KeySmart Pro review: Star Trek inspired key ring tracker
Most of us have been there at one time or another, losing our keys in the house and not being able to find them. Bluetooth trackers are nothing really new, and more companies are coming out with different products to track your keys, wallets, and even headphones. Our KeySmart Pro review takes a look at a compact key chain that not only tracks your keys but also includes a bottle opener and flashlight — all with a Star Trek: The Next Generation design.
- Locate your lost keys phone with Tile
- Make your missing keys ring
- Make your lost phone ring, even on silent
- Organizes up to 14 of your existing keys
- Rechargeable with up to 45 days battery life
- LED flashlight included
- Design inspired by Captain Jean-Luc Picard
- Features Picard images and quotes like “MAKE IT SO!”
- “Property of U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701- D” printed on the back
- Picard featured on the premium Star Trek packaging
What’s in the box
- Front Plate
- Back Plate
- 2 Screws
- Bottle Opener
- 12 Spacers
- Micro-USB Cable
- User Manual
- 1-year warranty
What’s included with the Star Trek KeySmart Pro.
Design
The KeySmart Pro consists of two plates that screw together once you place your keys inside. The plates are about 3 5/8-inches in length, 3/4-inch wide at each end and 1/2-inch wide in the middle. The bottom plate is roughly 1/8-inch thick while the top plate is closer to 1/4-inch thick.
Both the top and bottom are wrapped with the Star Trek Picard design. The design is a mix of reds and browns with Picard, the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D silhouette, and the words “Make It So” printed throughout. Unfortunately, the company used Hydro Dipping for the first runs and found out it is not consistent from one KeySmart to the next. We received two review samples as the first only showed Picard’s pants and not his upper body or head. The company is trying to catch all the ones with weird prints like a cut off Picard but some still made it out. KeySmart did indicate though that the next run will all be Water Pasted so the pattern will be the same on every KeySmart.
Top of the Star Trek KeySmart Pro with a better print.
In fact, KeySmart responded to our tweet after we posted the review:
And apologies about the headless Picard… we had several slip into the public’s hands. We regret that and have done a double check of our inventory.
Good news is the first order was small and we have the water pasted ones on the way. https://t.co/DMb9FNvv2Y
— KeySmart (@GetKeySmart) May 6, 2020
Each end of the top and bottom plates has a small hole through which the screws fit and hold everything together. The top also has the Star Trek logo and KEY|Smart printed in white across it. To the right of this is a small LED light, a Tile button, and a flashlight button. Just under the logo is a small tab that can be pried open to expose the Micro-USB charging port. The small LED flashlight is on the front of the top plate. The bottom plate has “Property of U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D” and a silhouette of the starship printed towards the left.
The included bottle opener is about 2 1/4-inches in length and 5/8-inch in width. It is solid and sturdy and one end is a bottle opener while the other is a loop to hook your key fob or a key ring for larger keys on.
If you get one with a good print, the design does grab interest and looks pretty decent.
Ease of Use
It is super easy to put your keys on the KeySmart. Simply grab a coin or screwdriver and remove the screws. Set the top plate logo side down with the screws in place and alternate your keys between the two, putting a spacer in between each if you want. Once your keys are on it, place the bottom plate on then tighten the screws in place. Depending on how many keys you have, the KeySmart will expand in height to accommodate up to 14 keys.
The Star Trek KeySmart Pro with keys and bottle opener.
Once you have the device paired with the Tile app (next section), pressing the Tile button twice can be used to find your phone that has the Tile app installed on it. Pressing the flashlight button will turn on the flashlight while double pressing it will keep it on for 10 seconds.
KeySmart Pro Key Holder with Tile Features
The KeySmart Pro key holder uses a micro-USB port to recharge an internal battery. It runs for up to 45 days straight until you have to recharge it. Since I’m often at a desk, pulling out my keys every month or so to recharge them doesn’t present a problem.
