The Keyport Slide is about as sexy as a key ring can get. It says loud and clear that you’re above silly key chains and all that nonsense. It is without question the best way to carry your keys and break the ice at a hotel bar. It’s just too bad that it won’t replace my key chain.
Features:
- Six key slides
- Washable design
- Optional bottle opener and USB flash drive
- Stainless steel skin
- Lost & found serial number
- Starts at $79
Pros:
- Compact & sleek design
- Solid and sturdy
- Works great
Cons
- It’s not for everyone depending on their key situation
Full review:
The Keyport has fascinated me since it first busted into the gadget scene back in 2007. I hate keychains. Or rather, I hate carrying lots of keys. The Keyport Slide counters that by stuffing all your keys into one compact package. Sounds perfect to me but then I got my tester and discovered a nasty secret: it’s not for me.
Oh, the device works perfectly. I adore it. I even took it over to friends’ houses just to show it off. Everyone agrees the design is stunning. The Keyport Slide is a case study on industrial design with the amazing functional and compact design. The little key blades fit perfectly in their respective channels, just waiting for someone to depress the spring-loaded nubs and slide them forward.
The main compartment’s aluminum skin hides the plastic skeleton. Even the little plastic caps seem durable enough. The Keyport isn’t going to fall apart. It’s a sturdy little device without a hint of body movement or chintziness. It’s a stretch to say it will last a lifetime, but it feels solid enough that you’ll likely lose it before it breaks down.
Previous versions of the Keyport required you to send in your physical keys so they could be cut to size. That’s no longer the case and Keyport makes it easy enough. When you order your Keyport, the company asks you to photograph your keys on a special form and then they’ll send you the appropriate blades. You then take these blanks down to a local hardware store or locksmith to be cut. It’s less hassle than it sounds. Keyport also sells these blades separately for $6.99 apiece so you can order more as you go.
Here’s the sticking point for me, though. My Dodge Magnum’s key has an integrated key fob on the top of the key. It’s a massive beast and Chrysler used this design for years. Keyport has RF chip blades to counter one hurdle associated with car keys, but then most cars also have a key fob that needs to accompany the Keyport. So all of a sudden, your sexy Keyport Slide has an ugly conjoined twin attached by a short (and thin) cable. I also carry a small Beretta knife on my keychain. My wife finds the little blade comforting as if she’d stab someone in self defense. Whatever.
However, I did carry it last week with just the key fob for the Infiniti I’m reviewing. The Keyport Slide worked as advertised. The additional bulk wasn’t that substantial but still not that much less than a traditional key ring thanks to the key fob.
Look at your key chain. If it has a few keys, maybe a small key fob for your car or house, then the Keyport Slide would likely take your life from boring to fan-freaking-tastic. But if your key chain holds more than just keys, it might not be for you. I mean, it’s still without a doubt in my mind one of the most satisfying gadgets I’ve ever used, but at $60-$100, you may wanna analyze your situation before dropping the cash on what’s, if I’m honest, just a fancy alternative to a ten cent keyring.