What does Keyed Alike and Keyed Differ mean?
While researching what type of lock you wish to purchase, you will most likely come across the terms 'Keyed Alike' and 'Keyed Differ'. Here we will explain what both terms mean and the benefits and drawbacks of both options when it comes to purchasing a lock to suit your needs.
What does Keyed Alike mean?
Keyed alike means all locks within that set work off of the same key, i.e. - if your front door and back door are keyed alike, then you would only require one key to open both.
The benefits of choosing Keyed Alike locks
There are several advantages to choosing a keyed alike option when it comes to purchasing locks. Please find our top three advantages listed below:
1. It keeps your security simple
Since you only need one key, less time is wasted looking through a bunch of keys trying to locate the correct one. This is especially useful for businesses spread across multiple sites, or based in large buildings with various doors, cabinets and equipment.
2. Save money when purchasing new keys
No matter how many locks you have within your set, you only need to purchase one key when needing to grant a family member or new employee access to the locks.
3. It's a time saving option
With Mul-T-Lock keys for example, when a new key is required there are a variety of security procedures to be followed for when a new key is required. However, when an additional key is required for a keyed alike set of locks, all workshop is require is for you to bring one of the existing keys in (it can be any one as all the keys in the set would be the same!) and they can cut a replacement from that.
The drawbacks of choosing Keyed Alike
While keying your locks alike is a great time-saving solution, it does have its drawbacks and might not be practical for those have high security requirements for their premises and/or equipment storage. It can also be quite costly should you lose your key or have one of them stolen. Although technically you could just get one additional key cut for the set to provide a replacement, we would always recommend replacing your whole set of locks to avoid compromising your security.
What does Keyed Differ mean?
Keyed Differ means each lock has a unique cylinder that requires a different key to unlock it, i.e. - if your front and back door are keyed to differ, then you’ll need a separate key for each lock.
The benefits of choosing Keyed Differ locks
There are several advantages to choosing a keyed differ option when it comes to purchasing locks. Please find our top three advantages listed below:
1. You have control over your security
Keyed to differ locks are ideal for people or businesses that need to control who has access to certain areas. By giving someone a key, you're in control of what room or piece of equipment that they now have access to, ensuring a high level of security for your premises.
2. It's good for businesses who operate across several sites
By opting for a keyed differ lock set for all your sites, you ensure that people can try to use their keys to try and gain access to other sites.
3. Replacement cost is kept low
In the event that a key does get lost, you’ll only need to replace the one lock that that key was for. This not only keeps replacement costs to a minimum, but you can rest easy that you're not having to replacement your entire lock set.
The drawbacks of choosing Keyed Differ
While having all of your locks use a different key is advantageous in raising your level of security, the more locks you have in the set then the more admin you'll have to do in relation to knowing who has a key, and what lock or locks they have access to.
There are clear advantages and disadvantages to both options and it all comes down to your security requirements in terms of which option would be best for you. If you're ever unsure and wish to discuss these options in further deal, in relation to your security needs, then you are always welcome to contact us via email or telephone and a member of our friendly team will be more than happy to assist you!
