So, you're looking for the best key organizer for your needs. Well, you're in luck because we've compiled a list of our favorites for travel, everyday carry, and everything in between. From minimalistic key rings to exquisite leather models that fit car keys, there's something here for everyone.
There are a few reasons why you might want a key organizer, especially while traveling. It keeps all your keys together and stops them from jangling in your pocket or when you use them. Additionally, it keeps your keys from jutting out into your pants pockets, which can be uncomfortable.
If you haven't used a key organizer before, some of the more luxurious models might be a bit like having a sports car at 16—you might not be able to handle the features or understand why you need them. Still, it's a lot of fun and helpful in specific situations. We recommend going with something smaller initially and upgrading to an organizer like this one if needed.
Let's dive in!
Best leather key organizer
We’ve been using an Orbitkey key organizer for nearly 10 years, and they’ve repeatedly improved their design within that time. The Orbitkey Key Organizer Pro utilizes a traditional design, is crafted from leather, and is slightly larger than the non-pro version. With the step up in size and price, you get a better spring-loaded base and the ability to unscrew the hinge without tools.
The Orbitkey Key Organizer Pro weighs 0.85 ounces (24.1 grams) and can hold nine keys. That puts it on the lighter side of the average on this list while accommodating a more-than-average number of keys, which is a pretty solid score. There are four colorways, the design is sleek and stylish, and you can attach another jump ring onto the back side for a car key or other items, like pepper spray or hand sanitizer.
Why We Like It- The spring-loaded design is easy to use
- It has a tremendous key capacity-to-weight ratio
- It can hold many keys, but the leather adds a lot of bulk to your carry
- It can’t fit all lengths of keys, which is disappointing considering its size
Best for multiple keys
The Ekster Key Holder is a unique take on the key organizer and one of the most minimalistic options we've come across for staying organized. It is incredibly small and crafted from metal, making it durable and easy to stow in your pocket. Unlike other key organizers, the Ekster model doesn't cover your keys; it just keeps them in line, which is why it's much smaller than other models on this list. You might not like it if you prefer a classic leather look, but if minimalism is the name of the game, this is the choice for you. Plus, you can purchase Ekster's Key Tracker, which integrates seamlessly with the Key Holder. It tracks your keys and has a small flashlight, which is handy.
It fits up to eight keys, and the device weighs 0.8 ounces (22.7 grams). That's a solid capacity and pretty lightweight for such a minimalist design. There are just two colorways available, and we wish Ekster included the tracking device; however, the price feels fair for how durable the key organizer is and how easy it is to use. The Ekster Key Holder is the most like how your keys probably are naturally, which we dig.
Why We Like It- The design is extremely minimalistic and small
- It’s compatible with Ekster’s Key Tracker
- The holder doesn't cover the keys
- The Key Tracker isn’t included, though it’s heavily featured on the product page
Best budget key organizer
The KeySmart Key Organizer Original is incredibly popular (just look on Reddit), and for good reason. It declutters your pockets and allows you to attach additional jump rings to the back. At the time of writing, it is under $15, making it one of the best budget picks on the market. It is crafted from plastic, which makes it feel less substantial than the leather and metal models on this list; however, we haven't had any issues with durability in testing.
There are two versions of the KeySmart Key Organizer, one that holds eight keys (which we're talking about) and a larger version that handles up to 14. We dig the size and footprint of the smaller model, and it's more beneficial for most travelers; however, we dig that there's a model that nearly doubles the device's capacity. Additionally, you can purchase the devices in two-packs, which is ideal if you have keys at home and work or want to get one for your partner or friend. The smaller version weighs 1.15 ounces, which is on the heavier end of the options on this list. Eight colorways are available at the time of writing, including vibrant hues. While that's not typical for key organizers, it enables you to add a pop of color to your pack-out, which is neat.
Why We Like It- It’s one of the cheapest key organizers on the market
- There’s a high-capacity version and multiple colorways available
- It’s less durable and feels cheaper than other models on this list
- It weighs more than we feel it should, considering how much plastic it uses
We dig The Ridge Keycase for the variety of materials it comes in, from carbon fiber to 24-karat gold. Because of this, you can get one that matches your durability, weight, or colorway needs. It operates like a standard key organizer and looks similar to the leather ones we often test; however, all the available materials are rigid. We find this to be more uncomfortable in your pocket than softer, natural materials with rounded designs, but we dig the look of the hardened exterior. Plus, it's more durable and doesn't use animal products for the primary construction.
This aluminum organizer weighs 1 ounce and can hold six keys; the weight will depend on the material you choose. Although the six-key capacity is on the lower end of the spectrum, we find it works well for those who don't have as many keys to carry or for travel, as you likely won't bring as many keys on a trip. The sixteen colorway/material options are a selling point, too!
