Orbitkey Key Organizer
The Orbitkey Key Organizer is a great little product with a high-quality look and feel. Unlike the Bellroy options, it is available in various materials, including leather, canvas and rubber.
For the sake of comparison, I went with leather.
The Orbitkey is slightly more challenging to set up than the Bellroy and Campbell Cole, so getting your keys on and off takes a little longer. That said, it’s not as hard to set up as the Keybar or KeySmart organizers.
My one complaint with the Orbitkey is its length. It’s just a tiny bit too short to accommodate my car key. The only solutions are to force the key into the slip or put the key on the outer ring. This setup sort of defeats the purpose of a key organizer.
Of course, Orbitkey does sell extras like their multitool, which fits nicely with your keys and doesn’t add any extra bulk to your EDC.
Overall, the Orbitkey Key Organizer is a great mix of simplicity and functionality—and it’s easy on the eyes, too! Additionally, Orbitkey has many fun, unique designs, including collaborations with iconic brands like Star Wars.
Update: Jibbon may have improved on Orbitkey’s design by eliminating the plastic screw on the outside of the key organizer. Click here for our full review.
3. Campbell Cole Key Wrap
There are things I love about the Campbell Cole Key Wrap. I love its simple design and high-quality components.
I also love how easy it is to set up and remove keys. It comes in handy when you don’t want to take your whole keychain with you. (Such as when you take a walk to go for a jog.)
But it’s a little bulky for my needs. I think the whole thing could be smaller, especially the metal loop. Using the Campbell Cole Key Wrap with just one hand, start to finish, is almost impossible.
Also, since it has a button closure, it’s not very convenient to use (compared to the Bellroy’s magnetic closure, for example).
This is definitely one of the best-looking key organizers you can buy, but (in my opinion) it’s not the most practical choice for daily use.
4. KEYPORT SLIDE
Keyport makes two fundamentally different organizers: the Slide and the Pivot (covered next).
The Slide is definitely the most unique organizer on this list. It’s the only one that makes one-handed use an absolute breeze. It’s also highly customizable. You can easily add a knife, flashlight, multi-tool, or USB drive to this device, and doing so won’t add much weight or bulk.
This innovative key organizer is surprisingly small for its functionality. It doesn’t feel bulky in your pocket like you’d expect.
Of course, the Keyport Slide isn’t perfect. It’s definitely the most challenging organizer to set up, as your standard keys won’t fit into the slots. You have to go to a hardware store or locksmith to get new keys made specifically for the Slide.
It’s also not the prettiest product on the list. Its design aesthetic is unapologetically functional, and it’s not trying to win any beauty pageants.
The Keyport Slide is not for everyone but is perfect for some people. If you value function over form and convenience over all else (even if it means extra setup time), you’ll love the Slide.
5. Keyport Pivot
The Pivot is Keyport’s answer to Orbitkey and Keysmart. It’s the same basic layout as most organizers. It’s a solid chamber in which your keys rotate in and out. Unlike the Slide, the Pivot will work with your existing keys.
You can easily customize the Pivot like the Slide (unlike Orbitkey or Keysmart). You can also add a pocket knife, mini flashlight, pen, multitool, etc.
The setup isn’t as straightforward as something like the Campbell Cole Key Wrap. That said, the Keyport Pivot (and Slide) instructions were very easy to follow.
I had a frustrating setup experience with Keybar and, to a lesser extent, Keysmart. So, I really appreciated the thoughtful packaging and instructions from Keyport.
Like the Slide, the Pivot isn’t the most handsome organizer you can buy. But you’ll love this product if you prioritize function over form and want plenty of customization options.
6. Keybar
Keybar is a no-nonsense, heavy-duty key organizer made right here in the U.S.A. Its patented, minimal design is great for anyone who wants something simple and bulletproof.
Besides the Keyport Slide, which requires a trip to the hardware store, I found the Keybar, the most difficult organizer to set up. The instructions that came with the product weren’t super helpful.
Also, getting the perfect key order and spacing took a steady hand and patience. Other products with similar designs, such as the KeySmart Pro, came with better instructions and were easier to set up.
