Is this key fob a hand extension?
19.6.2020
Translation: machine translated
To prevent the spread of germs, the American design label Key Smart has developed a hand extension. "Clean Key" is designed to make direct contact with public surfaces superfluous. I want to know what the multi-purpose tool can do.
When I encounter tasks in public spaces that require me to touch a surface, my routine is broken. I make strange movements with my feet or elbows to open doors, or pull out a handkerchief as a protective shield to avoid direct contact. As disposable items are not a long-term solution and constant sanitising dries out my hands, I looked for alternatives and came across "Clean Key" - the current bestseller among the key rings on Galaxus. The fob is not only supposed to look pretty, but also be a tool for pulling a door handle, touching a touchscreen or pressing a button.
The design
The simple shape of the Clean Key and the name are inspired by typical keys. The material is copper, which has germ-reducing properties. The golden colour turns the tool into a piece of jewellery and the single colour emphasises its simple silhouette. The finger grip is suitable for inserting a finger through and the small opening next to it is used to attach the Clean Key with a ring on the key ring or the matching carabiner.
For my test, I'm turning the pendant with a leather strap into a necklace because it reminds me of a design by fashion designer Martin Margiela: a "watch" without a movement or dial that can be a hollow circle, a necklace pendant or a bracelet. The weight of the two necklaces is also similar. At 72 grams, the Clean Key is a necklace that I can feel and don't like to wear all day. When testing, I therefore alternate between neck and pocket for storage.
Keys
The Clean Key is most reliable when using buttons. Whether I'm entering my PIN at a supermarket cash card reader, parking ticket machine or ATM - the multi-purpose tool replaces my fingers. As I open my bag to take out my wallet when paying anyway, the extra handle doesn't bother me. The only time the extra handle is unusual is when operating the buttons on the tram. After using the fob, I don't touch the front area as germs can survive on the copper surface for up to an hour.
Touchscreens
A comment from the Community about the product initially made me sceptical as to whether the pendant would work on touchscreen surfaces.
The KeySmart has very sharp edges along its entire length where you can easily injure your fingers, the workmanship (milling) is very poor. Also, so far no touchscreen has worked when touched. Metallic objects don't work on touchscreens?
On all the touchscreens I have tested on ATMs, post office counters or public transport ticket machines, the tip of the key works perfectly. I do tap some of the buttons once more than necessary, but I am pleasantly surprised.
Door handles
The hook-like shape is designed to make it easier to open doors and pull levers. When tested, the pendant can open many common door handles and handles. However, it fails on a round door knob, which is often found on the front doors of old buildings. There is a solution for this, but it requires it to be fitted beforehand: Designer Philip Watts, for example, has developed a metal door handle, which is located at the bottom of a door and can be operated with the foot.
It is unclear to me why there are prongs on the top of the key. They don't seem to have any function and are angular, as user Prince_ mentioned in the comments. This causes pain in the thumb when opening the door. However, the edges are not so sharp that I cut myself on them during testing. However, they would make more sense on the inside of the hook, where they would also provide more grip for door handles.
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, there have been other designs that extend door handles and would be more comfortable to use. The Belgian company "Materialise" has developed a 3D-printed extension for door handles that can be attached to door handles so that they can be opened with one arm. It offers the printable design for free download. In the Galaxus range, I also came across the handle adapter from Swiss company Cardatec, which is designed to be mounted on door handles and operated with the elbow and arms. I would prefer this one so that I can protect my thumb.
Conclusion
I realise that this concept will not be the most practical and will not be enough to prevent the spread of viruses. But apart from a little effort to use the Clean Key in public, it doesn't cost much at just under 24 francs. On the positive side, I notice that I don't need to use my hands as often to operate touchscreen surfaces and buttons when I'm out and about and I don't notice any metallic odour on my hands after using it. However, opening doors is less elegant: Many handles are not easy to grip and the prongs press into my thumbs when I hold them. This could be avoided with a different finish. As a result, the key fob cannot prevent you from touching 99 per cent less contaminated surfaces as advertised. Nevertheless, the pendant scores points with its appearance and with a bonus that is not in the description: Thanks to a hook, I can use it to carry objects like a bin bag without having to touch them when disposing of them. That's why I keep it in my pocket or on my neck for the time being.
Note: Due to high demand, delivery of the Clean Key has been delayed. Comparable models are also available from other manufacturers:
Pia Seidel
Senior Editor
Pia.Seidel@digitecgalaxus.chLike a cheerleader, I love celebrating good design and bringing you closer to everything furniture- and interior design- related. I regularly curate simple yet sophisticated interior ideas, report on trends and interview creative minds about their work.
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