Compact key holder

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Compact key holder

Nov 01 2022 / Round the Table Magazine

Compact key holder

9 products that simplify or solve inconveniences.

By Mike Beirne

Topics Covered

Technology

Compact key holder

Make that clanky collection of metal on your key ring compact, quiet and comfortable. KeySmart is a key organizer that holds up to eight keys and other tools like a bottle opener, pocketknife or flash drive. The slimmed-down organizer easily fits in your pocket, eliminates key jingle and includes a loop ring for adding a car key fob. $22, getkeysmart.com

Password vault

Roboform keeps your data private with the same high-level encryption used by banks and militaries around the world. The password manager two-factor authentication and generator create strong passwords that are 16 characters long, exclude similar characters and contain a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. Other features include autofill web forms and auditing that alerts you if your passwords have been compromised. Basic service is free, and a one-year subscription to premium services is $24, roboform.com

Quicker than pepper spray

The Hootie Personal Safety Alarm is a self-defense tool designed as a keychain organizer. Just pull the device’s cap to activate the 130-decibel siren — that reviewers say is as loud as a jet engine — and the high-intensity strobe light. The device fits in the palm of your hand and can clip on to anything. Hootie is available in six colors and comes with rechargeable batteries. $30, gethootie.com

Fingertip security

Benjilock is a padlock that pops open by touching the fingerprint scanner. The scanner for the TSA Fingerprint Padlock for luggage can store five fingerprints and for more backup, has a number keypad that opens the lock with a three-digit code. The bigger 43MM Fingerprint Padlock stores up to 10 fingerprints and also accepts traditional keys as well. The luggage lock is Travel Security Administration approved, which covers about 30 countries, so the lock can be opened rather than cut off by airport security if they have the master key. The product lineup also includes locks used for lockers, doors and bikes. $40, benjilock.com

Hand-held emergency tool

React is a 7-in-1 car charger that can be the emergency tool that keeps you and your family safe during an unexpected or dangerous situation like a car accident. Besides recharging your phone, it also is a seatbelt cutter and has a steel-tip window breaker, portable power bank, ultra-bright LED flashlight, strobing SOS beacon and long-range safety siren. React plugs into your car’s cigarette lighter or 12V port, so it is within easy reach when you drive and is small enough to carry in a backpack or a purse. $50, getreact.io

Back up those memories

If photos and videos are eating up your device storage and you don’t have the time to sift through and cull all those memories, the Portable Smartphone Photo Vault can help. The vault backs up your photos by plugging into your smartphone or tablet. The data is automatically backed up, and the files can be moved to a computer or other mobile device via USB. The device is compatible with iPhone/iPad (iOS 5.5.1+) and Samsung Galaxy/Android (4.0+). Its 8GB version can hold 8,000 photos, 16GB can hold 16,000 photos, and 32GB can hold 32,000 images. Starts at $60, sharperimage.com

A garden in your hand

Ever try growing fresh herbs indoors but couldn’t keep up with caretaking responsibilities? PICO is a self-watering system with a telescoping LED light that enables you to grow plants up to 9 inches tall no matter how bad of a plant parent you are. Pico can mount on the refrigerator door with magnets or on a wall or window with adhesive brackets. It holds 10 days of water and plugs in with USB cable. $49, altifarm.com

The Swiss Army knife of cables

A universal standard for power ports and connecting cables is nowhere near to being just around the corner, but the inCharge X can be an alternative to carrying a tangle of cords. The key ring cable has six different charging combinations that can connect any device to any power source. It can charge Apple, Micro USB, USB-C devices from any USB or USB-C power sources and allows fast charging up to 100 watts. InCharge also can be used for data transfer and USB on the go. $29, rollingsquare.com

Handsfree for your phone

Need an accessory that lets you leave home without your wallet? This foldable phone stand works with phones 4.7 inches and larger and functions as a wallet with room for up to three cards. Moft X weighs just an ounce and is so sleek you won’t even feel it while you hold your device or keep it in your pocket. The adhesive backing is strong enough to endure everyday use and can be removed and reattached without leaving a mark. MagSafe versions that attach to iPhone 12/13 series with magnets are also available. $20, moft.us