Once I got the Keybar set up, I really enjoyed carrying it. I like its innovative attachable pocket clip. I’m actually surprised that products like Orbitkey, Keysmart and Keyport don’t have pocket clips. This makes your keys accessible and comfortable to carry.
It’s also worth mentioning that even though all of these products seem very durable, the Keybar appears like it could stop a bullet.
7. Keysmart Pro
The KeySmart Pro is one of the best key organizers on the market, which is why it’s so popular.
KeySmart Pro is the version with Tile built in for “find my keys” tracking using your smartphone. It’s a nice feature, but I probably wouldn’t pay extra for it since I don’t often lose things.
I’d also rather not have to worry about charging my key organizer. I have enough battery-operated devices to keep track of! But if you lose your wallet or keys a lot, having Tile tracking built into your key organizer could be a lifesaver!
KeySmart Pro is very similar to Keybar and Keyport Pivot. It’s a hard shell with space for your keys and various tools. The keys rotate smoothly, and the bottle opener / FOB ring is a practical touch. Plus, it has a ring on the outside for your FOB and anything else that doesn’t fit inside.
Two drawbacks are the design and size. The KeySmart Pro is slightly bulkier than some of the other hard shell options. Additionally, the branding is a little loud (at least for my taste).
When it comes to KeySmart vs. Keybar vs. Keyport Pivot, it’s really up to personal preference. All three of these do the same essential thing in slightly different ways, and they all do it well.
8. Jibbon Key Organizer
The Jibbon is similar to the Orbitkey but uses a spring locking mechanism. Most key organizers use a standard screw-through bolt mechanism. This means you don’t need any tools to assemble or swap keys. It also has no hard plastic or metal on the outside (just leather).
If you want a leather finish and prefer a cleaner design, consider Jibbon. Having used both the Jibbon and Orbitkey, I can say that Jibbon is an excellent alternative to Orbitkey.
At the time of writing, the Jibbon is available in colors. You can choose from a small selection of accessories (which cost extra).
9. Carbocage Keycage
After this article was originally published, a couple of readers told me to check this one out. With over 2,000 reviews on Amazon and a 4.5-star rating, it seems like an excellent option.
Made in Germany from carbon fiber, it’s lightweight, as the only real weight comes from your keys (up to 14 of them).
As an aspiring minimalist, I like this option. Its simple, no-frills design gives you only what you need and nothing more. It’s similar to the all-metal KeyBar but slightly more compact (which is a good thing).
10. Quietcarry Shorty Titanium
If you like carrying a knife but want to keep your EDC simple, the titanium QuietCarry Shorty is perfect for you. It lets you combine your knife and keys in one compact package.
It holds 3-5 keys and has a loop for your car fob, so it’s best for minimalists. It’s perfect if you only carry a couple of keys and always want a small knife or multi-tool on you. If you want something a bit larger but with the same form factor, consider the QuietCarry Q3 Titanium.
11. Screwpop Tether
The Screwpop Tether is a toolless key holder made from anodized aluminum. It has a built-in stainless steel bottle opener (which is pretty sweet).
At the time of writing, it’s only $15 on Amazon, and it has 4/5 stars. It doesn’t have any loose parts and holds 24 keys.
Many popular everyday carry sites have featured the Screwpop Tether as on of their top organizer choices.
12. Phigvel Leather Key Case
Made from oiled horsehide, this is a slim and durable solution. It is excellent for guys who prefer a more rugged aesthetic.
It has a snap button closure for easy access and embossed labels (home, office, car, etc.) to help you identify your keys.
I’ve heard great things about this key case. It also has solid customer reviews, although some people have had problems with loose screws.
13. Ridge Royal Black Keycase
If Orbitkey and KeyBar had a little key organizer baby, it would look like the Ridge KeyCase.
Similar to the Ridge wallet, Ridge Royal makes the KeyCase out of metal.
However, its form factor is basically the same as Orbitkey or Jibbon. It holds 2-6 keys and can accommodate a fob on the end ring.
