Types of Car Keys & How They're Made

There are more different car key designs in use today than ever in the history of the automobile. But, did you know that no matter what sort of key you're driving with, it was made with one of two basic car key cutting techniques?

No matter the make or model, duplicating the blades on any one car key comes down to one of two techniques: mechanical key duplication or laser cutting.

Car Key Cutting Techniques

1. Mechanical-Cut Car Keys

Blank key blades like this are used in mechanical car key cutting.

Mechanical-cut car keys are the more traditional of the two. They feature a cut pattern along one edge of the blade, allowing the key itself to fit into the ignition only one way.

Mechanical cut automotive keys are made on a mechanical key cutting machine or die-punch - it's the same technique a locksmith would use to make a new key for your front door, your motor home, or your home safe. In fact, this form of key duplication had been the only way to make keys for anything up until the late part of the 20th century when laser key cutting gained prominence.

Today, mechanical car keys are popular issue with some domestic models by Ford, GM, and Chevrolet as well as some foreign truck models. More modern, and arguably more secure, laser cut keys continue to gain popularity with each new model year. With an increasing number of older model year cars on the road, the mechanical-type key remains the most widely still in use, at least for now.

2. Laser-Cut Automotive Keys

Smart keys like this are just one type of laser-cut car key.

Laser-cut car keys are the more advanced, modern technique of the two. Also called "sidewinder" or "internal cut," laser keys have blunt or square edges with identical cuts on both flat sides. Unlike mechanical keys, these will fit a car's ignition either way.

Laser keys offer a number of security advantages, including the fact that their lock cylinders are harder to pick than traditional ones. They require the use of specialized software and a high-tech laser-cutting machine for production. These machines are not only expensive, but they require more training to operate properly - car dealers and automotive locksmiths are typically best-equipped for the task of duplicating laser keys.

While luxury cars like Mercedes and Audi were the first to offer the "premium" internal cut keys, decreasing costs and increasing availability have allowed automakers from Honda to Kia to offer these keys with their latest makes & models.

Popular Types of Car Keys

A number of easily recognized car key types exist beyond the standard mechanical key:

• Transponder Keys
  

  Whether mechanical- or laser-cut, transponder keys include a small computer chip in the key handle for both ignition security and the prevention of key fraud. Honda remote keys and Volkswagen switchblade (flip) keys are two popular types of transponder key.

• Smart Keys
  

  All-in-one remote fob with the laser-cut key built in. Proximity sensors and push button ignition allow the driver to enter & start his car without ever taking the key from his pocket. These may also be called FOBIK keys, especially with Chrysler-family vehicles.

• VATS Keys
  

  These security-enhanced mechanical keys were produced by General Motors for various models. The telltale black resistor "chip" on the blade itself has earned it the misnomer “chip key,” even though this key contains no computer chip or electronic memory of any kind.

• Valet Keys
  

  Typically issued alongside a standard transponder key or smart key, valet keys have been slightly modified to allow the holder to operate doors locks and ignition but not open locked trunks or glove boxes. Models such as Nissan and Honda issue metal-blade valet keys with a plastic handle. Other automakers, such as Volkswagen, may issue a valet key made entirely out of plastic.

Before modern designs began incorporating keyless entry features onto the key itself, cars & trucks with keyless entry features included a remote fob separate from the key itself. The combination of key + separate fob is still popular on a number of cars and trucks, including some by Ford, GM, and Toyota. The separate fob is also issued for any car with an aftermarket or non-factory alarm or keyless entry system.