Many of us have surely experienced losing our keys and know the struggle of trying to find them. Fortunately, technology has made searching for your lost keys easier with a key finder. With a simple tap, you’ll be able to find your lost item in no time and you won’t need to go through the trouble of turning your house upside down to do so.
In this article, we’ll be looking at some of the best key finders that you can use to find and keep track not just of your car keys but other valuables as well.
What Is a Key Finder?
As the name suggests, a key finder or a key tracker helps you to easily find your keys and other items that are prone to be misplaced. It functions as a sort of homing beacon that will send an alert or a signal to the receiver via radio frequency transmissions or locate an item via GPS. For most mobile users, it’s a great mobile accessory to have when you’re on the go because it minimizes the risk of losing your valuables.
These devices can typically locate keys or items that are within 30 meters of their range. However, some trackers go beyond that range. Depending on what type of tracker that you’re getting, the distance it can reach may vary. It’s best to consider your immediate needs before deciding which tracker is the best for you.
Bluetooth vs Radio Frequency Key Finder
There are two types of key finders that you’ll encounter while shopping. They are Bluetooth and radio frequency key finders. Both ideally serve their purpose and can locate items within their indicated distances.
Bluetooth Key Finder
A Bluetooth key finder will require the use of your smartphone and is usually controlled with an app. Bluetooth key finders usually use GPS or location services on your phone to locate the current location of your item. This type of key finder is ideal if you’re looking for a device that has features that include map locations and out-of-range notifications.
Keep in mind that, for this type to work, you will need to have your location services turned on at all times. Otherwise, it won’t work properly. Additionally, Bluetooth key finders won’t be able to work properly once physical obstructions that interfere with the signal are involved.
Radio Frequency Key Finder
A radio frequency key finder, on the other hand, is simpler to use than Bluetooth key finders. Typically, this type of key finder will come with its tracking device that can easily be set-up. Once prompted, it will send off an alarm or light up for you to locate your device.
This type of device usually has a limited range. Once the device or item that it’s attached to is out of bounds, you might not be able to track it down anymore. Keep this in mind when looking for a key finder to purchase as distance plays an important role when it comes to locating your items.
Other Uses of a Key Finder
Despite being primarily for locating keys, you can also opt to use your key finder for other purposes. Here are just some of its other uses that you might just come in handy one day:
Pets
You can attach your key finder to the collar or harness of your pet to keep track of them in and out of the house.
Travel
Attach your device to your luggage or personal items to keep them from getting lost while you’re traveling. This is great if you’re traveling with items such as laptops, cameras, and the like because you can easily find them if they get misplaced.
Tools
While it’s unlikely that you’ll lose your tools, it’s still a great idea to attach a key finder to them if they are frequently used to prevent them from getting misplaced.
Things considered, you can use a key finder for almost anything as long as its receiver and remote are within range of each other. Depending on the type that you have, you’ll be able to track your items with no trouble at all.
Key Finder and Tracker: Top Picks
Without further ado, here are some of the best key finders that you can get in the market today.
The JTD Wireless RF Item Locator comes with four receivers that, when triggered, emits a loud beeping sound and a flashlight to help you find them easier. It’s great if you’re looking for smaller items such as keys and tools because you’ll be able to spot them easily. Further, the transmitter has a range of up to 30 feet and has a stable frequency technique that works through doors, walls, and even soft furnishings. It has a notable standby time and has low battery consumption which guarantees that you’ll be able to use it for the long haul.
Tile Pro
Up next is the Tile Pro. It’s a Bluetooth finder that’s capable of finding and tracking items for up to 400 feet. This particular device requires the use of an app for it to work. With the Tile app, you’ll be able to sync the key finder itself using Bluetooth to your phone. The Tile Pro can produce a loud ring when prompted but you can also opt to check the location on your app if you prefer to be discreet.
It’s a relatively small device that you can easily attach to a key ring. It is also durable and water-resistant so you don’t have to worry about getting it dirty or taking it with you when you’re out and about.
If you’re looking for something with just a little more functionality, you might want to consider the Vozni Key Organizer. Not only can you stay fashionable with it but it will also help you keep track of your valuables with it.
