Skip to content

Cart

Your cart is empty

Keyport key organizer evolution ID sketches

20 Years of Keyport - Evolution of the Original Key Organizer

Last updated on

Like most innovative products, the first Keyport was invented to solve a nagging issue. The origin prototype turned a noisy, bulky, unwieldy keychain into a compact, organized device that held 8 keys in a sheet metal housing. The primary catalyst for this invention? A 2003 Suzuki GSX-R 1000 motorcycle key. 


Working at multiple architectural job sites around L.A., I was constantly organizing all my gear, drawings, submittals, hard hat, and other paperwork in my backpack and pockets. The most nagging piece of gear was by far, my keys. I was taking my motorcycle key off when I rode, and my other keys would dig into my leg as I tucked in to ride the motorcycle, splitting lanes on the busy L.A. freeways. 


One day while riding, I had a vision of headless keys rotating out of a housing. I immediately went to the hardware store and got a bunch of supplies. I went back to my loft and cut the heads off of all my keys, then made a sheet metal enclosure that was riveted and screwed together. I called it the Joshua Key and it was so awesome to see my vision turn into a tangible device that immediately solved my problem.


I used it for the next year or so, and everyone I showed it to, wanted one. If it wasn't for that motorcycle, Keyport probably never would have come to fruition. Would all the key organizers that have followed in Keyport's footsteps exist today if we hadn't led the way? It took nearly six years for another brand to appear in the space after Keyport's debut. Now there are dozens of competitors.

Keyport's Impact on the Industry

  • Pioneered Key Organizer Industry
  • Inspired numerous competitor products
  • Set new standards for EDC design and functionality
  • Demonstrated successful evolution from a single-purpose tool to a versatile EDC hub

This Keyport key organizer evolution timeline of all the significant products & events over the past 20+ years that have made Keyport what it is today. The most versatile key organizer & multi-tool.

2004 - First Keyport Prototype Created

First Keyport ever created and used

Back in 2004, the first Keyport was built in my downtown L.A. loft. The original idea stemmed from a need to organize my keys and prevent them from flopping  in the wind & scratching my motorcycle while riding. 

2005 - Keyport Formalized

Keyport prototypes in the early stages

On September 15, 2005, Keyport was founded in Nevada as Spuren Systems, Inc. The next year, the name was changed to Keyport, Inc. Many new conceptual designs & prototypes were created, before eventually deciding to go with the Slide form factor for the company's flagship product.

2007 - Keyport Slide Debut Goes Viral

Keyport website goes viral the first 24 hours

On April 24th, 2007, key-port.com went live with the Keyport Slide concept & went viral the next day. After first being featured on NOTCOT, it was a in the Digg Top 10 the next day generating thousands of interest list sign-ups and dozens of features on popular tech blogs like Engadget, Yanko Design, Uncrate, & many more.

2007 - First Keyport Slide Limited Edition Launched

Keyport Slide Limited Edition

Later in 2007, the first Keyport Slide Limited Edition was launched as a pre-order. The product encountered many production challenges and only a handful of products were delivered. All other purchasers received a full refund.

2008 - Keyport Slide V.01 Released

Keyport Slide V.01

After production issues with its initial product launch, the product was redesigned, and the Keyport Slide V.01 6-Port was introduced in 2009 and finally delivered to customers in 2010 under a “pay what you want” model. Its patented out-the-front sliding mechanism is a staple of Keyport engineering at its finest.

2013 - Keyport Slide 2.0 on Kickstarter

Keyport Slide 2.0

In 2013, Keyport launched its first crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter for the Keyport Slide 2.0 6-Port. It's polycarbonate & Ultem body was featured removable Faceplates that could be customized.

2016 - Next-Gen Slide 3.0 + Pivot 1.0 + Modular Platform on Kickstarter

Keyport Slide 3.0 and Pivot EDC

In 2016, a second Kickstarter for Keyport's next-generation modular system including the Keyport Slide 3.0 in 4-Port & 6-Port options, Pivot 1.0, Mini-Flashlight Module, Pocketknife Module, and a Bluetooth Locator Module powered by TrackR.

