Comparison Guide
Choosing between a mechanical key control board and an electronic key cabinet? This guide compares cost, security, reliability, and maintenance — so you can decide which approach fits your organisation.
How KeyTidy stacks up against a typical electronic key cabinet.
| Feature | KeyTidy (Physical) | Electronic Cabinet |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | £29 inc. VAT — single purchase | £200–£2,000+ per cabinet |
| Ongoing subscription fees | None | Typically £10–£50/month per cabinet |
| Software required | No | Yes — app or web dashboard |
| Internet / Wi-Fi needed | No | Yes, for remote access & alerts |
| Power supply | None — fully mechanical | Mains power or battery |
| Works in remote / offline sites | Yes | Limited or not at all |
| Instant visual accountability | Yes — see who has a key at a glance | Only via login / app |
| Tamper-evident audit trail | Physical, permanent seal | Digital log (can fail or be lost) |
| Setup time | Under 5 minutes | Hours — wiring, software, onboarding |
| Maintenance | None | Software updates, battery, repairs |
| Scalable to multiple sites | Yes — add units, no IT project | Yes — but networked & costly |
| Vulnerability to hacking | Impossible — no electronics | Possible if network compromised |
Upfront cost
KeyTidy (Physical)
£29 inc. VAT — single purchase
Electronic Cabinet
£200–£2,000+ per cabinet
Ongoing subscription fees
KeyTidy (Physical)
None
Electronic Cabinet
Typically £10–£50/month per cabinet
Software required
KeyTidy (Physical)
No
Electronic Cabinet
Yes — app or web dashboard
Internet / Wi-Fi needed
KeyTidy (Physical)
No
Electronic Cabinet
Yes, for remote access & alerts
Power supply
KeyTidy (Physical)
None — fully mechanical
Electronic Cabinet
Mains power or battery
Works in remote / offline sites
KeyTidy (Physical)
Yes
Electronic Cabinet
Limited or not at all
Instant visual accountability
KeyTidy (Physical)
Yes — see who has a key at a glance
Electronic Cabinet
Only via login / app
Tamper-evident audit trail
KeyTidy (Physical)
Physical, permanent seal
Electronic Cabinet
Digital log (can fail or be lost)
Setup time
KeyTidy (Physical)
Under 5 minutes
Electronic Cabinet
Hours — wiring, software, onboarding
Maintenance
KeyTidy (Physical)
None
Electronic Cabinet
Software updates, battery, repairs
Scalable to multiple sites
KeyTidy (Physical)
Yes — add units, no IT project
Electronic Cabinet
Yes — but networked & costly
Vulnerability to hacking
KeyTidy (Physical)
Impossible — no electronics
Electronic Cabinet
Possible if network compromised
Why Physical Wins
A full KeyTidy deployment costs less than a single electronic cabinet — and nothing to run.
No power, no internet, no signal — KeyTidy operates in basements, plant rooms, and remote sites.
Colour-coded pegs show who has what instantly — no login, no app, no waiting.
A purely mechanical system can't be compromised digitally, run out of battery, or go offline.