The Vozni Key Organizer syncs to your phone and if you happen to lose the item attached to the receiver, it will emit a loud alarm so you can find it in a jiffy. Additionally, you can also use this key finder as an anti-theft alert and even as a remote camera shutter.
If you’re looking to track several items, the Esky Key Finder comes with a set of four trackers that you can attach to your valuables. Contrary to the other items in the list, the Esky Key Finder is a radio frequency tracker so you don’t have to worry about downloading apps or Bluetooth connectivity.
The only downside of the product is that it has a relatively shorter range of around 98 feet. It’s great if you only intend to use it within the house but not if you’re looking to take it outside with you as you might lose the range when you go from place to place.
The WOSPORTS Key Finder is an alternative to the Esky Key Finder if you’re looking for a set that has more receivers. This key finder has six receivers and a distance of about 85 to 100 feet. It comes with its own transmitter that removes the need for Bluetooth connectivity and it also comes with replaceable batteries so you don’t have to worry about running out.
The receivers emit loud beeps and also a flashing light to help you find them easier. The only downside of this is that it doesn’t adhere nicely to surfaces so you might want to avoid putting this on a pet’s collar or something that is frequently moved.
If you’re looking for a key finder with a loud ringer, then the KeyRinger is for you. It’s easy to use and comes with two devices that you can simply attach to the devices that you want to keep track of. It doesn’t need Bluetooth and all you will have to do is to double-click the button on one of the devices to trigger the alarm on the other one.
It’s bulky compared to other key finders but it does its job well. It also has a 300-foot range so you can trace your items from a greater distance than other trackers.
The Vodeson Key Finder is a no-frills device that you can use out of the box. It has a loud ringer and can track your devices for up to 98 feet. It has two receivers that you can hook up to two different items and one transmitter. If you’re looking for something, all you have to do is to press the button that corresponds to the color of the receiver that you’re looking for. The receiver will beep loudly and you’ll be able to find your device in no time.
Chipolo is a well-known brand that produces trackers and the Chipolo ONE is a useful Bluetooth key finder to have in your arsenal. It’s a straightforward device, and all you will need to use is the Chipolo app that’s available for most phones. It has a 200-foot range and a community search function that allows other Chipolo users to help find your item if it’s out of your range.
The Orbit Bluetooth Key Finder is a lightweight and durable device that fits any item without adding extra weight to it. All you have to do is to download the Orbit app on your mobile device and use it to pinpoint the tracker on the map or give it a ring. It’s built to withstand damage from the day-to-day hustle, and it’s waterproof so you can take it outside with you when needed.
Additionally, you can also use it to ring your phone if it’s lost like other Bluetooth devices. It also doubles as a selfie remote as long as it’s linked to your device.
The Cube Key Finder is built to last you a long time. It can be attached to most keys and even smaller items. You can also choose to attach it to your pet’s collar if need be. It works seamlessly with its Tracker app and will even show you the last known location of your item so you can easily trace your steps.
Additionally, the device also has a separation alarm that will set off so that you don’t forget the item in the first place.
Pros and Cons of Using a Key Finder
Despite being a great way to lessen hassle and stress, these devices aren’t perfect. While they do prove to be useful, you might still want to keep in mind that key finders also have downsides that might interfere with user experience.
Nonetheless, most key finders prove to be more useful and they do prove to have more pros than cons.
PROS
- Keep track of your items
- Variety of choices
- Different distances for different needs
- Easy to install and use
- Small enough to carry around
- Save money from getting replacement keys and items
- Lessen stress and hassle
CONS
- Battery life might easily get affected.
- It won’t necessarily keep your items safe.
- Doesn’t substitute a GPS tracker.
- Might become unreliable due to distance.
Takeaway
A key finder is a great investment for those who are looking to be organized of their valuables. It’s also a great purchase for those who are prone to losing their valuables so they won’t have to experience the stress and hassle of trying to find the keys. It also adds an extra layer of security to your belongings. It’s a gadget to have if you’re looking to secure your belongings at home or on the go.
