Building the perfect keychain for 2023
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 พ.ค. 2024
- Welcome to my video on how to make your keychain as minimal as possible, while still having everything you need. In this video, I'll be outlining my 5 guiding principles for a minimalist keychain and reviewing some of the best keychain EDC (everyday carry) items I've tried this year.
Minimalism is all about simplifying your life and getting rid of unnecessary clutter. When it comes to your keychain, it can be easy to end up with a bunch of random items attached to it that you never actually use. But by following my guiding principles and choosing the right EDC items, you can have a keychain that's both functional and minimal.
My 5 guiding principles are:
1. Attach to me somehow
2. Tracker to find them
3. Easily Extendable
4. Knife & Flashlight
5. Make everything as awesome as possible
I'll go into detail on each of these principles in the video and show you how to apply them to your own keychain.
I'll also be reviewing some of the best keychain EDC items I've tried this year. From handy tools and gadgets to stylish accessories, I'll show you what works and what doesn't when it comes to creating a minimalist keychain.
So join me in this video as I help you streamline your keychain and simplify your life.
Thanks for watching!
____________ Content Time Markers ____________
00:00 Intro
00:30 5 Guiding Principles
00:53 1. Connectors
02:46 2. Trackers
03:53 3. Flashlight & Multitool
06:00 4. Compact but Extendable
10:06 5. Awesome Everything!
__________ Items Listed in the Video ____________
Nite Ize Carabiner - amzn.to/3WiJH2b
Noah Marion Clip - noahmarion.com/
Tile Tracker - amzn.to/3jovkuR
Apple Airtag - amzn.to/3WyPC34
Chipolo Tag Tracker (Orbitkey compatible) - amzn.to/3W98C8p
Victorinox Minichamp Alox - amzn.to/3YFA5A6
Prometheus Copper Quick Release Keychain - amzn.to/3VbMw3H
Prometheus Copper Flashlight - amzn.to/3hHTkbI
Olight i3E EOS - amzn.to/3HU9SI3
Olight mini - amzn.to/3WCdG56
Smartkey Mini - amzn.to/3HWeNIQ
USE MOB10D for 10% discount from Orbitkey or go to Amazon
Orbitkey Clip V2 - bit.ly/3spRbXt OR amzn.to/3HUegqF
Orbitkey Key Organiser - bit.ly/3spRbXt OR amzn.to/3VhqzjX
Orbitkey Key Organiser Star Wars - bit.ly/3spRbXt
_________ Video Making Gear that I use _________
Camera Equipment:
Canon R6 - amzn.to/39E1pXe
Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 is USM Lens - amzn.to/3i7EMPK
Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM - amzn.to/3uBMGWz
Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM Wide Angle Lens - Fixed - amzn.to/31HjnYI
Audio Equipment
Rode VideoMic Pro+ Shotgun Condenser Microphone - amzn.to/3o9OPHB
Rode Wireless Go 2 microphone - amzn.to/3ABzna7
Shure SM7B Vocal Microphone - amzn.to/2XQTvr3
Cloud Microphones Cloudlifter CL-1 Mic Activator - amzn.to/3mdb50E
Lighting:
Aputure Amaran 100d LED Video Light - amzn.to/3ALQlmM
Neewer LED Bi-Color Studio Round Lighting - amzn.to/3B9JpAb
Other Video Production:
Glide Gear TMP100 iPad Teleprompter - amzn.to/3uE3fkz
Andycine A6 Plus 5.5inch Touch 4K Camera Monitor - amzn.to/3l1jK7g
_________ Video Production Websites I used _________
SoundStirpe - 10% Discount - soundstripe.com?fpr=montmoto
StoryBlocks - storyblocks.com
Some of the links listed are affiliate links - meaning that if you click on of these URL’s and purchase a product, I may or may not get a small lock back from the seller. It doesn’t cost you any more, and helps support the content that I create in this channel. Thank you!
TH-cam: @marcuscreates
Instagram: @marcuscreates_
X: @marcuscreates_
Website: marcus-creates.com - วิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยี
as a lockpicker i can confirm that keys can (often quite easily) be recreated from photos/videos, so it's indeed always good to mask your keys!
What belt are you?
This was far and away the most useful EDC video I have ever seen.
