Car keys have evolved from simple metal blades to complex, bulky fobs that often dominate our pockets. If you’re tired of wrestling with an oversized key fob every time you reach for your keys, you’re not alone. Jeremy, the innovator behind RACECAR go brrr!, a company known for custom switch panels, has decided to tackle this everyday annoyance. He’s designing and selling slimline key fob conversion kits to help you reclaim pocket space.
Jeremy’s journey into the world of Small Key Fobs began with personal frustration. “Originally it was just because I was fed up with the massive fob on my own BRZ,” he explains. Equipped with a new 3D printer and a desire for a more streamlined everyday carry, Jeremy embarked on creating a smaller key fob enclosure as a personal project.
The concept behind these small key fobs is surprisingly straightforward. The internal components of a standard key fob – the circuit board, buttons, and battery – are quite compact. However, factory fobs prioritize a substantial feel and aesthetic design over pure minimalism. Jeremy realized that by creating a lightweight, 3D-printed shell, he could significantly reduce the size of the key fob without sacrificing functionality.
Of course, achieving a small key fob requires some trade-offs. Jeremy’s design eliminates the traditional physical key blade, which is usually included for emergency access when the battery dies. These slim fobs also forgo weather-sealing and the silicone button interface. Users interact directly with the tactile buttons on the circuit board through the 3D-printed enclosure. While these sacrifices are minimal for most, they are worth considering, especially if you frequently expose your keys to harsh conditions.
Initially a personal endeavor, Jeremy’s small key fob project quickly gained traction. “I was never happy with the print quality of the fobs until more recently when I got a new printer,” he notes. Once satisfied with the quality, he listed them on his website, and the response was immediate. The demand for these miniature key fobs proved that many others shared his frustration with bulky car keys.
The appeal of small key fobs extended beyond Subaru owners. When Jeremy’s girlfriend acquired a Toyota Supra (which uses BMW key technology), she too desired a slimmer key fob solution. The combination of Subaru and Supra fobs on a single keyring was simply too cumbersome. Jeremy expanded his offerings, developing a BMW-compatible enclosure, and now provides small key fob conversion kits for a select range of Subaru, BMW, and Toyota Supra models through his online store.
While Jeremy’s current offerings cater to specific car brands, his work serves as inspiration for anyone seeking a small key fob solution. The beauty of 3D printing lies in its ability to democratize product creation. With readily available CAD software and 3D printers, individuals can design and produce their own custom, size-reduced key fob enclosures. This opens up possibilities for creating small key fobs for virtually any car model.
Jeremy’s initiative is a testament to the growing desire for practical, minimalist solutions in our daily lives. Bulky key fobs are an unnecessary inconvenience, and small key fobs offer a refreshing alternative. As we move towards warmer months and lighter clothing, the appeal of a less obtrusive pocket carry becomes even stronger. Consider exploring the world of small key fobs – whether through purchasing a conversion kit or embarking on a DIY project – and say goodbye to key bulge forever.
Image credits: Racecar Go Brrr
