Traditional keychains are timeless and primary, and they are necessary gizmos used to keep keys and the small items that people carry around. A wide variety of keychains exist, and each has its function. There are two well-known categories: the lanyard type of key chains and the archetypal ones.
Both formats are similar, but one or the other might suit a person’s personality better, as well as their daily routine and requirements.
Now that you know what each is, let’s look at the benefits and drawbacks of lanyards and regular keychains to help you determine which is right. We will also analyze which criteria affect one’s decision, including usage, design, wear resistance, and comfort.
What Is a Lanyard Keychain?
A lanyard keychain is an assortment of the typical key chains wherein a cord or strap, usually nylon, polyester, or cotton, contains keys or trinkets. Lanyards can be looped on the neck, wrist, or clipped on bags and thus do not require the user to run their hand through pockets or bags to get an item. Lanyard keychains, such as IDsIDs, access cards, and keys for workplaces or conventions, are also used for more functional purposes.
These accessories are available in many designs, colors, and sizes and normally bear clips, hooks, or rings meant for holding keys or other small accessories. Adding a breakaway clasp is one of the most common aspects of lanyard design. For example, the key fob part of the key chain can easily be taken off in case it gets entangled.
What is a Traditional Keychain?
Traditional keychain is the original slim-down keychain, commonly a small ring or a clip to hold the keys. The material used to construct these keychains can be metal or plastic, wood or leather, or any material. Classic-style keychains are usually small and are designed to hook onto a keyring or key holder; one can carry the keychain in their pocket or purse or clip it on a belt loop.
Just like the basic trinkets that often come with accessories such as small charms or attachments, ordinary keychains primarily combine keys into one. Though not as flexible or multi-use as lanyard keychains, many prefer them for their down-to-earth practicality.
Main Characteristics That Distinguish Lanyard Keychains from Common Keychains
Now that we have defined both types of keychains let’s break down their key differences across several important factors: convenience, style, functionality, durability, and comfort.
1. Convenience and Accessibility
This is because the lanyard keychain is much easier to use and convenient, unlike a traditional key chain. Lanyards come in two varieties worn around the neck or wrist and ensure that your keys or other small items are always within easy reach. This hand-free approach is handy when one needs to retrieve keys or IDID through the pockets without wasting time fishing in the pocket.
For example, communication lanyard keychains are familiar during events, conferences, or conventions since individuals require easy access to key cards, passes, or IDsIDs. This way, the lanyard will help you keep these items within close reach so you will not have to take off your bag or purse.
Instead, the traditional keychains are typically pocketed, bagged, or clipped at the belt. Although they are still visible, they do not have the same level of viability as soon as they are not pinned to the chest offered by the lanyard. Specifically, if you have many keys or items you need to carry around or many things in your pocket, a traditional chain key may need a few extra moves to rummage through the pockets to find the right key or an item.
2. Style and Personalization
As with other accessories, lanyards and traditional keychains have many designs, materials, and sizes, allowing customization. However, there is a difference in how customizable two keychains of the same type can be.
Lanyard keychain is highly customizable in terms of the design process. Lanyards come in many colors, patterns, and materials, some with team logos, company designs, or DIY lanyards to which one can add beads or charms. Lanyards are also easily customizable, and it is common to see personalization in terms of fashion sense, interests, or related affiliation.
In contrast, conventional key rings are more of tiny personalized advertisements similar to presenting a personal badge. Most of the time, small accessories, souvenirs, charms, or ornamentations might depict the owner’s interests or hobbies. Although you could attach a charm or ornamental trinket to a normal key ring, you can’t fully individualize it as you can with lanyard keychains due to their various materials and sizes.
If you prefer to have your accessories personalized, the lanyard keychain might be better because it is larger and more versatile for personalization.
3. Functionality and Versatility
Lanyard keychains are extremely versatile and are used to carry several objects. Besides keys, these holders can also contain identification badges, access cards, whistles, flash drives, and other small tools. Lanyards, such as possessing and displaying identification badges in institutions such as workplaces and schools, are ideal for keeping the badges fully sighted and within one’s reach.