On a mechanical level, the KeySmart holds up to 14 of your existing keys. This makes a big deal because other systems require you to photograph your keys or send in paperwork to cut custom key blades. With this system, you simply unscrew a couple of posts, lay your keys into position, add spacers as needed to even things out, and screw it back together.
Feature Summary
- Locate your lost keys phone
- Make your missing keys ring
- Make your lost phone ring, even on silent!
- Organizes up to 14 of your existing keys
- Rechargeable via micro-USB port
The KeySmart Pro includes a bottle opener, and the device has a built-in LED flashlight that goes on momentarily when you hit the button. Press the button two times fast, and the LED stays on for around 10 seconds.
As mentioned above, the KeySmart Pro also includes Tile integration—something the KeySmart (basic) lacks.
With the Regular and Pro models you can also add various accessories:
- 16GB USB 3.0 thumb drive
- Folding knife
- Pliers
- Quick disconnect
- Bottle opener (standard on Pro)
- Nano torch (flashlight)
- Nano stylus
- clip
- Loop piece
- Nano scissors
- Additional spacers
Four Versions of the KeySmart Key Holder
KeySmart Pro
- Rechargeable
- Includes Tile Tracking and app-compatibility (iOS/Android)
- Holds 10 keys flashlight bottle opener
- Finding range: 50 ft.
- Price: 39.99
KeySmart iPro
- Rechargeable
- Works with the Apple Find My Network (iOS)
- Holds 10 keys flashlight bottle opener
- Finding range: 150 ft.
- Price: 79.99
KeySmart Max
- Rechargeable
- GPS Tracking
- Includes Tile Tracking and app-compatibility (iOS/Android)
- Holds 14 keys flashlight bottle opener
- Finding range: 150 ft.
- Price: 79.99
The Special Edition versions of the KeySmart key holder just make it more fun—assuming you like Star Trek. They also have versions featuring the U.S. Army and one in Mossy Oak. Additional special editions seem likely to arrive in due time as well.
Finding Your Keys with the Tile App
The system works with the Tile app (Android and iOS). First, pair the KeySmart Pro key holder with the phone and app (we used an iPhone 11). Next, you can then use the app to locate your lost keys on a map or even make them “ring”. Finally, you can even work the system in reverse—using the Tile app and keys to locate and make your phone ring—even if it’s in silent mode.
KeySmart Pro Review – A Worthy Key Organizer with Tile Integration
The KeySmart Pro is elegant solution for organizing and finding your keys. We spent months testing organizers and have found the KeySmart has a good feel in our denim s. Here is our in-depth test-drive and review of the key organizer with a built in Tile.
Dude where’s my car? Well, do you have the keys when you get there. Tile came up with the solution to fight couches that eat keys and inherently time. At the time, the bluetooth speaker was the product that changed how we tracked our backpacks, bikes, and wallets. The promise was great: Airport security machines that swallowed checked carry-on luggage would come down with indigestion – saving our valuables. Tile’s network would rapidly expand from their 2013 Kickstarter launch to be a familiar product in retail locations such as target. In 2017, KeySmart launched their series of organizers with Tile built in. How does it hold up in 2020? Let’s see.
Party Tricks? Opener, Organizer, and Tracker
The KeySmart Pro’s three fantastic features easily overcome its glaring problem – the setup. Out of the box the construction of the Keysmart Pro key ring is messy. Fitting keys, choosing spacers, and fumbling around to screw it all together is no joy. The one part that we loved about the setup was a penny could lock and unlock for additional keys. Once it’s all setup the Keysmart Pro becomes a simple but compelling product for our lives. Just don’t plan to add keys on a weekly schedule.
First, the Tile operates like any other Tile does. It can be used to locate your phone or vice versa. Second, the LED light built into the body of the KeySmart Pro is enough to navigate an abandoned house without lighting in the dead of winter. Third, the built in lithium ion battery is chargeable via Micro USB and lasts a months on daily use. This feature is sleeker than replacing batteries in the Tile Pro.
