A3Calc vs Black Widow Key Machine V2
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
A3Calc
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A3 Small Format Interchangeable Core Calculator (sister app of A2Calc and A4Calc) ---Programmed by a Locksmith, for Locksmiths--- Automatically calculates the pinning chart for A3 SFIC. Built for 6 or 7 pin systems, however, less can be achieved by using a decimal to erase a chamber. Minimum of a control and master key are required to make a chart. Additional change key available for all devices; 2 change keys available for 16:9 screen devices. Randomize function will generate completely random charts each time it is triggered. "Lock/Unlock" toggle disables/enables all inputs and functions to prevent unwanted/lost changes. Control Finder is an added bonus by reverse engineering a core to determine the control key's bitting. This is perfect when needing to remove multiple cores in a building when the control key has been lost. There are two methods for achieving the control key: 1. using the master, control, and bottom pins, or 2. using only the top/driver pins. Up to 16 different projects can be saved at any one given time. All projects are encrypted and protected with a passcode when stored on your device. All projects can be exported via AirPrint and Email. Compatibility: iPhone / iPod touch on iOS 8.0 or later and iPad on iOS 12.0 or later. Found a bug? Something not working? Have a suggestion? Feel free to contact me via email: farren@phoxlocks.com
Black Widow Key Machine V2
This utility app allows locksmiths to cut various types of keys, including high-security, edge-cut, dimple, tibbe, and tubular blanks. It connects via Bluetooth to a mobile device for cutting keys by code, duplication, and progression.
- Cut high-security keys
- Cut edge-cut keys
- Cut dimple keys
- Cut tibbe keys
- Cut tubular keys
- Bluetooth mobile connectivity
- Cut by code, duplicate, and progression
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The Black Widow R key machine is designed to quickly cut all keys a locksmith needs to run their business: high-security, edge-cut, dimple, tibbe, and tubular key blanks. Use your mobile device via Bluetooth to cut keys by code, duplicate, and progression your keys.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: Black Widow Key Machine V2 at Free against A3Calc's $1.99. Black Widow Key Machine V2 also leads on update cadence (monthly vs every 18 months). On ads, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Black Widow Key Machine V2 is free to download; A3Calc costs $1.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
A3Calc ships an update every 18 months, Black Widow Key Machine V2 monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 19, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | A3Calc | Black Widow Key Machine V2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | — | 3.0 (2 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | — | 0.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | — | 2 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 18 months | Monthly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 | 12.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 2 MB | 317 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Farren Domenici | Lock Labs, Inc. |
In-app purchases
A3Calc
No in-app purchases
Black Widow Key Machine V2
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is A3Calc free?
Is Black Widow Key Machine V2 free?
Do A3Calc or Black Widow Key Machine V2 have ads?
Which is updated more often, A3Calc or Black Widow Key Machine V2?
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