Wow. That’s buddy. I really appreciate you saying that. 🙏
The Smartkey Mini is really great! I've been using it for 6 months or so, and its design makes it easy to fan out the keys with one hand to use the one you need. It's also nice that keys aren't jangly and making lots of noise, but are snugly secured. Thanks for sharing! EDIT: A small tritium fob also makes a HUGE difference for locating your keychain in the dark - no batteries and 10-15 years of light.
Want!!!
Loved this breakdown, I've been using the Orbit Key clip for a few weeks now and I've been loving it. I have multiple vehicles and each key gets its own Kappa quick release shackle which has been incredibly valuable in keeping everything squared away without being too bulky
Glad it was helpful! Game changer
I came into this video with an idea of what I wanted and I left second-guessing everything I ever thought I knew about lanyards and keychains 😂 great video!
Nice analysis of your philosophy of use. I ended up with the titanium carabiner from Olight, a Leatherman Squirt mini-multitool, a Photon Micro-light and my house and car keys on a plain ring. The Photon and Squirt are together on the Photon's micro-mini carabiner clip so they are easily detached when needed. I also carry a Kershaw Leek ultra sleek pocket knife to supplement. Very minimalist, useful, and it works for me. I've got lights and tool kits in my house and car so I don't need any more than that within arm's reach and I use my set-up on almost a daily basis without feeling short-changed. After viewing your video I'm going to remove my El Camino keys from my daily carry as I never drive it (I need to put it back together). Thanks!
I really like the Kershaw Leek, I’ve got one in my toolbox. It’s the rights size, nice and slim, and not so expensive you worry about it. Glad I was able to inspire you to pair down your keychain. 👍🏻
Olight Mini has been such a great little flashlight for me. I travel full-time and have a special "rental key ring" for all of my short term rentals. The Olight Mini was the perfect addition for when I just need a little bit of light to figure out some strange lock or door in a dark hallway. I was amazed how often I use it in just the first week. It's not like I don't have flashlights collecting in all corners of my bag, they are just never that convenient to use. This little guy is perfect, I would love if it was rechargeable but honestly I just keep a set of tiny spare batteries in my tech kit and have yet to use them.
It’s perfect for your use case. I’m a huge fan as you can tell from the video and have bought a couple of them in different colors for different key sets
Cool thing. They now have a rechargeable one :)
Exactly the type of video I was looking for. Great one, thanks!
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching 😊
being in a wheelchair, I can barely access my front pockets, so I went hunting. I discovered the Victorinox keychain, bought one, and used it for a year. Went out and bought 2 more as the first one was perfect for me in Hong Kong. I also live in the Philippines, and my EDC is different there. I am actually surprised that I have never seen anyone recommend their keychains, because they have so many to choose from.
Thanks for sharing your story
Cheers Marcus, great content as ever, great ideas, pros and cons! Keep safe. P
Cheers P. Always appreciate the support.
Cool to see that your key setup is very similar to mine, which I've been honing for years. I've opted for a keysmart rubber shackle, Rovyvon Aurora A4 Ti Pro flashlight and an Exceed Designs Razor (with the magnets). All attached to a shell cordovan key clip - I like this because it's long enough to suspend in my pocket to eliminate the jangle jangle. It's basically got me covered if I don't want to bring along the bigger brothers of each tool on the ring.
Rovyvon reached out actually and are going to send me some products for review. Glad to hear you like yours and your setup sounds epic. Always a work in progress though. :)
Well f-king done. Love it! Quality is everything...
Thank you!!!
Top notch content as always Marcus! I love your use of the male/female connectors on keys to make things a bit more mobile. I also started out with a KeyBar but it’s just too large and I realized I didn’t need those keys on me. I now only carry my truck key on its own, and the KeyBar is used to hold all my keys for padlocks and tool boxes.
Secondly! I think come 2023 we need a “Who is Marcus?” video. Silicone valley, gear guy, etc.- people would love to know more about you and how you came to be!
Ha thanks Cain. Appreciate the endless positivity and support. Let’s see how 2024 goes. Hopefully be able to be a little more consistent than 2022. I have lots of video ideas, but not a lot of time.
Keyport does good job nailing all these components in their slide keychain and and add a small light that attaches to them.
Thanks for the heads up. Will check it out.
My only complaint with the olight mini is how magnetized it is. Which is wonderful. Except if you have anything next to it. I switch out the split ring to a non magnetic one and now it’s perfect
It is SUPER magnetic. But I’m a believer. Like your mod. Sounds sweet.