Review Reflections: We March to a Key-less future.
The KeySmart is priced at 21.99 at the time of writing. The KeySmart Pro, which is defined by it’s Tile integration is around 49.99. To put this into perspective, a Tile Pro 2020 with replaceable battery is 25 alone. The upgrade is definitely worthwhile for those looking to condense their s and rid themselves of jingling as we rush across streets to make pedestrian walk lights. As for the construction, our first review unit developed a crack only under extreme pressure. We hope a future models could switch to metal instead of plastic but it’s not worth deducting any points for.
Months later, I forget that the KeySmart Pro is in my It often hugs the side or bottom of my wallet making for a flush fit. The keys show little sign of additional wear. In addition, until we replace all locks with products like August’s Smart Lock Pro this product will bridge us to the future of key-less Smart homes. However, there will be hold outs. While I embrace a key-less future, my father will most likely adopt the KeySmart Pro.
In conclusion, the internet is filled with products dedicated keys, wallets, and watches, but when it comes down to it, the Key Smart Pro is one of the best products to consider putting in your
Find your keys
Tile is the second piece of the KeySmart Pro. You can use the Tile app on your phone to find your keys, should you ever misplace them. Instead of the bulk of an additional fob, having it built-in to a device that slims your keychain, is a great idea.
You can use the Tile app to make your keys ring when you misplace them, as well as view the last known location on the map. If you worry about leaving them somewhere, there is also an alert to let you know when you walk away and get outside of Bluetooth range. (You can whitelist your home so this only happens when you are out and about.)
The KeySmart Pro can also be used to find your phone. If you just double tap the Tile button on your keys, it will make your phone ring. Regardless if your phone is on mute.
Tile also has a huge community of users. If you ever misplace your keys, you are able to designate them as lost. Then whenever another Tile member comes near them, the app will send you an alert, letting you know they’ve been found. All of this happens in the background, and the other Tile user has no idea they’ve helped you out.
What else should I know?
While the KeySmart Pro isn’t all metal like the others, it is still well built. All the hardware is stainless steel, and the plastic doesn’t feel cheap.
They also built in items that used to be premium upgrades, such as the integrated bottle opener.
If you compare this to the original KeySmart, it is definitely on the large side. It is more comparable to the KeySmart Extended which is capable of holding more (and larger) keys.
Standard Tiles also have a built-in battery. One that will last a full year before you have to purchase a new one. The KeySmart Pro on the other hand uses a rechargeable battery that will get you about 90 days of use before needing to recharge. No need to purchase a new one after the battery dies.
I want one!
Tile has been hard at work making their trackers ubiquitous. You can use the Tile Slim inside your wallet. The Mate on your backpack or camera. The Nomad battery pack to keep track of your power when you are out and about. Now they’ve integrated their famous tracker into your keys, which might be the most natural place for it.
Tile trackers have often been a great gift idea for the holidays, and I think the KeySmart Pro is the best version of them yet. Whether for yourself, or a gift, you can’t go wrong with it.
To sum things up, let’s outline the pros and cons.
- Organizes, slims, and silences your keys
- Easily find your keys when misplaced
- Easily find your phone when misplaced
- Integrated tools like a flashlight and bottle opener
- Expandable with additional components
- Rechargeable battery
- Great gift
- Can be large, especially if you have only a couple keys
- Not 100% water resistant, just to rain and splashes
If you couldn’t glean from my glowing review, I highly recommend the KeySmart Pro. It seems like such a natural fit, and serves multiple functions at the same time.
The KeySmart Pro retails for 49.99, which isn’t necessarily cheap. It is roughly the same as purchasing the KeySmart and Tile separately, but you get the additional functionality of them together.
Let me know what you think of the KeySmart Pro, down below in the Комментарии и мнения владельцев. Do you love the idea of it as much as I do?