Small, durable, and effective, Nomad’s ChargeKey packs all the punch of an Apple USB Lightning Cable in the size of a key.

What is a ChargeKey?

ChargeKey is a derivative of the Kickstarted small USB cable ChargeCard. The two products are similar in function, with ChargeKey meant to fit on a keyring.

The ChargeKey operates as any normal USB cable would, with added portability and tenacity. The product is thin, short, light, and bendy yet durable. There are Lightning Cable models for all current-gen iPhones and iPads, and mini-USB cables for other devices, such as Windows or Android Smartphones.

What makes it so cool?

The best part of the ChargeKey is that you can fit it on a keyring, thus introducing portability for USB cables. The ChargeKey can be twisted without repercussion.

The Lightning and USB chips fit snugly into both inputs. So snugly, in fact, that our iPhone 5 was able to hang free while plugged in.

Sleek, tiny, and effective, the ChargeKey does everything right in pioneering the small USB cable market. The company works to be unique and fun with marketing its products, giving away free charging cables via a “barter” system (see: “nomad“).

Downsides to the ChargeKey?

The one negative to the ChargeKey is the price. For the length of cable and simplicity of function, $25 runs pretty steep in comparison to competitors.

The only other problem is that the cable is understandably short. However, this problem is its advantage: an emergency charging device that’s portable and small, just in case you forgot your regular cable.

Where do I get more information?

To see Nomad’s splashy homepage, check out hellonomad.com. If you think you have something worth giving Nomad in exchange for a free charger, follow up with their friendly PR staff on their “barter” page.

Score: 9/10

Editor’s note: Tech Tuesday is a regular feature where we highlight a product that may enhance the lives of Hypable’s tech-savvy readers.