Comparison

Kaliper vs Keys App

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Kaliper

Measure key cuts accurately using your device's camera. This utility helps decode keys when a physical caliper is unavailable or difficult to read. Offers predefined systems and custom measurement options for various lock types.

Highlights
  • Measure key cuts with device camera
  • Predefined lock systems
  • Custom key measurement input
  • Ad-free upgrade option
  • Supports various lock brands
Features
Read full description

Out-of-the-shop and out-of-the-van key gauge utility. Have a key you need to decode but no caliper or key gauge nearby? Not 100% confident on your eyesight to read the cuts? Then use your iDevice to measure the key with Kaliper. Kaliper is free to download with a purchase option for upgrading. It is recommended to get accustomed to the app prior to purchasing as with any tool, this app has a learning curve and with practice comes perfection. The free version comes with two predefined systems: Arrow .014" and Schlage .015" (5 pin only). The full version comes with eight predefined systems: Arrow .014" (5/6 pin), Best A2, A3, A4 (6/7 pin), Kwikset .023" (standard/titan), Sargent .020" (5/6 pin), Schlage .015" (5/6 pin), and Yale .019" (5/6 pin). In addition to custom key measurements and of course no ads. Instructions: On the main page begin by selecting your iDevice from the choices on the left, then select either a predefined system or custom. Do not use full screen on iPads. 

Predefined: 

Lay your device on a flat surface and place your key on top of the silhouette, using the top shoulder (or bottom tip for best systems) as the primary focus for alignment. If aligned properly each of the cut markers will sit directly above each corresponding cut. If necessary, use the zoom control at the bottom for a better fit. Once the key is aligned, tap on the first down arrow in the upper right hand corner to lower the cut marker. Each tap represents a deeper cut with the depth displayed directly above the arrow. Keep tapping until the marker outlines the cut. If the marker starts to disappear behind the key use the up arrow to raise the marker. Do this for the remaining cuts to finish measuring your key. Custom: The measuring process remains the same as the predefined systems, but as the markers are customizable some measurements need to be supplied before proceeding: Bow to First Cut: The distance from the center of the first cut to the top shoulder. Cut to Cut: The distance between the center of each cut. Shallowest Depth: The distance from the bottom of the blade to the center of the lowest cut in the system (i.e. Zero or One). Depth Increment: The distance between subsequent cuts. These measurements are typically found on pinning kits, however the system you are inputting may be found on the Charts page. From this chart simply tap on the system and all the measurements will be automatically applied. If inputting manually, type the measurements into the 4 boxes and tap Apply. The markers will adjust accordingly and you can begin measuring the key using the shoulder and blade for alignment. If the system uses a One as the shallowest cut, tap on 0 - 9 to reflect a 1 thru 10 cut system. Tap again to switch back. Compatibility (sorted by screen size): iPhone SE2, SE3, 12 mini, 13 mini, 11 Pro, 11, 12, 12 Pro, 13, 13 Pro, 14, 14 Pro, 15, 15 Pro, 16, 16e, 17e, 16 Pro, 17, 17 Pro, Air, 11 Pro Max, 12 Pro Max, 13 Pro Max, 14 Plus, 14 Pro Max, 15 Plus, 15 Pro Max, 16 Plus, 16 Pro Max, 17 Pro Max Found a bug? Something not working? Have a suggestion? Feel free to contact me via email: farren@phoxlocks.com

About

Keys App

Connects users with on-demand locksmiths, key programmers, and roadside assistance specialists. Find, track, chat with, and negotiate prices with local service providers directly through the app.

Highlights
  • On-demand locksmith services
  • Key programming and duplication
  • Emergency roadside assistance
  • Service provider navigation
  • In-app chat and negotiation
  • Real-time tracking of specialists
Features
Read full description

Keys App enables On Demand Access - namely, to Locksmith, Key Programming, Key Duplication, Lock Out and Emergency Roadside specialists. Easily Navigate through Service Providers in your area with the ability to track, chat and negotiate the Final Price. All Done through the Keys Mobile Application.

Screenshots

Kaliper4 screens
Keys App4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Keys App at none against Kaliper's 1. Keys App also leads on ads (none vs shown) and review sentiment (80% vs 50%). Kaliper's advantage is rating (4.6 vs 4.3). On price, ratings volume, 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Kaliper sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Keys App asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Kaliper holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 8 and 13 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 50% of Kaliper's written reviews are positive against 80% of Keys App's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Kaliper ships an update every 8 months, Keys App fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on August 25, 2026 and September 19, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
Kaliper versus Keys App: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterKaliperKeys App
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (8 ratings) — better4.3 (13 ratings)
Positive reviews50.0% of reviews80.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings813 — better
Update frequencyEvery 8 monthsFortnightly — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS14.0 — better15.1
Further details — not scored
Size4 MB52 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperFarren DomeniciKeys LLC

Customer experience

Kaliper

All ratings8 ratings
Positive87.5%
Neutral12.5%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews6 reviews
Positive50.0%
Neutral33.3%
Negative16.7%

Keys App

All ratings13 ratings
Positive84.6%
Neutral0.0%
Negative15.4%
Written reviews5 reviews
Positive80.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative20.0%

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Kaliper

One-time1
  • Kaliper Full Version$1.99
None

Keys App

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Kaliper free?
Kaliper is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Keys App free?
Keys App is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Kaliper or Keys App?
Kaliper is rated higher. Kaliper averages 4.6 out of 5 from 8 ratings, while Keys App averages 4.3 from 13 ratings.
Do Kaliper or Keys App have ads?
Kaliper shows ads; Keys App does not.
Which is updated more often, Kaliper or Keys App?
Kaliper ships an update every 8 months, and Keys App fortnightly. Most recently, Kaliper was updated on August 25, 2026 and Keys App on September 19, 2026.

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