TIMELINE
Tracking the Evolution of the Key: Pivotal Dates & Advancements of the Key
ANCIENT WOODEN KEY
Date- 2000 BCE - 1000 BCE
Key Type- Pin tumbler key
Feature- Large wooden design, used for early Egyptian locks
ROMAN IRON KEY
Date- 500 BCE - 500 CE
Key Type- Lever Lock Key
Feature- Made of iron or bronze, used with warded locks
RENAISSANCE MASTER KEY
Date- 1500S - 1700s
Key Type- Warded key with master system
Feature- Allowed access to multiple locks in estates and castles
MEDIEVAL SKELETON KEY
Date- 500 CE - 1500 CE
Key Type- Warded Key
Feature- Long, thin shaft with a single bit to bypass wards
18TH CENTURY BARREL KEY
Date- 1700s - 1800s
Key Type- Warded Key
Feature- Hollow shaft with notches to bypass obstructions
BRAMAH KEY
Date- 1784 - 1900s
Key Type- High-security cylindrical key
Feature- Complex grooves and rotating discs, very difficult to duplicate
CHUBB DETECTOR LOCK KEY
Date- 1818 - 1900s
Key Type- Tumbler key
Feature- Modern small key with precise pin alignment
TUBULAR KEY
Date- 1930s - Present
Key Type- Tubular pin tumbler key
Feature- Cylindrical key for vending machines and security devices
DIMPLE KEY
Date- 1960s - Present
Key Type- uPVC Key
Feature-Small indentations instead of cuts for improved security
MAGNETIC KEY
Date- 1970s - Present
Key Type- Magnetic lock key
Feature- Uses magnets instead of teeth to align lock mechanisms
KEYCARD
Date- 1980S - Present
Key Type- RFID or magnetic stripe key
Feature- First record use of electronic locks commonly used in hotels and offices
TRANSPONDER CAR KEY
Date- 1995 - Present
Key Type- RFID chip Key
Feature- Embedded chip for vehicle immobilizer systems
SMART KEY (PROXIMITY KEY)
Date- 2000s - Present
Key Type- Wireless RFID key
Feature- Allows keyless entry and push-start ignition
BIOMETRIC KEY
Date- 2010s - Present
Key Type- Fingerprint or facial recognition key
Feature- Uses biometric data for access control
MOBLIE KEY
Date- 2015 - Present
Key Type- Digital smartphone key
Feature- Uses NFC or Bluetooth for remote locking/unlocking