Also, lanyard keychains are perfect for sporting events, carnivals, conventions, or congresses and anywhere a large crowd needs to display some pass or ticket. There is also added functionality of bottle openers, card holders, or multi-tools that can be added to the lanyard keychains, making them even more useful in design.
Most conventional key chains, though, are primarily designed to assemble keys into one entity. Still, the main types of keychains do not possess the same versatility of use as keychain lanyards because although they can have small trinkets attached to them such as key rings, bottle openers, or simply cutouts or sculptures in the shape of various objects and symbols that will remain attached to the key ring, Keychain lanyards have more functionality than the main types of keychains. A lanyard keychain is better if you need multiple features or have extra things that must be accommodated on the keychain.
4. Durability and Security
Regarding durability, lanyard and traditional keychains can be made of tough material and, therefore, can be used in daily activities. However, each type has its advantages.
Lanyard keychains are produced utilizing fabrics such as nylon or polyester due to their quality and the possibility of avoiding ripping and fraying. There are even woven lanyards with reinforced stitching and clips added to give extra weight to items such as USB drives or keys. Still, when designed and made from fabrics, lanyards can look like they collect dirt and are worn out more quickly.
These can be in the shape of the usual key rings or the newer and more popular models of metal or leather ones. It can resist handling rough and harsh weather conditions without visible signs of wear and tear. However, due to the small sizes of these kinds of fobs, they can be less safe to hold many items, particularly where the keychain does not lock.
From the security aspect, most lanyard keychains may include a breakaway clasp that is supposed to detach from your keychain in case the lanyard gets trapped. This feature can be a big boon to safety, especially for individuals who wear lanyards around their necks. The so-called keychains, which are more secure because keys are firmly attached to a ring, do not usually have this kind of safety assurance.
5. Comfort
Convenience is of utmost importance because a keychain can be used comfortably for longer. Lanyard keychains, usually worn around the neck or wrist, may sometimes be uncomfortable, especially for the wearer. Padded straps or variable lengths of lanyard keychains can enhance user comfort.
That keys are commonly attached to the keychains usually does not cause discomfort, unlike basketball keychains that are bulkier and attention-grabbing, especially for those putting their keying in pockets or bags. However, they become uncomfortable when carrying many keys or having any heavy items on the same ring since the weight is not comfortable.
If convenience is your top concern, standard keychains will work better and be preferable to a lanyard, especially if you avoid the discomfort of wearing one. But if one is seeking something physical, more convenient, and which does not need holding, then the lanyard keychain will be less worn in some cases.
Which One Is Better?
Using lanyard keychains against the normal keychains will depend on the user’s lifestyle, preferences, and requirements. They are both different somehow, and the one that will suit you most is one that you will need depending on where you need it, how you need it, and if it is the type that you prefer to use most.
Choose a lanyard keychain if:
You require convenience regarding keys, IDID cards, or any small articles or trinkets commonly used.
You want a hands-free device as you will be holding the keys to your life, and it needs to be reachable and safe.
You need a stylish keychain that will be unique and personal to you.
If you need additional features, you may want a flashlight, belt clip with whistle, clock, or a bottle opener.
Choose a traditional keychain if:
You want a small pocket change tray containing only your keys.
You ensure that your key has longevity and is secure at the same time.
Both comfort goods and simple designs interest you if you keep keys in your pockets or bags.
Conclusion
Lanyards and normal keychains may provide users with different features that may suit individual users’ choices. Lanyard keychains are particularly useful because they allow people to have their belongings within easy reach while keeping their hands free, Jumaan said, adding that lanyard keychains can be used for purposes other than maintaining keys, including identification cards, access cards, and even tools.
On the other hand, conventional key holders are recommended for those who prefer small and non-bulky accessories. They promise great resistance and security and simple and clean designs to pave a practical and smart way of carrying keys without any extra space. As for typical keychains, these are perfect if you need no additional functions of compartments or other items to be taken with you and if you want items to remain simple.