Short answer: A durable acrylic keychain is cut from 1/8 in. acrylic, about 2 to 3 in. long, with a 1/8 to 3/16 in. ring hole at least 3/16 in. from the edge. Clear with engraving, solid colors, mirror, and fluorescent all work, and keychains nest tightly on a sheet, so batches are efficient.
What size and thickness to choose
Most keychains land between 1.5 and 3 in. on the longest side. Anything bigger gets annoying in a pocket; anything smaller is easy to lose. 1/8 in. is the right thickness: strong enough for daily use and light on a key ring. 3/16 in. feels more solid in the hand if you want a premium piece, but it's only available in clear, white, black, frosted, and white translucent.
The ring hole is where keychains fail
Keys swing, and every swing pulls on the hole. To keep it from cracking:
- Use a hole 1/8 to 3/16 in. across, matched to your split ring or jump ring.
- Leave at least 3/16 in. of acrylic between the hole and the outside edge, and 1/4 in. is better.
- Round the end around the hole rather than leaving a sharp corner.
- Use a jump ring or short chain between the keychain and the split ring. It takes the twisting load off the acrylic.
Colors and finishes
| Finish | Looks like | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Clear with engraving | Frosted logo on glass-like clear | Business giveaways, minimalist designs |
| Solid color | Bold, opaque | Team colors, kids' names |
| Mirror gold, rose gold, silver | Metallic shine | Gifts, monograms |
| Fluorescent | Glowing edges | Bags, events, easy-to-find keys |
| Frosted | Soft, matte | Hides scratches well |
Keys are hard on plastic. Glossy faces pick up fine scratches over time, especially mirror. Frosted and engraved surfaces hide wear best. See does acrylic scratch easily for more.
Sending your artwork
We cut from vector files: SVG, DXF, AI, or PDF with the outline on one color and the engraving on another. If you only have a logo as a PNG or JPG, our guide on converting an image to SVG shows how to trace it. Engraved text should be at least 0.1 in. tall; thin script under that tends to blur.
You can also layer two pieces: a colored back with a clear or mirror front cut to a different shape. It adds depth for not much more.
Batch runs
Keychains are small, so dozens fit in a square foot of sheet. That makes runs of 50 to 500 efficient, and the quote applies quantity discounts automatically. Names can vary from piece to piece in the same order; just send them in one file or list.
Tip: order a few extras. A keychain is the kind of thing people ask for a second one of.
Shapes that hold up
Compact shapes last longest: rounded rectangles, circles, badges, and outlines with no long, thin arms. If your logo has a skinny part, put it inside a simple outline and engrave the detail rather than cutting it out. Round every outside corner by at least 1/16 in.; sharp points snag on pockets and chip when dropped on concrete. Name keychains cut as connected letters work well in 1/8 in. if the letters overlap by at least 1/16 in.
Questions
Do keychains come with rings?
We cut and engrave the acrylic. Split rings and jump rings are cheap in bulk from any craft or hardware supplier and take seconds to add.
Can a keychain be engraved on both sides?
Yes. On clear acrylic, engraving one side usually reads through to the other, so many designs only need one side done.
Have your logo ready? Upload it for a price, or describe what you want.