Kaliper vs Black Widow Key Machine V2
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- Measure key cuts with device camera
- Predefined lock systems
- Custom key measurement input
- Ad-free upgrade option
- Supports various lock brands
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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
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 review sentiment: Kaliper at 50% against Black Widow Key Machine V2's 0%. Kaliper also leads on rating (4.6 vs 3.0) and ratings volume (8 vs 2). Black Widow Key Machine V2's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and ads (none vs shown). On price and device support 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
Both are free to download. Kaliper sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Black Widow Key Machine V2 asks for nothing beyond the download.
Kaliper holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 8 and 2 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 50% of Kaliper's written reviews are positive against 0% of Black Widow Key Machine V2's.
Kaliper ships an update every 8 months, Black Widow Key Machine V2 monthly. The most recent releases landed on August 25, 2026 and September 15, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Kaliper | Black Widow Key Machine V2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.6 (8 ratings) — better | 3.0 (2 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews — better | 0.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 8 — better | 2 |
| Update frequency | Every 8 months | Monthly — better |
| Ads | Yes | No — better |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 14.0 | 12.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 4 MB | 317 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Farren Domenici | Lock Labs, Inc. |
Customer experience
Kaliper
Black Widow Key Machine V2
In-app purchases
Kaliper
- Kaliper Full Version$1.99
Black Widow Key Machine V2
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Kaliper free?
Is Black Widow Key Machine V2 free?
Which has better reviews, Kaliper or Black Widow Key Machine V2?
Do Kaliper or Black Widow Key Machine V2 have ads?
Which is updated more often, Kaliper or Black Widow Key Machine V2?
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