If you love The Ridge’s metal wallets, you can get a matching KeyCase.
Personally, I’d like to see a version of the KeyCase with more subtle or no visible branding.
Direct Comparisons
Maybe you’ve already decided which key organizer is best for you or narrowed it down to two choices. Here are some common comparisons among the top key organizers:
Keysmart vs. Keybar
There are three significant differences here. First, the KeySmart Pro has Tile built in, which lets you find your lost keys. Second, the Keybar comes with an optional pocket clip.
Third, the Keybar (metal version) is substantially heavier than the KeySmart Pro (which is mostly plastic). For some people, one of these features will be the deciding factor.
Keysmart vs. Keyport
The KeySmart Pro and Keyport Pivot are very similar. The biggest difference between these two products is the customization options you get with the Pivot.
If you’re trying to decide between the KeySmart and Keyport Slide, that’s a different story.
The Slide will take more effort to set up, but it’s highly customizable and can be used with one hand. On the other hand, Keysmart is easy to set up and you can use them with your existing keys.
Both of these make your keys easier to carry around all day.
Orbitkey vs. Keybar
There are three important differences to consider: First, the Orbitkey is made from soft materials (leather, canvas, etc.). This means it’s very light and flexible, which makes it easy to carry but harder to turn (when you actually use your keys).
Second, the Orbitkey is easier to set up and add/remove keys. Third, the Keybar has a pocket clip, while the Orbitkey does not.
Orbitkey vs. Bellroy Key Cover
Many brands manufacture hard-shelled organizers from metal or plastic (Keysmart, Keybar, Keyport, etc.). On the other hand, Orbitkey and Bellroy Key Cover are made from soft materials like leather and canvas. This is why these two organizers are so comfy to carry in your pocket and very stylish.
Both products are straightforward to use, and you can use them with one hand. However, using the Bellroy is noticeably easier. This is important if you often have your hands full with work stuff, groceries, or kids.
If you like carrying a multi-tool or knife, Orbitkey may be a slightly better option.
Editor’s Note: I first published this article toward the end of 2018. Since then, I’ve tested and heard about several other great key organizers (see the “Other Options” section toward the end of the article).I’ve also experimented with carrying my keys on a small carabiner, which you can see in this EDC video.That said, my top picks and rankings below still stand. These are still great choices. I really don’t think you can go wrong with any of them.
FAQs About Key Organizers
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about key organizers:
What’s the Best Way To Organize Your Keys?
The best way to organize your keys is to use a key organizer. These nifty little gadgets secure your keys and prevent them from jingling in your pocket and scratching your phone.
Is a Key Organizer Worth It?
A key organizer is only worth it if you carry more than two metal keys. They’re also handy if you like carrying EDC extras like pocket knives and multi-tools.
A key organizer is not worth it if you just have one house key and a car fob.
How Many Keys Does Keysmart Pro Hold?
KeySmart Pro holds up to 14 keys.
How Long Does the Keysmart Battery Last?
The KeySmart Pro battery lasts 30-45 days before needing to be recharged. The “Max” version lasts up to 60 days, depending on how much you use the built-in LED flashlight.
How Many Keys Can You Fit on an Orbitkey?
You can fit up to 7 keys on an Orbitkey Key Organiser.
Where Is Orbitkey Made?
Even though Orbitkey is a Melbourne-based company, they don’t reveal where they make their products. But, based on what I could find, Orbitkey products are most likely made in China.
Closing Thoughts
As I said at the beginning of this review, these are all great products. Are you unhappy with your current EDC? Do you hate the feeling of loose keys in your pocket? If so, any of these key organizers will be an upgrade.
When you put your keys on an organizer, you will sacrifice some functionality. It adds an extra step to using your keys to turn on a car or unlock a door. You can go with the Bellroy Key Cover or Keyport Slide to minimize this inconvenience. But even then, you must factor in setting up and removing keys.
I recommend buying your top 1-2 choices from my list of best key organizers and testing them out in the real world. You’ll figure out very quickly which organizer for keys is best for your needs.