2018 - Anywhere Tools on Kickstarter

Keyport Anywhere Tools

In 2018, a third Kickstarter was launched expanding Keyport's unique modular platform with Anywhere Tools, a new line of stacking Keyport modules including a MOCA 11-in-one multi-tool, updated (NEBA) knife, WeeLink charger cable, and the ever-popular Pocket Flare mini-flashlight.

2019 - OmniFob Smart Remote on Kickstarter

Keyport

In 2019, a fourth Kickstarter was launched for the OmniFob, a universal smart remote module. The OmniFob could control up to 100 smart home devices & scenes via SmartThings, Yonomi, & Nexx Home. It also had a Bluetooth locator powered by Chipolo & car remote functionality via MoboKey.

2020 - Keyport Pivot 2.0 Debut

Keyport Pivot 2.0

In 2020, the Keyport Pivot 2.0 was launched in titanium, stainless steel, and aluminum. Its design has been copied by other brands but none can match its unique modularity, KeyportID Lost & Found Service, anti-rotation mechanism, customization options, & premium build quality.

2023 - Keyport Slide 4.0 LE1 Debut

Keyport Slide 4.0 LE1

In 2023, the Keyport Slide 4.0 LE1 was launched in machined titanium and aluminum. The updated Slide featured a removable bezel for easy Key Blade removal, a unique spring loaded quick release, & a new module detachment lever for quickly releasing Keyport Modules & Faceplates

Keyport's Key Innovations

Patented out-the-front sliding mechanism

Patented Key Blade manufacturing method to convert 99% of metal keys

Modular design allowing for customization and expansion

Integration of smart features like Bluetooth tracking

Expansion beyond keys to include various EDC tools

Use of premium, durable materials

Created KeyportID to find lost Keyports for customers

Development of smart home control capabilities

Conclusion

From its humble beginnings as a crude prototype to becoming a leader in key organization and EDC solutions, Keyport's 20-year journey is a testament to innovation and adaptability. What started as a solution to a personal inconvenience has evolved into a versatile, high-tech product line that caters to the modern user's needs. 


Keyport's influence on the industry is undeniable, inspiring numerous imitators and establishing new standards for key organizers. As we look to the future, Keyport continues to push boundaries, integrating smart technology and responding to user needs with each new iteration. 


The Keyport key organizer evolution showcases not just product development, but a commitment to solving everyday problems with ingenuity and style. From motorcyclists to tech enthusiasts, Keyport has become an essential tool for those seeking organization, convenience, and functionality in their daily lives. 


As Keyport celebrates two decades of innovation, it stands as a prime example of how a simple idea, driven by passion and continuous improvement, can revolutionize an everyday item and create a new category in the process. 


Looking ahead, Keyport is poised to continue its trajectory of innovation. With the increasing integration of smart home technology and the growing importance of compact, multifunctional EDC tools, Keyport is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of consumers. The company's commitment to user-centric design and cutting-edge technology suggests that future iterations may incorporate even more advanced features. 


Moreover, Keyport's journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and inventors. It demonstrates that with persistence, adaptability, and a keen eye for solving real-world problems, a single idea can grow into a thriving business that impacts millions of users worldwide. As we reflect on Keyport's past and look forward to its future, one thing is clear: the spirit of innovation that sparked the first prototype continues to drive the company forward, promising exciting developments for years to come.

What was the original inspiration for the Keyport key organizer?

The original Keyport was inspired by the need to organize keys and prevent them from scratching a motorcycle while riding. The inventor, who worked in architecture, wanted a compact solution for his bulky keychain.

How has Keyport evolved since its first prototype in 2004?

Keyport has evolved from a simple key organizer to a versatile EDC hub. It now includes features like modular designs, smart home integration, Bluetooth tracking, and various EDC tools beyond just keys.

How has Keyport influenced the key organizer industry?

Keyport pioneered the key organizer category, inspiring numerous competitor products and setting new standards for EDC tool design and functionality. It has led the way in integrating smart features and expanding the concept of what a key organizer can be.

Josh Downes

Josh Downes

Founder and Chief Product Designer at Keyport.

Leave a comment