The keyless age has been heralded across the US with almost as much enthusiasm as the paper-free office. Yet the practicalities have shown it to be an equally false dawn. The truth is that while the metal keys we used 50 years ago are less commonplace, we still use keys of some sort every day. The humble leather keychain, such a popular keepsake or promotional gift, still has a role to play in the digital age, and will continue to do so for years to come.
Traditional keys are in decline
Way back in 2014, the BBC reported that the traditional metal key was likely to become obsolete. Today, car manufacturers now use keyless ignition systems on even their entry-level models, so the prediction certainly came true in the automotive world. However, the key has been replaced by a fob that is approximately the same size and weight, so some might argue that from a pragmatic perspective, there is little real difference.
The other main use of keys is to open doors. Now anyone who stays in a hotel regularly will know that in this context, metal keys have also been almost entirely phased out in favor of electronic keyless entry systems. The same is true for most business premises that use either a card or a code to gain entry.
Yet while keyless entry systems are available for homes, few families have adopted them. It is telling to note that even in 2014, these systems were being discussed in the BBC article. A decade on, smart technology is part of all our lives, yet the majority of householders still see a physical key as the best and safest way to secure their homes.
Leather keychains provide a natural connection
Leather is natural, sustainable and exudes quality. Custom leather keychains provide a connection to the natural world that is often lacking in the digital age. In 20th century America, the keys themselves had character. We used to carry a bunch of keys and could tell at a glance which opened the back door, or differentiate the ignition key of one car with that of another.
In this age of keycards or plastic fobs to remotely open doors, that uniqueness has been lost. It makes it all the more important to have something tangible and unique attached to your keys. A handmade leather keychain has a character all of its own and can be further personalized with an inscription to make it completely unique to the owner.
Using leather keychains for business marketing
Leather keychains are not exclusively used in the domestic setting. For businesses, they provide a tangible connection with customers, suppliers and business partners, something that is so often lacking in the digital age.
Companies are increasingly focused on digital forms of advertising and promotion, such as social media marketing and mobile ads. That makes plenty of sense in an age when almost eight out of ten American adults use social media and nine out of ten use a smartphone. But there is a risk that in focusing exclusively on these areas they could lose the personal touch.
Custom keychains bearing a corporate brand name or logo are a subtle and elegant way for businesses to connect with customers and suppliers. It helps to develop brand recognition and reminds the user about the company every time he or she reaches for a set of keys. When the American National Retail Federation researched the topic, it found that giving out promotional keychains improved impressions by more than 50 percent and that more than three quarters of participants surveyed said they would become repeat customers.
Continuing relevance deep into the 21st century
The 2014 research mentioned earlier is more telling today than ever. We can see with hindsight that the phasing out of metal keys has indeed continued in many contexts, especially automobiles and public or shared buildings. But leather keychains are as relevant today as they have ever been.
