Car theft is on the rise, and traditional methods of hiding your car keys, like magnetic boxes or leaving them under tires, are no longer secure. For surfers and water sports lovers with electronic key fobs, the dilemma is real: how to keep your keys safe while you’re enjoying the waves. Saltwater and electronic car keys are a disastrous combination, but thankfully, a simple solution exists – a Key Fob Waterproof Case.
We’ve tested a range of waterproof pouches designed to protect your electronic car keys from water damage, even in challenging surf conditions like Ocean Beach in San Francisco. Forget about car theft worries and water damage; with the right waterproof case, you can confidently take your keys with you into the water. We’ve ranked these top options based on our hands-on testing, focusing on what truly matters for water sports enthusiasts.
If you’re keen to see a quick rundown of how these cases compare, jump to our comparison table. Or, if you’re new to waterproof key fob cases and need guidance, our buyer’s guide will walk you through the key features to consider.
Top Waterproof Key Fob Cases: Our Tested Favorites
Best Overall Key Fob Waterproof Case: KGUARD Waterproof Key Fob Case
Best Value Key Fob Waterproof Case: Aquapac Keymaster Waterproof Key Case
Most Unique Key Fob Waterproof Case Design: DRFT Waterproof Wallet Leg Pouch
Most Rugged Key Fob Waterproof Case: Keyfender Waterproof Key Safe
Best Overall Key Fob Waterproof Case
KGUARD Waterproof Key Fob Case ($39)
Durability: 5/5 Ease of Use: 4/5 Comfort While Surfing: 5/5 Overall: 4.7/5
The KGUARD Waterproof Key Fob Case emerged as our top pick. This case is essentially a robust pouch crafted from thick, durable silicone. Using it is straightforward: simply place your key fob inside, tighten the top closure, and it’s securely sealed. Its compact size, barely larger than the key itself, makes it ideal for fitting into the chest zip pocket of a wetsuit, where it can be attached to the wetsuit’s key loop. Initially, the closure system raised some concerns, prompting a few anxious checks to ensure it remained sealed. However, confidence in this clever device quickly grew throughout testing.
The KGUARD’s closure system is intuitive to understand but requires a bit of effort to operate effectively.
The main drawback of the KGUARD is the slight difficulty in inserting the key fob. The silicone material provides excellent grip, but this also means inserting the key becomes a two-handed operation. It involves widening the opening and pushing the key down into the pouch. However, this process becomes smoother with practice, and the robustness of the silicone becomes reassuring – it’s built to withstand significant use. Although the key fob buttons are not visible through the silicone, their positions can be easily memorized, allowing for operation even inside the case. A bonus feature: trapping a little air inside when sealing the pouch makes it float, adding an extra layer of security.
Best Value Key Fob Waterproof Case
Aquapac Keymaster Waterproof Key Case ($26)
Durability: 4/5 Ease of Use: 5/5 Comfort While Surfing: 5/5 Overall: 4.7/5
The Aquapac Keymaster Waterproof Key Case is another excellent choice, with a long-standing reputation for reliability among water sports enthusiasts. As the most budget-friendly option in our selection, the Keymaster features a simple and dependable closure system, a transparent plastic pouch that allows for clear visibility and operation of key fob buttons, and it also floats. It fits comfortably inside a wetsuit’s front zip pocket. Folding the pouch in half around the key fob, with the hard plastic closure kept horizontal, helped it fit neatly.
The primary concern with the Aquapac Keymaster is the thinness of the pouch material. There was some initial apprehension about potential wear and tear over time, especially with repeated folding inside a wetsuit, possibly leading to leaks. However, after rigorous testing, even in turbulent surf conditions, no water intrusion occurred. A representative from Aquapac confirmed that folding the pouch should not compromise its waterproof integrity. For those wanting to avoid folding altogether and keep the front zip area less bulky, the included neck leash offers an alternative. Wearing the pouch around the neck, down the back, might seem awkward, but it’s surprisingly comfortable and secure.