I may need to try that. Absolutely love the mini but don't carry it because of it getting stuck on the ring.
A multitool and a flashlight is absolutely necessary for a good EDC keychain (or any EDC kit), I agree. I ended up with a Victorinox Manager (discontinued since, unfortunately) that even has a surprisingly comfortable to use ballpoint pen; and the Olight i1R2 EOS. I love these two.
I also have a peanut lighter from True Utility (doesn't leak at all) and a 32GB SanDisk tiny keychain pendrive just in case.
Smart additions. Thanks for sharing.
True Utility Firestash - I have one on my keychain too, great bit of kit and last ditch backup if you're a chain smoker. Also the Olight i1R2 EOS. For a slimmed down summer carry I'm looking to buy a Vic Minichamp in Alox and carry that on my keychain. At the moment I generally EDC a Victorinox with Knipex Cobra XS in my front pockets, recently the Swisschamp and often together with a Spyderco Urban so adding the Minichamp to those 3 would be just a bit too much redundancy & overkill but yeah in summer I can slim down the front pocket carry to just the Spydie and Knipex so the Minichamp would complement them perfectly, as I really only need a screwdriver & scissors on top of those 2.
Just stated using a RovyVon A1 and love it. Also use the KeyBar and love that.
RovyVon are sending me some stuff to review. Watch this space.
I went through exact same key organizer journey (all 3) except orbit was first. We ended on the same one, though. Great key ring.
Nice work! Great minds think alike.
Awesome 😮😮
TY
Great video Marcus 👍 it's very interesting and very nicely done
Thanks Jean!!! 👍🏻😊👍🏻
I'm not a fan of the Tile locators. I live in a rural area, and there just aren't enough Tile users to make the system robust and reliable.
Have you tried the Apple trackers. So much better.
@@MarcusCreates I have one of them and I have to say, I don’t understand how it works. Whenever I’ve tried to use it, it’s pretty much worthless. I much prefer the Tile.
On my stainless steel key ring I am happy with a 17 pound pull magnet pedestal mounted , P-51 military can opener , and a miniature clevis .
@@Wordsmyth8how do you not understand how to use an AirTag? Are you *redacted*?
The Apple trackers don't seem to work. I live in a fairly large city. I have a Tile tracker (had to check my app to see what it was). The Tile tracker does work, but requires regular charging.
Keysmart has an organiser (max) that has all that, built in tile tracker, torch...accessories include scissors, file, package opener etc.
Sounds chunky though. I prefer having them separate.
I just purchased the Jibbon key organiser. Its a very nice product. There is no outside screw that can loosen. The screw is inside and has a locking spring mechanism that snaps closed. Even if it opens up your keys are still attached by the internal screw. I'm still looking for a spider key ring organiser but with a leather fob attached. I have one from years ago but can't seem to find the same type.
Let me know when you find one and I’ll give it a shot
I loved this thank u!
No thank you 🙏
Excellent and thanks. Or thanks and excellent.
As an above middle aged person, prices are scary. I guess they are scary for everyone so maybe perplexed or stunned may be better.
Preparing to lose the grid, whether for a day, week, or year, all this USB charging stuff scares me. Not that I don't own some.
Anyway, I consider myself a prepper, and my goal is to have enough to lay back for a month, let the smoke clear, and ease into a decison, while at the same time having a bag in my closet.
Excellent production, and for us audio video fans, love the links to your equipment.
Thanks Stu
great video ! got some great ideas and have experienced everything you mentioned
Great to hear! And thanks for the positivity.
Olight has the imini 2 now that’s a bit bigger but it’s brighter runs for longer and is rechargeable
Awesone video!
Thank uou
Thanks!
worth noting that Chipolo now connects to the Google ecosystem as well. Wonderful little product.
Didn’t know that. Thanks for sharing.
Some great ideas, cheers. Yep it's important to cover the biting on the keys. But locks only keep normal people out...
Thanks for watching and for the supportive comments.
As a mechanic, and having replaced more than a few ignition tumblers (not that expensive on early 90’s and older cars, but damn pricy on newer ones) I do not recommend a wad of keys and other junk hanging from your ignition. Invest in a key ring separator if you do. I have an old snap on one, two key rings separated/connected buy a 1/4” universal socket and my old cottage on each end ( just like my dad, also a mechanic).
