Everyday Carry

Ridge KeyCase Review: The Ultimate Solution for Organizing Keys

Authored by:
Jesudunsin David
Reviewed by:
Bernard Capulong
Founder and Editor-in-Chief
14+ Years Reviewing EDC Products
Ridge KeyCase Review: The Ultimate Solution for Organizing Keys

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Founded in 2013 with a goal to simplify and enhance the items we carry, the Ridge has established itself as a pioneering force in the everyday carry community by crafting functional yet aesthetically pleasing everyday carry essentials that align with principles of durability and less bulk. The Ridge Wallet, the company's flagship product, launched as a Kickstarter dream in 2013, redefining women's and men's wallets worldwide and gained widespread recognition as one of the best minimalist wallets owing to its slim, minimalist design, durability, and RFID-safe construction.

Building on that success, the Ridge introduced a variety of other top-quality everyday carry items, including the KeyCase. It’s a minimalist everyday carry key holder designed to streamline key organization and eliminate the hassles and jingling associated with traditional key rings by keeping them securely stowed within its metal plates while making them easy to access thanks to a pivot and swing-out design.

In this in-depth review, we will delve into the intricacies of the Ridge KeyCase, exploring its design, functionality, security features, pricing, and overall value, covering everything you need to know about this ultimate key organization solution.


Ridge KeyCase Design and Materials

One thing that has consistently stood out about Ridge's products is their premium build quality, and the KeyCase is no outlier in that tradition, sporting a durable design and premium materials, and comes with the Ridge's Lifetime Warranty.

The KeyCase boasts a slim, minimalist, yet functional U-shaped design just under 3" and weighs only 1 ounce. It’s comprised of two halves of machined premium metal. It comes in several materials and signature finishes, including aerospace-grade 6061-T6 aluminum (Ridge's flagship material), Carbon Fiber, Hyper Lime, Royal Black, Black Damascus, Forged Ember, Burnt Titanium, and so much more, allowing users a wide range of selections that match their aesthetic preferences. These metal plates, reminiscent of Ridge's metal wallet design, contribute to the KeyCase's sleek and minimalist appearance and are held together by a flexible, rubberized connector.

The hallmark of this KeyCase is the Ridge's patent-pending tension plate on one of the metal halves that imparts the necessary tension to expand or shrink the case to accommodate up to 2–6 keys with precision. This tension plate is supported by a locking flathead screw at the top which has a long post that allows for control over the tightness of keys within the case, securing your keys within the metal plates and offering protection while allowing easy access when needed—similar to the pivot point system of a Swiss Army Knife.

It also has a cutout similar to the one on the Ridge Wallet that allows you to identify and swing your keys out quickly, and it comes with a removable Manganese Spring steel clip that will enable you to easily stow the KeyCase out of sight in your pocket or bag.

Its lightweight, sleek design and compact size allow you to keep your keys stowed away securely and organized, so you don't have “jingle bells” in your pocket or backpack all day.


Ridge KeyCase Functionality and Ease of Use

Key Features

  • Holds 2–6 keys
  • Patent-pending tension plate system
  • Premium metal plates
  • Manganese spring steel clip
  • Free returns within 99 days
  • 6061-T6 aluminum | anodized black
  • Weight: 1 oz
  • Dimension: 3” x 0.47” x 0.47” (76x12x12mm)

If you're wondering how the Ridge KeyCase works or how to put keys in Ridge KeyCase, here's how:

To get your keys in, remove the screw using the bolt tool that comes with it, and open up the metal plates. Once open, slide your keys (in your preferred order) onto the organizer while holding down the tension plate with your thumb, then close and fasten the screw to secure them.

It sports two carry options—the spring steel pocket clip and a black D-ring attached to the rubber connector. This design lets you clip it to your pocket or connect the ring to other everyday carry items like car keys, wallets, and keychains.

One notable downside to this system, however, is that holding the tension plate down to load the keys requires some effort, and if you change your keys often, you will need to go over that process every single time, which may get tiring, as WornSimple voiced in his hands-on video review. But if you carry the same keys daily, the Ridge KeyCase is perfect for you.

Maintaining and caring for the Ridge KeyCase

Here are some tips to help you properly care for and maintain your Ridge KeyCase:

  • Regular cleaning: Wipe down your KeyCase regularly with a soft, damp cloth to remove dirt or debris and avoid dirt buildup. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could damage the finish.
  • Tighten bolts: Periodically check the tightness of the bolts on the case to ensure they remain secure because, over time, the tension may loosen, requiring a slight adjustment
  • Avoid overfilling: While the Ridge KeyCase can accommodate up to six keys, avoid overloading it. Excessive weight strain could damage the tension mechanism and may compromise the security of the bolt holding everything together.

Ridge KeyCase Security Features

One thing that's paramount to the Ridge is security, and this KeyCase reflects that commitment. The patent-pending tension plate and screw system work together to securely hold your keys in place, prevent them from falling out or getting lost, eliminate jingling, and ensure organized key carry. This is crucial for reliable access, especially when quick retrieval is necessary. 


