Choosing how your locks are keyed can make a huge difference to convenience, security, and access control.

Whether it’s your home, business, Airbnb, or commercial property, understanding the difference between keyed alike, keyed differently, and master key systems helps you select the right setup from the start.

Mechanical locks remain widely used because they are reliable, cost-effective and easy to manage - but how they are keyed determines who can access each door and how many keys you need.

Keyed Alike (One Key for Multiple Locks)

Keyed alike means one key operates multiple locks.

For example, your front door, back door, garage door and side gate could all work on the same key.

✅ Benefits of Keyed Alike

One key for the entire property
No need to carry multiple keys
Faster and more convenient daily access
Easier for family members, staff or cleaners
Reduced key clutter

⚠️ Considerations

Anyone with that key can access all keyed alike doors
Less separation between secure areas

Best suited for:

Family homes
Holiday homes and Airbnbs
Small businesses
Offices with shared access
Workshops and sheds

This is the most popular option for residential properties because it simplifies everyday use.

Keyed Differently (Separate Keys for Each Lock)

Keyed differently means each lock has its own unique key.

For example:

Front door – Key A
Garage – Key B
Office – Key C

✅ Benefits of Keyed Differently

Higher separation between areas
Limits access to specific doors
Improved security between internal zones

⚠️ Considerations

Multiple keys required
Less convenient
Easier to misplace keys

Best suited for:

Shared houses
Businesses with restricted areas
Storage rooms
Individual office access

This option works well when different people require access to different areas.

Master Key Systems (Multiple Access Levels)

A master key system allows different keys to open different doors, while one master key opens them all.

This creates levels of access.

For example:

Cleaner key – External doors only
Staff key – External doors + office
Manager key – External doors + office + storage
Master key – Opens everything

Master key systems provide flexibility and control without needing dozens of separate keys. Master keying allows different users to access approved areas while maintaining secure control of restricted spaces.

How Master Keying Works (Simple Diagram)

Each lock contains special internal components that allow both the master key and individual keys to operate it, depending on the access level.

All of this is done within house, and us Locksmiths are able to work our magic to make it happen!

Why Master Key Systems Are Popular

✅ Benefits

Full control over who accesses each area
Reduced key quantities
Improved security management
Convenient for owners and managers
Flexible for growing businesses

⚠️ Considerations

Requires professional design
Best installed and managed by locksmiths

Best Uses for Master Key Systems

Businesses

Staff access control
Manager-only areas
Storage rooms
Plant rooms

Short-Stay & Airbnb Properties

Guest key – Entry doors only
Cleaner key – Guest areas only
Owner key – All doors - Including a locked storage for when the owner wishes to return and gain access!

Residential Properties

House and garage access
Separate access to sheds or workshops
Restricted access to home offices

Commercial and Multi-Tenant Buildings

Office suites
Shared facilities
Maintenance access

Which Option Is Right for You?

Choosing the right keying system depends on your property type and access requirements:

Family homes: Keyed alike for simple, convenient access using one key for all doors.
Airbnb and holiday rentals: Keyed alike for convenience, or master key systems for owner and cleaner access control.
Small businesses: Keyed alike for staff convenience, or master key systems to control access to offices and storage areas.
Commercial buildings: Master key systems to manage multiple access levels across the property.
Shared properties: Keyed differently to separate access, or master key systems for controlled entry.
Properties with restricted areas: Master key systems to allow authorised access while keeping sensitive areas secure.

Need Help Setting Up Your Locks Correctly?

At Lockmart, we design and install keyed alike, keyed differently, and master key systems tailored to your property.

We supply and install locks across Melbourne, with products available online and via pickup from our Frankston, Mornington, Rosebud and Braeside stores.

Our locksmiths can help design the right system to balance convenience, security and control.