Products · Key systems
Keyed alike, keyed different and master keys
Three structures, three different trade-offs. The right choice depends on who needs access, how many units there are, and what happens when a key is lost.
Choose your configuration
The decision here is the keying rule itself — keyed alike, keyed different, or one manager key over both.
- Keyed alike
- One key opens a defined group of units
Fewer keys to issue. A lost key exposes the whole group. - Keyed different
- Each unit has its own key
Maximum separation. More keys to issue, track and replace. - Master key
- Tenant key opens its unit only; master opens the set
Operational access without tenant keys. - Manager key
- Opens every unit on a site, or every site in a group
Used for inspections and the overlock routine. - Overlock
- Manager key operates overlock hardware
Planned on the same schedule.
Specification
Category parameters for the two keying structures compared on this page. Keyway and blank are confirmed with the schedule.
| Structures compared | Keyed alike · keyed different · master key · manager key |
|---|---|
| Keyed alike suits | Small facilities, or groups of units under one operator |
| Keyed alike trade-off | A lost key exposes every unit in the group |
| Keyed different suits | Maximum tenant separation and per-unit accountability |
| Keyed different trade-off | More keys to issue, track and replace |
| Master key suits | Multi-site operators and facilities with an overlock routine |
| Master key trade-off | Requires planning before production; keying cannot be corrected later |
| Applies to | Cylinder locks, keyed padlocks and overlock hardware |
| MOQ | From 500 pcs — keying schedules confirmed with the quotation |
Which structure suits you depends on the unit count and who needs access, so it is confirmed against your site rather than recommended in the abstract.
Fit and compatibility
- All three structures can be combined on one site — for example keyed-alike groups plus a group-level manager key.
- Combination padlocks sit outside the key system entirely.
- The structure must be decided before production; it cannot be changed by re-cutting keys.
- If overlock hardware is used, plan its keying with the unit cylinders so one manager key covers both.
Fit is decided by who holds keys. Send the unit count and who needs access at each level, and we will propose a structure before you commit to a keying schedule.
Ordering information
Terms are identical whichever structure you choose — the difference sits in the keying schedule, not in the commercial terms.
- MOQ
- From 500 pcs
A structure with several keyed-alike groups is quoted line by line, so you can see what each group adds. - Samples
- From 5 days
Sent with keys cut to your proposed structure, so you can test group and manager keys before the schedule is finalised. - Batch production
- Around 30 days after spec and artwork confirmation
Both structures share the same production schedule; the structure only changes the keying station. - Delivery terms
- EXW · FOB · CIF · CFR · DDP
The trade term does not change with the keying structure — the same shipment carries group and manager keys. - Payment
- T/T · L/C · Credit card
Payment terms are the same for either structure; a larger number of keyed-alike groups does not change them. - Documentation
- Spec sheet, inspection record, packing list, pre-shipment photos
Records are issued against the schedule rather than the structure, because the schedule is what a future re-order is built from.
Send the unit count and the access rules, and we will quote both structures side by side so the difference is visible.
Options and customization
Options that apply to either structure — key stamping, colour-coded keys per group, and packaging.
Mixed structure
Keyed-alike groups for one part of a site and keyed-different units for another, with a shared manager key.
Group key
A single key covering every site in a group, for regional managers.
Documented plan
Every structure is recorded as a key plan with the order, so re-orders match.
Lost-key rule
Agreed at planning stage, so staff know whether to rekey a unit or wait for move-out.
Quality and evidence
The checks are the same for either structure; what differs is how the keying is verified.
SGS
Verified supplier
On-site audit completed October 2025.
ISO 9001
Quality system
Incoming, in-process and final inspection.
FAI
Master-key group
The master-key group is verified as a group before the run.
100%
Keyed to plan
Every cylinder assembled and tested to the keying schedule.
Buyer questions
Which is more secure, keyed alike or keyed different?
Keyed different is more secure, because a lost key affects only one unit. Keyed alike is more convenient to operate. Most facilities accept keyed-alike groups for standard units and keyed-different units where the contents justify it.
Who should hold a master key?
As few people as possible, and each key should be recorded. The master key bypasses every tenant key, so its control is an operational policy question as much as a hardware one.
Can we change structure later?
Not without replacing cylinders. Keying is set during assembly. Plan it with the first order even if you only fit out part of the site now.
Does a master key work on overlock hardware?
If it is planned that way. We key overlock hardware on the same schedule as the unit cylinders, so one manager key covers the overlock routine.
How are keys marked so a site can tell them apart?
Keys are marked to match the keying record, and the record maps each mark to the unit it opens. Tell us how the units should be grouped and the markings follow that grouping rather than being assigned afterwards.
What stops a key from being copied when it should not be?
Restricting duplication is decided when the keyway is chosen, before any cylinder is cut. If duplication has to be controlled, raise it at the key-plan stage rather than after the first batch has been delivered.
Related families:
Send us your door type and unit count
Send the unit count and who needs access. You will get both structures priced side by side — typically within 4 business hours.