That’s what I suggest in the video. Glad it holds true based on your experience. That’s for sharing.
if you switch out the kappa quick release for something like the fidlock snap line they will be easier to put together and take apart.
Too chunky for my taste but appreciate the heads up
This man's keychain trinkets are worth more than my monthly mortgage payments.
I have a victorinox midnite manager which has everything I need including a pen and flashlight which is great
Carried one for a long time -> until I forgot to take it off for a trip and gave it to security at the airport :(
I've always wanted one of these compact key organizers but people usually carry 2 or 3 keys max.. including the car/motorcycle key that won't fit or a modern home key that won't fit either... the mailbox key probably will, if you have one?
The keysmart mini is great for every day use. If you want something fancy for special occasions the Orbitkey line up is best. But if you only have 2 keys and a car fob I wouldn’t bother. I think 3 keys would be the minimum for me, otherwise you’re just adding bulk.
Enjoyed the video and presentation style. Not sold personally on the keychain itself, feels like lots of 'stuff' to tick boxes but question how useable these tools really are. Mini Champ is full of duplication and all the tools are tiny, the Olight is likely worse than a phone torch, the airtag seems superfluous (don't put your keys on a detachable clip and you won't need to fear losing them). The solution for attaching and removing vehicle keys is good/practical, but honestly I'd personally dump all the mini novelties for a single worthwhile tool (i.e. a proper sized Victorinox). Just my 2 cents, just seems a lot of people fall down the rabbit hole of cramming lots of stuff into their pockets with a great story as to why it could be useful, but in practice I question how useful it really is (and yes I've gone down that rabbit hole myself plenty of times so no judgement from me!). At least you haven't resorted to tinder, flint and mini pill capsules!
Please note that the Orbitkey V2 doesn't really last long where the carabiner is wrapped.
Mine broke off 2 years later.
Warranty was off but Orbitkey does provide replacement for the top part should you want to continue using it.
Thanks for sharing
About climbing with 2nd connector, it's not safe cus probably weight but even if it'd survive such pull force then I'd not trust it because of no screwing on opening for locking this
just nit pick
Good to know
You could try a carabiner with integrated apple tag, so you would have one less thing dangling!
Too bulky high up on the keychain for me but appreciate the suggestion. If you find one you let tag it here.
I’ve seen a bunch of these type of videos and I have to ask- what about your vehicle fob? Most people have some sort of vehicle fob for their vehicle yet I never see them on their key chain set ups? I’m trying to figure a good solution for mine right now and I’m not finding many good options.
What did you think of the key fob solution I showed in the video?
Mini champ is the GOAT but the
Midnight Manager is better for your keys. Gets you a semi-decent flashlight and a pen for emergency pen needs. Some of the mini champ tools are not necessary to have on you at all times.
You’re not wrong. Actually have a midnight manager on my keys right now.
Love that you brought out the word ‘press’ , where could you be from 🤔
Hahaha
@Marcus O'Brien btw, as an ex electrician and technician and serious user (and lover) of tools (unlike most EDCers), love your work, makes sense almost always.
Best compliment ever. Thanks Shane
The Olight i1R2 EOS I think is better. It's small, has 2 light modes, and is rechargeable. Nothing worse than changing batteries lol
What about the Keyport?
Good videdo.
but how do we with longer keys do?
you just show with one type of key in the fob...
Do you mean truck/ car keys or the old style door keys?
Old style key, like 3ish inch
@@mansb7570 that’s a tough one. I haven’t seen many solutions for this old keys. You could try using the NiteEze system.
Thanks! Appreciate your suggestion. In Sweden this bigger keys are still quite common in apartments.
my biggest issue is i want everything to lay flat in my pocket or whenever i pull them out. all the different ways my key organizer, key fob, and gps tracker etc stack and hook up ending up looking chaotic and awkward.
Mini pepperspray for keychain is a must
Feels too big for me
@@MarcusCreates they just came out with a mini one that beats the old one they always had.
Ok. Will give it a look.
Nite core tiki is also a good torch.
Thanks for sharing
Rovyvon A8 is the best keyring flash light.
Haven’t tried it but will ping them now to send me one. Thanks for the heads up.
About taping your keys for protection: if theyre skilled enough to copy your key from a video, they're likely skilled enough to pick the lock instead.
