Short answer: choose Keyed-Alike when you want one key to open every lock in a set — ideal for a single person managing many points, with no price premium. Choose Master-Keyed when you want tiered access — each lock keeps its own key and a master key opens them all — for a small premium per lock. Order Single (keyed-to-differ) when the locks are unrelated. Every Vpass heavy-duty padlock is rekeyable and can be supplied in any of these systems.
Key systems at a glance
| System | How the keys work | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single (keyed-to-differ) | Each lock has its own unique key; no key opens another. | A few unrelated locks | Base price |
| Keyed-Alike (KA) | One key opens every lock in the set. | One person, many points — landlord, site supervisor, facilities | No premium |
| Master-Keyed (MK) | Each lock keeps its own change key; a single master key opens them all. | Tiered access — staff hold their own key, a manager holds the master | +RM9 per lock |
| Grand Master (GMK) | Multiple master levels above the change keys (whole-building hierarchy). | Large sites, tenders, multi-department buildings | Custom quote |
What is a Keyed-Alike (KA) padlock set?
In a keyed-alike set, every padlock is cut to the same key, so one key opens all of them. It is the simplest way to cut down a heavy keyring: a landlord with locks on ten units, a contractor securing many gates on one site, or a homeowner who wants the gate, store and shed on a single key. Vpass charges no premium for keyed-alike, so a KA set costs the same as the equivalent number of single locks. The trade-off is that anyone with the key can open every lock — there is no access hierarchy.
What is a Master-Keyed (MK) padlock set?
A master-keyed system gives two levels of access. Each padlock has its own change key that opens only that lock, and a single master key opens every lock in the system. This is what you want when different people should reach different things but one manager needs access to all — staff each hold the key to their own locker or store, while the supervisor’s master opens the lot. Master-keying adds RM9 per lock for the extra cylinder pinning.
What about a Grand Master Key (GMK) system?
For large premises — a whole building, a multi-department facility, or a government/GLC tender — a grand-master system stacks more levels: change keys at the bottom, sub-masters per department, and a grand master over everything. These are designed per site; request a custom quote with your access chart.
Every Vpass padlock is rekeyable
Whichever system you choose, the cylinder is rekeyable — a locksmith can change the key without replacing the lock if a key is lost or a staff member leaves. That keeps a keyed-alike or master-keyed system serviceable for years rather than forcing a full replacement.
How to order
On any Vpass padlock product page, pick the Key System (Single / Keyed-Alike / Master-Keyed) and the Set Quantity (2–6). Need more than six matched, or a master hierarchy? Use the grand-master / custom enquiry. Not sure which lock first? See the heavy-duty padlock buyer’s guide or the anti-rust vs heavy-duty comparison.
Frequently asked questions
Is keyed-alike less secure than separate keys?
The lock itself is identical; only the keying differs. Keyed-alike simply means one key opens the set — convenient for one holder, but there is no access hierarchy, so choose master-keyed if different people need different access.
Does master-keying weaken the lock?
No — it adds a master pinning to the same rekeyable cylinder. Each lock still resists picking and cutting as normal; you simply gain a master key that opens all of them.
Can I add locks to a keyed-alike or master set later?
Yes. Order additional locks to the same system, or have a locksmith rekey new locks to match — the cylinders are rekeyable.
What does keyed-alike or master-keyed cost?
Keyed-alike has no premium (same as single locks). Master-keying adds RM9 per lock. Extra keys are RM6 each.
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