Why We Like It- There are multiple material choices available
- All of the available models are durable
- It isn’t the most comfortable in your pocket due to the harsh corners
- There aren’t many bright or vibrant colorways available, even with all the choices
When we recommend key cases, Bellroy is one of the most common brands, as they have multiple models and top-notch materials. The Bellroy Key Case has a leather, polymer, and stainless steel construction, features a flipper mechanism to help you get the keys out from the garage, and includes a multitool that can open beers and tighten screws. You can add and remove keys without any tools, which we dig for ease of use while traveling. The Key Case is a bit wider than others we've tested; however, it's comfortable enough in your pocket.
You can fit just four keys on the Bellroy Key Case, which is on the low end of the spectrum. Still, this will work for you if you only have four keys to carry. If you need more, opt for the Key Case Pro, which can hold up to eight keys. The smaller version weighs 0.65 ounces (18.4 grams), which is pretty light, especially considering the device's size and hardy materials. At the time of writing, there are six colorways available, which we dig, though there aren't any vibrant colors.
Why We Like It- The exterior is elegant-looking and highly durable
- The flip mechanism makes it easy to get your keys out of the cover
- It is one of the slower opening key cases that we’ve tested
- It has a larger footprint than key organizers with more capacity
Best metal key organizer
The KeyBar Aluminum Key and Tool Organizer doesn't have a revolutionary design; however, it feels special in your hand and light in your pocket, and that's worth commending. It's crafted from aluminum, which offers durability and heft, so you don't have to worry about your keys getting damaged, no matter how rough the trail gets. It has a clip so you can attach it to your pants or inside your pack, and you can customize the clip's color and configuration with longer and more vibrant colorway options available. KeyBar makes all kinds of key accessories, some of which work with the Key and Tool Organizer, which makes this a good choice for people who like to have one piece of gear that can do multiple things.
The KeyBar Aluminum Key and Tool Organizer is one of the heavier options on this list, weighing 1.7 ounces (48.2 grams), but its durability makes up for the extra ounce. There are four clip colorways at the time of writing, which is a fun way to customize the device. You can also add tools to the KeyBar, which makes it useful for more than just keys.
Why We Like It- It’s crafted from highly durable aluminum
- You can add tools in addition to keys for more functionality
- It’s one of the heaviest key organizers that we’ve tested
- It’s very technical and looks out of place in some settings
Now that we’ve reviewed a few of our favorite models, let’s get down to business.
How We Tested It
In our testing, we focused on two metrics. First, how many keys does it hold? That’s the most important detail when considering a key organizer because it won’t work for you no matter what you do if you need more keys than it allows. Second, how much does it weigh? The only thing more annoying than having a big bundle of loud keys is adding weight to your carry, so keeping the mass to a minimum is handy. Additionally, we looked at function and durability, as those two features are essential for daily use and longevity.
Why You Should Trust Us
You might be thinking, aren’t you the backpack testers? Well, yeah, we are, but we do more than that! We test gear for the entire travel experience, from travel backpack to socks and accessories like key organizers. Our founder, Tom, has been using a key organizer for years, inspiring much of what we review in this post. Since the Pack Hacker team has diverse housing and car situations, we tested these organizers with various sizes and weights of keys to ensure they’ll work for most people. When you’ve tested enough key organizers, you know how frustrating it is for your most crucial key to not fit onto the ring when you start your testing phase!
How to choose the best key organizer for you
Before deciding which key organizer to use, you need to determine what you will use it for. Will it be for travel exclusively, or are you planning to use it for everyday commuting, too? Likely, you travel with fewer keys than when you go to work, so that matters. Once you figure out what you’ll use it for, you’ll know how many keys you need to accommodate. From there, you can look at the models available for that number of keys and pick the one that best suits your needs. Some are tiny, some have a clip for your pants, and some work with tracking devices to help you find your keys if you lose them. Before diving into that, pick how many keys you need to store!
How to use a key organizer
There are multiple styles of key organizers on the market; however, they generally follow the same principles. There’s a screw with a bolt; you take the bolt off, add your keys, and then they can rotate into a garage for safe keeping (and no jangling). The kind of screw and bolt, number of keys that can fit, and garage materials will vary, but they almost all follow that general design.
Does a key organizer fit car keys?
Yes and no. Is that helpful? Most key organizers we’ve tested do not work with car keys (or, at least, modern ones), but some on the market will. In our experience, getting a minimalistic key organizer with a jump ring and attaching your car key to that is often easier. Or, you can have a traditional key made for your car (if you still use a physical key) that will work on a key organizer. You know, like almost all cars had before the 2010s. To end where we began: yes and no.
So, there you have it: some of our favorite key organizers for your daily carry or next trip.
