The Pros and Cons of Smart Keys vs. Traditional Car Keys

Car keys have come a long way. Before, mechanical keys are used to open car doors and start its engine. Now, with just a touch of a button, you can enter your car and even drive it! This is how technological advancements have reshaped how we access and secure our vehicles.

But with innovation comes with debate - does using smart keys really the best option, or do traditional keys still hold their ground? We can’t deny that smart keys offer convenience, but some argue that traditional keys are safer and more reliable.

At Cheap Car Keys, we’re here to help you make informed decisions about your car keys. In this blog, we’ll break down the pros and cons of smart keys vs traditional keys so you can choose the right key for your needs.

Read below!

What Are Smart Keys?

Smart keys have changed the way we unlock and start our cars. Through technology, drivers can conveniently access their car without inserting a key!

This innovation started when Mercedez Benz introduced Keyless Go in 1998 for their S-class models. Since then, smart key technology has become a staple for modern vehicles, introducing features like:

Keyless entry: You can unlock your car doors automatically without inserting a physical key. Just simply the vehicle with the smart key in your pocket or bag.
Push button start: No need to turn a key in the ignition. Just press the button and you can start or stop your car engine.
Remote access: Lock, unlock, and even start your car remotely through your smart key or connected mobile app.
Enhanced security measures: Some smart keys offer biometric authentication to protect you against car theft.

These exciting features are all possible through the power of advanced technology. Some systems used behind it are:

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification): This technology enables wireless communication between the smart key and your vehicle.
Transponder: This device is designed to communicate with your car system through signals so you can start it.
Ultra-wideband (UWB) technology: This wireless technology enables you to connect your car key to your phone so you can control it even via app.
Bluetooth low energy (BLE): This technology is used to determine how far you are from your car.
Near field communication (NFC): This system supports close-range communication where you can unlock your car by holding your phone or smart card near it.

These technologies work together to offer seamless access, improved convenience, and superior security for modern vehicles.

What Are Traditional Car Keys?

Before the advancements in technology, traditional car keys were the norm - a simple yet reliable way to lock, unlock, and start your vehicle. These keys are purely mechanical, with a straightforward design that makes them easy to use and maintain!

Here’s what makes them unique:

Basic functionality: Traditional keys are inserted in the keyhole of car door to unlock it and ignition to start it. These keys also require a unique cut pattern to operate the vehicle.
Simplicity and reliability: With no electronic components, they’re less prone to technical issues compared to their modern counterparts.
Security mechanism: Early models relied solely on the mechanical lock, while later versions introduced transponder chips to improve security by preventing unauthorised access.

Traditional keys may seem basic compared to smart keys, but their simplicity has its own advantages, which will be tackled further in this blog.

Pros and Cons of Smart Keys

Smart keys have revolutionised how we operate cars, offering a level of convenience and security that traditional keys can’t match. However, like anything else, it has its advantages and disadvantages,

Let’s take a closer look on it below:

Pros

Convenience: The biggest benefit of smart key is convenience. Imagine unlock and starting your car without even using a key. Just take out your phone or smart card and you’re ready to go!
Advanced security: With features like encrypted signals and biometric authentication, your car is less likely to be at risk of theft.
Added features: Aside convenience and security, there are also other features that smart key offers. You can start your car remotely via your smartphone and even control the temperature of your car.

Cons

Expensive to replace: With its advanced features, smart car keys are way more expensive to replaced compared to traditional keys. You can expect to pay around £320 if you lose or damage your smart car keys.
Potential malfunctions: Since smart keys rely on electronics, malfunctions are unavoidable, especially if exposed to water or low battery levels.

Pros and Cons of Traditional Car Keys

Just like smart keys, traditional keys have their own set of strengths and weaknesses. While they may lack modern technology, they remain a reliable and affordable option for many drivers.

Let’s check out it’s pros and cons here:

Pros

Cost-effective: Replacing or duplicating traditional keys is far more affordable than smart keys.
Easy to duplicate:Key cutting services are widely available and inexpensive.
Widely compatible: Traditional car keys can be compatible with any older car models without electronic systems.

Cons

Less secure: Traditional keys are more vulnerable to theft and lock picking since the operation is straightforward and it doesn’t have security measures unlike smart car keys.
Lack of advanced features: Since it’s mechanical, traditional keys have no remote access, push-button start, or enhanced security measures that can make it more secure and convenient.

Which One Suits You Best?

When choosing between smart keys and traditional keys, it’s important to keep in mind that it all comes down to your needs, lifestyle, and budget. Both key types offer unique advantages, so it’s essential to weigh your priorities.

If you value convenience, advanced features, and added security, smart keys might be the right fit for you. If you enjoy modern tech, then it’s the perfect key for you! However, you should consider your budget since they can be pricey to replace.

On the other hand, traditional keys are reliable, affordable, and easy to replace, making them a solid option for those who value simplicity and cost savings.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your driving habits, car model, and what matters most to you:

Cutting-edge technology or good old-fashioned reliability?

If you’re looking for advice on the best choice for you, you can reach out to our team, and we’d be happy to help you explore your options!