No matter how smart your home may be, chances are very good you’ll still have one or two keys that you need to keep. Whether they’re for your house, shed, work, or anyplace in between, keys still have a place in our lives. Keyport offers several unique ways to handle your keys. The Keyport Pivot is their newer, more compact method for holding the keys that you have right now, no special inserts required. Keep reading to see how the Keyport Pivot can take your keys from a noisy mess to a compact and organized system.
Specifications
- Chassis/Links: 6061 aircraft Aluminum
- Buckle: Hardened spring steel
- Hardware: Stainless Steel
- Chassis/Links Finish: Anodized
- Length Max: 3.155” (80.1mm)
- Length Min: 2.975” (75.6mm)
- Width Max: 1.062” (27.0mm)
- Width Min: 0.580” (14.7mm)
- Height: 0.596” (15.1mm)
- Weight: 0.7oz (19.8g)
- Expandable from 4-9 keys
- Expansion kit available to hold up to 15 keys (maximum capacity depends on key thickness)
- Available in black, red, blue, or silver
- Free 2-year subscription to KeyportID lost and found service
- Additional modules and inserts available to add functionality
What’s in the Box
- Keyport Pivot
- Extension pin
- 3 x spacers
- 1 x extra spring washer
Design
The Keyport Pivot is a small, thin, segmented strip of anodized aluminum with hardened and stainless steel hardware. The two longer sections have three rounded square cutouts along the length, which not only reduce weight but also allow for additional modules, which I’ll discuss later. The Keyport Pivot name mark is located along the top edge of one side, while the unique Keyport ID number and lost and found URL are laser-etched into the inside of the opposite side.
The two sides are held together on one end by a 3-piece hinge, which allows the Pivot to expand. If you only have a few keys on your Keyport Pivot, this hinge just sits loose. It can, however, get itself wedged “open” which does look like it puts a bit of stress on the main pin and screw. The top of this hinge includes a D-ring that allows for other items to clip to your Pivot. Some obvious suggestions would be car keys, or car key fob, or generally any other items that do not fit into the Pivot itself.
The other end of the Pivot is where the locking screw system is located. The bottom side of this apparatus is smooth on the outside and has a very small ratcheting system holding it firmly in place on the bottom of the Pivot. That is attached to the pin, where your keys will be held. The top screw secures to this pin, and the locking system prevents the screw from coming loose during normal use.
The Pivot in its default state is exceptionally small and light, and even when loaded with keys it is very compact and easy to carry around in your pocket. The corners are nicely rounded to prevent anything catching in your pocket, and it’s really just a very nicely designed piece of equipment. The finish will show some wear after you’ve been using your Pivot for a while, but it is very solidly built and a few scuffs aren’t the end of the world.
Installation/Assembly
Assembly of your Pivot is pretty straightforward, and Keyport has recorded a number of guide videos to walk you through nearly anything you’ll want to do. The box, as well as the packaging for all of the additional inserts and modules, include links, QR codes, and direction to visit the Keyport Guides & FAQ page in order to find the appropriate instructional video. The videos are easy to follow and make setup a breeze.
Adding keys to your Pivot is as easy as unscrewing the top screw — which can be done by hand when no keys are loaded, but will require a quarter, or other similarly sized utensil to secure or re-open — opening the Pivot and laying it out flat, loading your keys onto the pin — ensuring that you’re loading at least one key higher than the top of the pin — and securing the top screw in place, tightening with the quarter or other implement as necessary. Once it starts to get tight, you’ll be able to hear as well as feel the screw clicking every 90° as it ratchets securely shut. The included spacers should be used if you can’t get one key height above the top of the pin.
Ease of Use
Using your keys in the Keyport Pivot does have a small learning curve, but nothing all too challenging. I was getting my necessary key out one-handed after only a few tries. I found it easiest to push all keys slightly from one side, and then single out the key you want to use while pushing the rest back into the Pivot. You’ll want to play around to determine what works best for you.
Unlocking your door with the Keyport Pivot also takes a bit of getting used to. The torque you’re accustomed to using unlocking a door by holding the key versus having the key attached to the Pivot is just a little bit different. The angle and rotation does also feel just slightly “off” at first, though that is also very easy to get used to.
Otherwise, your Pivot will sit happily in your pocket, purse, backpack, or wherever else you want to carry it. Your keys will stay secure, and won’t spin all out of control. You’ll have a compact, easy to manage set of keys. As a reminder, you won’t be able to attach most car keys to your Pivot. It only accepts all metal keys. You might be able to get a copy of your car key in a form that will work with the Pivot, but if not, you can always attach your car key via the D-ring on top.