Most Unique Key Fob Waterproof Case Design
DRFT Waterproof Wallet Leg Pouch ($39)
Durability: 4/5 Ease of Use: 5/5 Comfort While Surfing: 4/5 Overall: 4.3/5
The DRFT Waterproof Wallet Leg Pouch presents a different approach to key fob protection. It features a neoprene sleeve designed to be worn on the leg or bicep. Inside, three ziplock seals provide water protection for your key fob. The sleeve can be worn either over or under a wetsuit and includes a Velcro strap for secure fastening. Comfort can vary when worn under a wetsuit, depending on the wetsuit’s fit. For added security, especially in the surf, wearing it on your leash leg ensures it stays put.
The main concern with the DRFT pouch is its ziplock closure system, similar to the Aquapac. The long-term durability of the ziplocks was questioned, particularly regarding how many uses they could withstand, especially when opened with cold, wet hands. However, the triple-seal design provides redundancy. It’s worth noting that this design might not be ideal for shortboard surfers as it could potentially create drag when paddling into waves.
Most Rugged Key Fob Waterproof Case
Keyfender Waterproof Key Safe ($39)
Durability: ?/5 Ease of Use: ?/5 Comfort While Surfing: ?/5 Overall: ?/5
Unfortunately, the Keyfender Waterproof Key Safe was not physically tested in the water. Despite reaching out to the company and a product supposedly being shipped, it never arrived for testing. While the reasons for non-delivery are understandable (international shipping issues during the pandemic, potential package theft), it was disappointing not to evaluate this promising product firsthand. Based on website videos, the Keyfender appears user-friendly. It uses interchangeable foam inserts to secure various key fob sizes inside its hard case, which then clicks shut. A transparent window allows for button operation while the key fob remains protected inside, and it’s designed to float.
The hard plastic construction is both the Keyfender’s greatest asset and its potential drawback. While seemingly incredibly robust and damage-proof, its bulkiness is a noted concern in online reviews. For activities like SUPing or kitesurfing, size might not be an issue. However, for surfing, especially when placed inside a wetsuit’s front zip, the rigid case could be uncomfortable when paddling. Less of a concern for other water sports, the Keyfender includes a nylon armband for wearing it externally, though this might be less secure, particularly in heavy surf conditions.
Comparison Table: Waterproof Key Fob Cases
| Key Fob Waterproof Case | Price | Overall Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| KGUARD Waterproof Key Fob Case | $39 | 4.7 | Best Overall |
| Aquapac Keymaster Waterproof Key Case | $26 | 4.7 | Best Value |
| DRFT Waterproof Wallet Leg Pouch | $39 | 4.3 | Unique Design |
| Keyfender Waterproof Key Safe | $39 | N/A | Most Rugged |
Buyer’s Guide: What to Look For in a Key Fob Waterproof Case
Durability:
Durability is paramount when selecting a key fob waterproof case, especially considering the harsh marine environment and physical demands of water sports. While all reviewed cases offer water resistance, their long-term waterproof integrity under constant exposure to saltwater and rough handling varies. The KGUARD Waterproof Key Fob Case, with its thick silicone construction, stands out as the most durable option. Look for robust materials and sealed closures to ensure your key fob stays protected session after session.
Ease of Use:
For frequent water sports enthusiasts, a key fob waterproof case should be convenient to use daily. Fumbling with complicated closures, especially with cold or wet hands, is frustrating. A user-friendly design allows for quick and easy insertion and removal of your key fob. Many cases, particularly those made from soft materials, allow button operation through the case, which is a useful feature for warming up your car before even taking the case off.
The KGUARD is our top recommendation for a dependable key fob waterproof case. Its simple pouch design made from durable silicone is both compact and easy to handle.
Comfort While Surfing:
Surfing with anything bulky or uncomfortable can detract from the experience. Adding a key fob waterproof case inevitably increases the size of your key, potentially causing discomfort. Before choosing a case, consider where you’ll store it. For wetsuit pocket storage, low-profile options like the KGUARD or Aquapac Keymaster are preferable. Think about the case’s shape and how it will feel against your body during paddling and wave riding.
Security:
A secure attachment system is crucial for a key fob waterproof case. The last thing you want is your case detaching during a surf session. Ensure the case has a reliable method for securing it to your wetsuit, body, or gear. A robust clip, loop, or armband will prevent accidental loss and give you peace of mind while you’re in the water.
Editor’s Note: For more gear reviews and articles from The Inertia, explore our gear section here.
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