Yeah. Makes sense.
Please review Lever Gear Edge XT Utility Blade Multitool
Do you have one and like it or are you thinking of buying one?
@@MarcusCreates I liked it but I am confused between Nite Ize DoohicKey multitool and Edge XT.
That's why I am looking for its review.
That Orbit Key has the same tech as Helmets do those. Those things do not move. lol
I’m a huge fan of the brand
What is the name of the copper connector used in the video?
Link and name are in the dedcription
My Trend für 2023........ Galaxodron Star Card .Keychain Eco-schpass und mehr..
Cool
One thing I recently added to my keychain is a small, round dog tag with my phone number.
Where did you get the air-tag holder?
Amazon. There is a link in the description. 😊
@@MarcusCreates thank you.
My problem with the Orbitkey carabiner Fidlock system: "All you have to do is pull down on the little leather tab and your keys come away easily." Yes! And all the _thief_ has to to is pull down on the little leather tab and your keys come away in their hands easily. >_>
I get it. But to be honest if people want to break into your house there are more straight forward ways than taking your keys from your hip.
hehehe, maybe you need a batman utility belt. a key chain should be for keys :)
Hahaha. If Orbitkey made one, I would buy it.
One last item, a wheelbarrow to carry your keychain.
😭 i saw the boba fett orbitkey in the thumbnail, and was really interested in it, but i dont live in the US, and I can't get it here.
Sorry to hear that buddy :( Its super epic
Where has your TH-cam channel been my whole life.
Doing my best here. Thanks for the positivity.
@@MarcusCreates Of course man! I love your content. Keep it up.
I use a nitecore tk4 it got 200 lumens and can blast 4k lumen for short moments where you need to blind a angry junkie
I love this micro flashlights with massive short term outputs. LEDs have come so far in the past 15 years.
@@MarcusCreates yeah I got a hardon for thoose 1km throwers that run so hot they need built in fans the wife is like why the hell do you need that 🤣
i clicked the moment i noticed a victorinox in the thumbnail
It’ll be something different for everyone. Thanks for watching.
this guy definitely has a bit of irish in him
(nevermind... just found out you are irish with an american accent haha)
Jaysus. Go easy on me Oisín in Bray. I’m doing my best but the twang is hard to avoid. 😂
@@MarcusCreates ah sure ye saved yourself there by saying “jaysus” 😂
A video I didn't thought enjoying, and I think you're the one to blame, not the content itself.
Thanks for watching none the less. 👍🏻
if i use something in my keychain ill use something that doesent activate easily
?
There were stand alone kiosk & locksmith businesses who from just a picture, they could cut you a key.
Thinking that's a joke shows you didn't do even the least bit of due diligence into the matter.
For the most part the liability of having such a business has seen them go away, but it absolutely lead to break ins etc.
Thanks for sharing
@@MarcusCreates Deviant Ollam made a video after some rapper T Pain or whomever showed the key to his bar.
He cut a perfect key from the picture.
@@ClickClack_Bam that’s mental!
400 on airtags..
That’s crazy but yes
Not everyone is as broke as you
Next time try spelling carabiner the right way :P
Haha. Thanks pal.
It's a TROPICAL carabiner.
Your watch is a flashlight.
That’s true 🤣
Thank you!
Welcome :)
carabiner repeat after me it's carabiner....
If you really want to be minimal you would take off the light because there is one on your phone
Are you not worried someone can just easily take your keys from your belt?
I’m really not.
Who in the wide wide world of sports goes around nicking keys from peoples' belts?
Word of advice mate: spell carabiner the American way next time 😂 0:36
Haha. I'm a terrible speller.
Insta-sub ✅
Thanks Cory 🙏
I thought you were actually going to build a keychain not just do a review on many of them and put them all together and come up with something....
Thanks for watching 👍🏻😊👍🏻
this guy must be Ellon Musk's brother full of money.....
You mis-spelled carabiner, unless you are using them to hit people on the head.
Caribeaner ?? LOL ...
Yeah it's the tropical version of a carabiner.
Hahaha
Why would you need a key tracker if you clip them on your belt.. 🤔 this is just a gimmick
Hey, I think that thing isn't actually a keychain, but more like a toolchain.
Maybe? It’s still pretty minimal though. What would you do differently? 😃