AL-2 

This is a key case precisely machined from a block of aluminum. 

Japan Design registration 1754190


 

This compact body can hold two keys.

It is the perfect card size (54×85.6mm) and 6mm thick (7.5mm including the protrusion).
 

 

 

 
 

The weight of the body itself is approximately 35g.

With keeping high intensity necessary for a key case, the aluminum frame is machined to the utmost limit to achieve a lightweight design. The weight of the body itself is approximately 35g.
 

 
Due to the uniquely designed desorption mechanism, a user can easily take his/her key out to lock or to unlock, and then secure it in place.
The uniquely designed leaf spring wraps around the head of the key and it suppresses the uncomfortable noise of metal against metal, which has been a drawback of conventional metal key cases. (Japanese Patent No. 6797446)
 
 

 

 

 
To make daily lock /unlock activities comfortable

Our desorption mechanism was devised to enable a key to be taken out and stored easily. (Japanese Patent No. 6797446)

 
 
 

Proper attachment of keys to the case

In addition to bolting a key with a bolt and a nut, we devised a design idea to wrap the head of the key with a leaf spring. This spring  does not only suppress uncomfortable noise of metal against metal, but also keeps the key in place even in case the bolt and the nut  come off, thus preventing the key lost. (Japanese Patent No. 6797446)
 

 

 
 
A user simply pushes a bolt securing a key with her/his finger, and the key can be easily taken out instantly. This is achieved by a unique desorption mechanism.
 

 
 
 

Intuitive identification of two keys

 A user can identify the two types of keys "tactually only."  This is achieved by changing the shape of each bolt securing the two types of keys. To identify the type of key without looking at it in daily scene of locking and unlocking the door offers a good benefit for users.
 


 

Surface finish

In terms of the surface finishing of aluminum, we regard it as not only a means to enhance the durability of the metal, but also an important element that makes people who see the key case "want to touch it unintentionally" and "touch it and feel comfortable." Therefore, we paid close attention to the finishing of each element, such as "blast finishing," "anodizing," and "laser engraving letters and geometric patterns" on the metal surface.
 

High-precision metal cutting technology

 
AL-2 is made with high-precision metal cutting technology to achieve excellent functionality as a key case. "Skilled craftsmanship" has been applied to every single part of the case, and this results in bringing out the inherent beauty of the metal itself, and leading to an appeal that attracts users.
 

 

 
 
We developed this product based on the belief that enhancing the intrinsic value of a tool would be connected with the uniqueness of the design and its brand in the long run.
 
To secure a key in place, we designed a structure in which the key is held in place by a bolt and a nut, with a uniquely designed leaf spring encasing the head of the key. Since the spring directly holds the key with tensioning, no uncomfortable noise is generated when a user carries the case. (Japanese Patent No. 6797446)
 
The "take-out and secure" of the key is realized by a structure utilizing a shell-shaped stopper (Japanese Patent No. 6797446). This structure not only simplifies the locking/unlocking operation, but also allows a user to feel the comfortable "click" of the lock when the key is secured to the frame.
 


 

 

User to feel the comfortable "click"

 

 

 
The "take-out and secure" of the key is realized by a structure utilizing a shell-shaped stopper (Japanese Patent No. 6797446). This structure not only simplifies the locking/unlocking operation, but also allows a user to feel the comfortable "click" of the lock when the key is secured to the frame.

Social benefits

Crimes by secretly photographing the "key number" engraved on a key and duplicating it have been becoming social problems, however, the AL-2's design naturally hides the serial number of the key, provides a high level of security in terms of a crime prevention.
 

A "hole" is equipped for easily attaching a swivel hook, a strap, and so on to prevent the key case lost.

 

 

The uniquely designed leaf spring wraps around the head of the key and it suppresses the uncomfortable noise of metal against metal, which has been a drawback of conventional metal key cases. (Japanese Patent No. 6797446)
 

Package

 
The packaging is of the same high quality finish as the key case itself. The paper package was adopted in consideration of environmental impact.

Sleeve: Environmentally friendly FSC® forest certified paper is used.
 (FSC® forest certified paper: Paper made from wood from properly managed forests)
(FSC® forest certified paper: paper made from wood from properly managed
 

 

 

Package  manufacturing : Fukunaga Print  https://www.fukunaga-print.co.jp

 

Five color variations

 

 
SILVER

 
GREY

 
BRONZE

 
PURPLE

 
ROSE

Compatible key size

It can hold many general-purpose keys, including MIWA and GOAL.
 

 

Product Information and Specifications

 
Size   weight 】
 

 
Material 】
 
・Main frame, joints, etc. : Aluminum A5052
・Bolts and nuts : Aluminum A5056
・Key cover : Aluminum A6063
・Plate spring, tool : Stainless steel (SUS304CSP)
・Screw : Steel Wire (SWCH12R)

 

・ AL-2 is winner of the iF DESIGN AWARD 2024!

 

Japan Design registration 1754190


 

 
SCHWALTZ 「AL-2」 is winner of this year’s iF DESIGN AWARD, the world-renowned design prize.  Each year, the world’s oldest independent design organization, Hannover-based iF International Forum Design GmbH, organizes the iF DESIGN AWARD.
 
SCHWALTZ 「AL-2」won over the 132-member jury, made up of independent experts from all over the world, with its unique selling point or benefit of the product. The competition was intense: almost 11,000 entries were submitted from 72 countries in hopes of receiving the seal of quality.
 
More information about  SCHWALTZ 「AL-2」 can be found in the “Winners & iF Ranking” section on ifdesign.com
 
 
About the iF DESIGN AWARD
Since 1954, the iF DESIGN AWARD has been recognized as an arbiter of quality for excellent design. The iF Design brand is renowned worldwide for outstanding design services, and the iF DESIGN AWARD is one of the most important design prizes in the world. It honors design achievements in all disciplines: product, packaging, communication and service design, architecture and interior architecture as well as professional concept, user experience (UX) and user interface (UI). All award-winning entries are featured on ifdesign.com.
 
https://ifdesign.com/en/winner-ranking/project/schwaltz-al-2/630139
 

・Photo :  Ryoukan Abe ( *Except for  images )