Ridge KeyCase Pricing and Value

The Ridge KeyCase, available in various colors and finishes, is competitively priced, with options starting from $50. While this may be slightly higher than some comparable products on the market, the Ridge KeyCase stands out with its use of superior, durable materials and thoughtful design, which helps to save time and eliminate the frustration that can come with poor organization. All KeyCases also have a matching Ridge Wallet, so it’s easy to build an aesthetically cohesive everyday carry.


Ridge KeyCase Pros and Cons

The Ridge KeyCase passes the check for one of everyday carry must-haves, and while these differ for everyone, a keychain or key holder is one the basic essential elements that you'll find in almost every loadout, alongside items like pen, flashlight, knife, and multi-tool (If you're just starting your everyday carry or looking for ideas on what else to include, you can check out our comprehensive EDC guide).

This KeyCase is an excellent option for anyone looking for a minimalist, durable, and stylish way to organize their keys. However, like most things, it has its strengths and weaknesses, which include:

Pros:

  • Slim and lightweight design for effortless portability
  • Secure tension plate mechanism to keep keys safe
  • Adjustable tension plate to accommodate up to six keysDurable construction using premium materials
  • Durable, weatherproof design
  • A sleek and stylish finish

Cons:

  • The initial price point may be higher than some alternatives
  • Overfilling the KeyCase can affect the tension plate's effectiveness
  • Rubber loops may suffer wear and tear over time.
  • It can be challenging to remove keys if the tension plate is too tight

Alternatives to the Ridge KeyCase

  • Orbitkey: The Orbitkey organizer is a sleek, minimalist organizer, quite similar to the Ridge Keycase, that uses a locking mechanism to keep keys in a “beautiful and silent stack.” This organizer can hold 2–7 keys and has customizable options, including leather, canvas, stainless steel, polymer, and nylon. It also has a D-ring that allows for optional add-ons, such as USB drives, bottle openers, etc., for added functionality.
  • KeySmart: The KeySmart organizer is another popular minimalist key organizer. It is somewhat similar to the KeyCase and can take 10–14 keys, but has no tension mechanism and is only supported by screws on both ends.
  • KeyBar: KeyBar uses a bar design similar to that of the KeySmart to keep keys organized. It is bulkier than the Ridge KeyCase (able to hold about 12 keys) and has no tension plate, but it is secure and more affordable.

Conclusion

The Ridge KeyCase stands out as a sleek, modern, minimalist solution for anyone who wants to keep their keys organized, tidy, and tucked in a small but handy everyday carry tool. Its thoughtful design, security features, and ease of use make it a valuable addition to any everyday carry setup. Adding to its appeal, the Ridge offers customization options for this product, which is great for personalizing your KeyCase.


FAQs

Is the Ridge KeyCase worth it?

The Ridge KeyCase is an excellent choice over other similar products, boasting a premium build and top-notch organization. If you're looking for exceptional quality, organization, and aesthetics, the Ridge KeyCase is definitely worth it.

Can the Ridge KeyCase hold car keys?

The Ridge KeyCase is designed to hold standard keys without bulges or bulk. While it may accommodate some car keys, it may not be suitable for larger or bulkier keys or those with electronic components such as key fobs.

 How many keys can the Ridge KeyCase hold?

The Ridge KeyCase can hold 2–6 keys. If you carry a lot of keys or have keys with electronic components like car keys or car fobs that won't fit within the plates, you can attach them to the D-ring.

How does a key case work?

A KeyCase typically streamlines and organizes your keys in a compact silhouette. It provides a more organized way to carry and access them, keeping them firmly in place and preventing them from jingling or scratching other items in your pocket or bag.

Bernard Capulong

Founder and Editor-in-Chief


About the Reviewer
Bernard Capulong is an everyday carry (EDC) gear expert, entrepreneur, all-around nerd, and the founder and editor-in-chief of EverydayCarry.com—the largest online community for EDC gear enthusiasts. Since founding Everyday Carry in 2009, he’s built over a decade of experience in the industry, reviewing and highlighting brands and products, including pocket knives, flashlights, wallets, watches, bags, pens, and much more.

Bernard is known for bringing everyday carry out of obscurity and into the mainstream, having been published or featured in various publications such as GQ, TIME Magazine, The New York Times, VICE, HYPEBEAST, Outside, and many others. He has also played a part in curating, designing, and developing digital and physical products, resulting in successful crowdfunding projects or limited edition collaboration products with established softgoods brands. He stays on the pulse of the EDC industry by attending trade shows, participating in online interest communities, and actively engaging with fellow gear enthusiasts on social media.

In addition to being the editor-in-chief and main social media personality for EverydayCarry.com, Bernard is an avid gearhead and collector in general. His personal collections span technical bags, fountain pens, digital cameras, retro gaming hardware, personal hi-fi audio gear, and mechanical wristwatches, to name a few. Bernard Capulong is a prominent figure and trusted authority in the everyday carry industry with a career dedicated to helping people discover this hobby and stay prepared with quality gear.

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