If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below!
Great review of the top key organizers! My similar research confirmed that the only organizer able to enclose an older style large ignition key (auto and moto) requires about 3.25″-3.5″ internal key storage length. That narrows the choice down to the Bellroy Plus leather key organizer……..
The OrbitKey with the multi-tool is the best an urban man can get. Slick, stylish and compact. If you are prone to losing things the Chipolo tracking add-on would be great and if you want to steal any possible “job promotion” pics from your boss’s PC the flash drive add-on would be great for blackmail.
If I were living in the deep dark woods then the KeySmart Max may be more useful and practical. More gadegty and add-ons that would come in daily use. Flannel shirt not included.
I’ve gone through 2 keyport pivots in 4 years. The flashlight attachment fails the first 6 months (twice now), and new batteries don’t fix it. The end of the pivot eventually rips out and the whole thing comes apart, with keys falling out. Customer service is great, fast and courteous, but I don’t think the pivot is built well enough to handle my keys. I’d suggest they replace the aluminum parts with titanium throughout, raise the price to compensate, and either ditch the flashlight or improve its quality/find a new flashlight vendor.
You are missing one very important detail about the Keyport Slide…the weight reduction. Even if you are using the newer metal version, a Keyport Slide will reduce the overall weight of your keys and thus the sag in your pockets. I’m still using my original 2.0 I got when t debuted and my wife has the 3.0 when it made it’s debut. The initial set up is worth the reduced weight plus the one handed use.
A few of the “favorites” in the article seem to be key covers versus a true organizer. Something to wrap around your keys so they don’t dig into or destroy your pockets versus truly organizing your keys.
I think a very important detail about the Keyport Slide is that…they break. Putting that much torque on a component that is internally plastic isn’t a great design…clever, but the materials need to be addressed. Someone said something about the pivot. I’m going to agree. Love the idea of the Keyport products, but the guts need better materials.
I’m a big fan of the Keyport Slide. I’m actually still using the older Slide 2.0, which is plastic, but I like it because it is lighter and slightly less bulky.
FWIW, you can get that Honda key converted to a Keyport blade and chip that goes in the side panel. That is where Keyport really shines. I carry two Toyota keys in mine. If I were using these other options, I would probably have to split off the vehicle keys to a separate keychain just because Toyota makes such huge keys.
This is easily the best article I’ve read in a long time. I especially appreciate the vs parts at the bottom, I’m a research junkie, thank you!!!
Thank you for showing the fat plastic covered car key within the Bellboy Plus cover!!! I have a similar moto key and needed to see the coverage [vs] the too small standard size.
It’s a great post. It’ time for me to get one of them.
Why is orbitkey listed second in the table when it has a score of 11, 1 greater than the Belroy ? Having used both, I’ve found the orbitkey to be superior.
They’re not listed in order of score, but you can sort by any column.
This is helpful as I am in need of a stylish organizer. Currently using a basic metal clasp that serves its purpose, but the Bellroy looks like a much more stylish alternative.
Hi Brock, besides the zipper and slightly smaller size what makes the Bellroy case any different than the old leather key holder case my Dad and Grandpa used to carry?
Did you review Orbitkey 2.0?
Yes, this was the 2.0 version.
The Bellroy broke on me in 4 months. Three regular keys on one side and a kryptonite bike lock on the other side. Very disappointed in the quality. I now use a Phigvel Makers & Co key case and it is great. You can even pick one up off amazon now
What early 2000s Honda are you rocking? I’m in an S2000 and noticed we have the same key and fob. A video on looking stylish and dressing for your convertible would be appreciated. Probably not the click machine you are looking for though.
I drive a total beater dude. Accord with almost 200k miles, still going strong.
I just sold my ’01 Accord, lasted me many great years, but recent inspection wanted 1,800 in repairs, thus I had to say good bye. These vehicles are incredibly long lasting, though.
I love my orbitkey. I use it for almost 2 years now with 6 keys plus car key and titanium dangler. I’ll never go back to normal pile of keys.