I’ve always wanted, like, this big key with Kanye West’s head on it, but never had a way of actually producing such a thing. Just when I was at the end of my rope, literally tying up a noose, Shapeways and KeyMe teamed up to make my dreams come true and give my life meaning once again. Together, the cloud-based 3D printing service and the digital key storage company will 3D print custom keys, even ones with Kanye’s beautiful head on it.
KeyMe is much like Keysave, which we wrote about in September, in that it stores a digital copy of your key online so that, in the case you lose it, they’ll print you a new one. Unlike Keysave, KeyMe doesn’t need to scan your key; you just upload a photo of your key using their iOS app and Shapeways will print a copy for you. Users can purchase a 3D printed key made in materials ranging from plastic for $10 all the way up to solid gold for $4,000, though the gold keys are not made by Shapeways. $4,000 is a high price to pay for your conspicuous consumption, but may be well worth it for a solid gold key featuring a handle in the form of “initials, symbols, a design of [your] own creation, and a host of popular shapes,” including the head of Kanye West. Gold celebrities not your style? You can also get a brass bottle opener for your key handle!
KeyMe has also already opened key-cutting kiosks in five 7-11 stores across Manhattan so that you can even have your copy manufactured on the spot, in case of emergencies. You can also have your key cut through a local locksmith using instructions provided by KeyMe. The company reassures you that, in the case that you forgot to take a photo of your key (silly you!) before losing it, a friend or relative with a copy can snap their own pic for you. They even have on-demand key delivery to get you a copy in 30-60 minutes. While this ultimate service is only available in Manhattan at the moment, KeyMe hopes to expand to other locations in the coming year.
The concept (particularly the kiosks in my opinion) is an interesting one. At the very least, you can purchase custom keys and, at the most, you’ll be able to save a trip to the hardware store or avoid a costly locksmithing bill.
Source: The Verge
