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Proximity Cards & Keyfobs

Proximity cards and key fobs are the credentials a user carries to open a door or set an alarm: ISO and clamshell cards, key fobs, adhesive tags and watch tokens that a reader identifies without contact. This page covers access control credentials for card readers, hands-free and long-range fobs, colour clips for sorting fobs by user group, and the tags that arm and disarm intruder alarms such as Ajax, Pyronix and Texecom systems.

Choosing Proximity Cards & Keyfobs

Start from the reader the credential must work with, because a reader ignores a card that does not share its technology and data format.

Match the reader technology

Proximity cards such as the HID Global 1326NMSNV ProxCard II work with HID proximity readers, and the TDSi 4262-0245-10 carries an EM proximity chip that transmits 64 bits when it comes near a reader. MIFARE credentials add sector memory and encryption: the TDSi 2920-3032 fob uses a MIFARE Classic chip, and the Fermax 4532 is a MIFARE DESFire EV3 fob at 13.56Mhz that works only with Fermax DESFire readers. Some cards carry one maker's format, as the Kantech HID-C1326KSF does with a 32 bit KSF format for Kantech systems.

Card, fob, tag or token

The HID Global 1336NGGNN DuoProx II is credit card sized and adds a magnetic stripe and a surface for photo ID printing. The Aritech ATS1477 fibertag is a teardrop fob for ATS readers, the HID Global 1391LGSNN MicroProx Tag sticks to a nonmetallic card or device, and the Paxton Access 698-574 Watchprox fits a watch or bracelet on a Net2 system.

Hands-free and long range

Gates, loading doors and users who cannot present a card suit hands-free credentials. The Paxton Access 010-690 uses Bluetooth for a hands-free range of up to 10 metres on Paxton10, and the CDVI DTXT5434 active card is read from a pocket by compatible long-range readers. For car park barriers, the TDSi 5012-0210 two-button fobs send an encrypted code to an RF receiver.

CredentialExampleTechnologyUsed with
Proximity cardHID Global 1326NMSNVHID proximityHID proximity readers
MIFARE fobTDSi 2920-3032MIFARE ClassicMIFARE readers
DESFire fobFermax 4532MIFARE DESFire EV3Fermax DESFire readers
Watch tokenPaxton Access 698-574Hitag2Net2
Hands-free fobPaxton Access 010-690BluetoothPaxton10
Long-range cardCDVI DTXT5434Active, battery insideLong-range readers
Alarm tagPyronix EUR-ETAGProximityEuro panels and Enforcers

Related categories

Find readers in keypads and readers and complete systems in access control systems. See also Proximity Tags. This page is part of our access control range; pair credentials with door locks and maglocks, or see alarm keypads for tag arming.

Brands we stock in Proximity Cards & Keyfobs

Acre, ACTpro, Ajax, Aritech, ASSA ABLOY, Axis Communications, BPT, BTicino by Legrand, CDVI, Comelit PAC, Dahua Technology, DMP, Eaton, ESP, Fermax, Genie, HID Global, Hikvision, Honeywell Commercial Security, Kantech, Knightsbridge, Magicard, Nedap, Nortech, Paxton Access, Pyronix, RGL Electronics, STP, TDSi, Texecom, Videofied and Videx.

Frequently asked questions

What is a proximity card?

A proximity card is a contactless access card that a reader detects when it is held close, usually without touching. It carries an antenna and a chip with an identification number, which the access control system checks before releasing the door. Proximity cards must match the reader's frequency and format, so check compatibility first. The range here includes proximity cards, key fobs and adhesive tags.

What types of access control cards are there?

Access control cards come in a few main types: low-frequency proximity cards, higher-security smart cards that store encrypted data, and long-range cards for vehicle entry. Cards are also made as thin ISO cards that can be printed as ID badges, or as thicker clamshell cards. Choose the type your readers support. The range here includes proximity, smart and vehicle cards.

What is the difference between a proximity card and a fob?

A proximity card and a proximity fob usually work the same way; the difference is the shape. A card fits a wallet or ID holder and can carry a printed badge, while a fob is a tougher keyring tag that suits keys. Either one works with a reader that supports its format. The range here includes cards and fobs from several access control brands.

What is a key fob?

A key fob is a small device carried on a keyring that unlocks a door, gate or vehicle without a traditional key. In access control, the fob holds an RFID chip that a reader identifies when presented, and the system then decides whether to open the door. A lost fob can be deleted from the system without changing the locks. The range here includes proximity and smart key fobs.

  • Established 1975
  • Birmingham trade counter
  • UK-only supply

Written by the West Midlands Electrics technical team

Updated

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