The Difference Between Smart Key vs. Keyless Entry

Are you looking for a car offering a keyless or smart key entry system? Although, both of these systems are interchangeable but have some major differences. When you want to purchase a new vehicle, one of the things often asked includes the system of entry to the car. It is here that many are not aware of the difference between smart key vs. keyless entry for the vehicle. However, there is no need to fret over this, as we will provide you with complete information on this difference including the features of both systems.

Smart Key vs. Keyless Entry – Know Here the Difference

Firstly, you need to understand that each keyless or smart key; has separate technology. The first one is the difference in how they unlock the car doors. We recommend you search online to find the best maintenance tips for keeping the car secure against any unauthorized access.

The key is one of the popular parts of vehicles, but many drivers are still confused between smart key and keyless entry because of some similar characteristics. The ways to distinguish between smart key and keyless entry below will help you identify the right type of key for your needs. Now, let us understand what makes one car door unlocking system different from the other. First, let us understand a bit about the keyless system.

Keyless Entry

On the one hand, the keyless entry system to a car includes unlocking and locking the car doors using the conventional key or with the help of a button on the remote. However, you must understand that Keyless entry does not stand for “without a key.”

When you enter the vehicle using the keyless entry system, you easily control the engine without using an actual car key for the ignition. It contains an in-built transponder, which identifies the vehicle and activates the ignition systems. The best thing about it is the car will not lock until the key remains inside the vehicle.

It means there is no need to utilize the physical metal key for the lock or ignition of the car. This was the case in earlier generations of cars. It is the first difference between the debate of smart key vs. keyless entry.

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Keyless Entry
One Does Not Need the Actual Key For Ignition With a Keyless Entry (Photo Source: vox)

Smart Key

On the other hand, the Smart Key is a car key containing a microcomputer, which lets the owner gain access to and unlock the vehicle’s locking mechanism. It completely replaces the metal key found in many modern-day cars.

The driver can easily unlock or lock, and start the car. It happens when the vehicle identifies the radio signals coming from the radio pulse generator of the Smart Key. The technology also comes with a Start-Stop switch for controlling the car ignition.

In addition to the features provided by keyless entry, a smart key allows you to start the engine without physically inserting a key into the ignition switch. Instead, the smart key communicates wirelessly with the car’s ignition system, and as long as the key is within range, you can start the engine by pressing a button or turning a switch.

Siemens was the first to develop the electronic Smart Key system during the 90s, whereas Mercedes-Benz developed its S-Class in 1998.

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Smart keys often have additional features like keyless entry, trunk release, and remote engine start. They use advanced encryption technology and are designed to prevent unauthorized access to the vehicle. Some smart keys also offer personalized settings, such as memory seat positions and climate control preferences, which can be automatically adjusted based on the key used.

Overall, the main difference between a keyless entry and a smart key is that a keyless entry primarily focuses on unlocking and locking the doors, while a smart key provides those functions along with the ability to start the vehicle without physically inserting a key.

Endnote

One might prefer to use the keyless entry and smart keys by interchanging both. However, in the war of smart key vs. keyless entry, the latter is a preference of the majority. The reason is that keyless entry surpasses any automobile unlocking technology.