It's official, I'm spending way too much time playing with my... keys.
I reviewed one of the
earlier flip keys here, and then
the 'Autobot' flip key here... I still like the Autobot flip key - it feels good in your hand, it has a substantial weight, and it works well. However, the membrane is starting to flex (it's not disintegrating or wearing out), which is making it somewhat more awkward to use, and the shell is starting to flex a little as well.
So, when I saw this thread, I figured I'd try out a third flip key. So here's my 2 cents. First, Some pics to compare all three flip keys:
As you can see from the last pic, the membrane is flexing outwards substantially, but is not actually wearing out. You can also see the chrome finish on the 'Autobot' key itself is chipping and wearing out.
First Impressions:
It's chunkier than the Autobot flip key, but both feel good in your hand and are fairly substantial. The plastic on the Autobot flip key is smoother, whereas the new 'hard-button' flip key uses a very slightly textured plastic instead. I personally prefer the feel of the plastic on the Autobot flip key, but this is purely personal preference.
Fit and Finish as well as overall appearance is significantly better on the new 'hard-button' flip key however.
The new key is also well Designed; there are two compartments in the back compared to a single plastic backing for the other two flip keys. The top compartment is held by 2 screws and holds the flip key mechanism. The bottom half is held by 2 screws and latches into the top half. It holds the remote section - this allows you to remove the remote (to replace the battery for example), without having the flip key come out.
As someone else previously noted, the designers also included a specialized slot for the transponder! That's another 'win' for the new flip key.
I also like the fact that the entire remote module can be placed into the new flip key, without taking apart the plastic shell as the 'Autobot' flip key requires. Here's a pic of how it's necessary to disassemble the remote module to fit it into the 'Autobot' flip key:
The upside to the 'Autobot' approach is that you get a somewhat slimmer key - the new 'hard button' flip key is noticeably chunkier in the middle.
Cutting the Key:
I had no issues getting the key cut from my local locksmith. I've been using the same guy for years, and although I know I can get it done cheaper (or even for free) through Home Depot / Lowes / Toyota Dealership, I trust my local locksmith to 'do it right'.
One thing I noticed was that the key blank on the new 'hard-button' flip key seemed thicker - I don't have a caliper to measure it with, but my locksmith commented on it as well. The key blank is slightly thicker to the point that it should be considered 'out of spec' compared to the original Toyota key. In comparison, the 'Autobot' flip key blank is slightly thinner than the original Toyota Key. Nonetheless, there was no problem getting the newly cut key to turn the lock cylinder in any of the locks on the car (Ignition, Tailgate, Doors, glovebox) - it worked perfectly.
As others have noted, the blank itself is bronze, and does not change color after you cut the key - in other words, it lacks a chrome plating / coating. In hindsight, having seen how the chrome can fade / chip / wear out with age on the Autobot flip key, I think this is a good thing (despite the slightly off-putting aesthetic of having a yellow-ish key surrounded by a chrome accents on the flip key)
Day to Day usage
It's been good so far. Unlike the other two flip keys, you can see the red LED light to indicate a button has been pressed - it's masked on the other two keys.
I like the fact that the 'lock' button is concave, and the 'unlock' button is convex, making it easier to distinguish between buttons by feel alone. I was able to 'guess' where the buttons where when working the 'Autobot' flip key in my pocket, but it's nice that the new 'hard-button' flip key eliminates the need for guesswork.
I also like the fact that it has a keyring loop, that allows me to use a normal split-loop key ring. The 'Autobot' flip key made it awkward to use a normal split-loop key ring and I was using a steel wire key ring for a while.
Overall, the new flip key is a keeper in my opinion. The
Original flip key shouldn't be considered at any price. It's pretty much crap compared to the latest flip keys. The
'Autobot' flip key is demoted to 'acceptable', but after a year of use, I'd have to say that it doesn't age well.