Conventional, Flippy, Smartkey, App, Band | Your preference

Over the years, car keys have evolved from unimpressive flat pieces of metal, to having molded plastic heads, and eventually to having electronics capable of radio-frequency communication and even display screens in-built!

One of the first interactions you have with your car is through the key. Holding on to it has great symbolism - you are holding in your hands the key to freedom, control, ownership and pride. Over the years, car keys have evolved from unimpressive flat pieces of metal, to having molded plastic heads, and eventually to having electronics capable of radio-frequency communication and even display screens in-built!

Listed below are the types of keys found for the majority of cars sold today. Vote for the ones you prefer in the poll above, and tell us why.

Conventional key with lock/unlock buttons

Many entry-level cars today get these conventional keys with lock/unlock buttons added on them for keyless entry. Unlocking might be modernized, but cranking her up is still done the good ol' fashioned way.

Flip key

The same basics as the conventional key, but in a completely different form factor. The metal folding away into the plastic body is handy as it makes the key more convenient to pocket. The larger plastic area allows for additional buttons too, like the convenient boot release button.

Smart key

Smart keys have really gained popularity for mass-market cars in the last few years. The convenience of simply pressing the request sensor on the door handle to unlock the car is unparalleled. Add to that, it means you also get the bonus of a 'Start/Stop' button. Some smart keys are the in the form factor of a card (eg. Kicks), while others are more elaborately designed, like the Tesla keys which are shaped like a car.

Smartphone App

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Keys to some cars like Teslas are also integrated into smartphone applications. You can use the phone to lock/unlock the cars and control some of the functions pictured above as well.

Wearable band

Some cars like a few Hyundais and Tatas come with a wearable band, which can be used to unlock as well as start the car. Pictured above is the band that was made available with the first-gen Creta facelift. Some of these bands even have additional features, similar to fitness trackers.