Once you’re all set, you’ll want to visit the Keyport website and register for your two free years of KeyportID. This allows you to register your Pivot, so in case you ever lose your keys, anyone who finds them can get in touch with you (anonymously for both parties) via the KeyportID site. Keyport offers a reward, which is noted on the inside of the Pivot next to the KeyportID URL.
Accessories
The Pivot on its own is already pretty cool, but you can add utility and convenience by way of the available inserts and modules. Inserts act as “keys” for the Pivot, while modules attach to the outside. Available inserts include: Pen insert, USB insert (available in 8GB, or USB 3.0 32GB and 64GB), Screwdriver, Folding Knife, Pliers, Scissors, Tweezers, and Griffin multi-tool by Klecker Knives & Tools all available in the Stowaway Tool option. Modules include: Mini LED Flashlight, Pocketknife (easily removeable for airline travel), and Bluetooth Locator with Mini LED Flashlight.
Keyport was kind enough to send several of the available inserts and modules along for me to test out, and they definitely add positively to the experience. I’ll discuss the accessories that I was sent, and wrap up this section with what became my “daily driver.”
The Pen insert is available in black ink, and adds a handy and readily available writing utensil to your keys. If you’ve ever needed something to write with and just didn’t have anything handy, this is the kind of insert you’ll really want to get.
The USB insert is available in three different sizes as mentioned above. Only the 32GB and 64GB inserts are USB 3.0, so if you’re looking for storage I’d probably recommend one of those options. The 8GB key works well in a pinch, but having the faster read/write speeds of USB 3.0 would be beneficial.
The Griffin Multi-Tool by Klecker Knives & Tools gives you a few additional options including a bottle opener/1/4” bit driver and a screwdriver/pry tooll. The middle is cut out in a way that can be used as a wrench in a pinch, and the opening to that cut out can be used as a pocket clip.
The Mini-LED flashlight attaches to the rounded square cutouts on the side of the Pivot. To install you’ll want to press slightly near the middle and slide it forward onto the side. It will secure tightly in place. The flashlight is powered by two CR1220 watch batteries. The switch is located near the front, and it’s easy to turn on, but has enough stick to it that you aren’t likely to accidentally turn it on in your pocket. The LED is pretty bright, and will easily help you find a keyhole in the dark, or anything else you might need a little extra bit of light for.
The Bluetooth Tracking module attaches in the same way as the Mini-LED Flashlight. In fact it looks almost identical to the Mini-Flashlight, with the exception of an additional round light just above the battery cover door. The light will blink when you’re tracking. Tracking is handled via the TrackR app, which we’ve discussed in our full TrackR review. You’ll pair your Keyport Pivot module to the TrackR app, and then you’ll be able to utilize the TrackR network in case your keys go missing. As long as you’re within Bluetooth range, you’ll be able to “ring” your keys, and they’ll emit a series of rising tones to help you find them. You can also press the button on the tracking module to ring your phone (again, if you’re within Bluetooth range).
There are also a variety of mini-caribiner options available to use with the D-ring on top of your Pivot.
My “daily driver” consisted of my front and back door keys, my ThinkGeek bottle opener “key,” and the Griffin multi-tool insert (you really just can’t have too many bottle openers, can you?). On the outside I did have both the Mini LED Flashlight as well as the Bluetooth Tracker + LED. Both modules don’t add too much weight or thickness, and give the keys a nice symmetry that at least to me is pleasing.
The Pivot is also very classy on its own with no modules attached, and while I have no doubt that their locking screw system holds tightly — I did my share of jostling it around to see what it did, which was basically nothing, it held tight — adding a module on the outside will cover up the screw, giving you an extra little peace of mind that your Keyport isn’t going to open unexpectedly.
Price/Value
The Keyport Pivot itself is only $19.99, which is a pretty great price for what you’re getting. The inserts and modules range in price from $8.99 for the pen insert, all the way up to $44.99 for the 64GB USB insert. Nothing here seemed too overly priced, with most everything available for $20 or under. The Bluetooth tracker is $29.99 and the 32GB USB insert is $34.99, but everything else is under $20. You’ll be able to put together a very functional set of keys, inserts, and modules for not a whole lot of money.
Wrap Up
As long as you’ve got keys, you’re going to want a way to hold them. The Keyport Pivot is small, light, easy to use, and offers additional functionality by way of its inserts and modules. It looks good and even feels good in your hand. The basic model is very reasonably priced, and the expansions are priced fairly as well. If your key chain is a mess and you want a more organized way to go, Keyport Pivot has got you covered.
