EksterEkster Key Tracker | Two Way Ringing GPS & Bluetooth Item Finder with LED Light for Men & Women | Trackers Device | Lost Car Keychain Locator | Smart Keys Finders (Black)

I got this for my husband to organize his keys and make it less bulky in his pants pocket

********** THE EKSTER KEY TRACKER: SLIM SOPHISTICATION **********>> THE DAILY DISAPPEARING ACTThree days a week, minimum. That's how often I perform the frantic pocket-slapping dance of "where are my keys?!" While my Ekster wallet has revolutionized my pocket organization for years, my trusted Tile tracker recently surrendered to the digital afterlife. Enter the sleek $48 Ekster Key Tracker – promising Google network integration and matching aesthetic appeal. After two weeks of daily use, I've discovered it's a mixed bag of impressive design with a few functional compromises.>> BEAUTY IN THE DETAILSThe tracker itself is a masterclass in minimalist design. Sporting a textured herringbone pattern that perfectly complements my Ekster wallet, it's slim enough to make other trackers look positively bulky by comparison. The hearing aid batteries it uses are tiny, trading power for that impossibly thin profile. When activated, a subtle LED light accompanies its alert sound – a thoughtful touch that adds visual tracking capability.>> HIDE AND SEEK: FIELD REPORTIn practical use, the Ekster's alert volume is noticeably quieter than my previous Tile – adequate in relatively quiet environments but challenging to hear through thick fabrics or in noisy settings. While not whisper-quiet, you'll want a peaceful environment for optimal tracking success. The LED light helps considerably, especially in darker rooms, giving you a visual beacon alongside the audio alert.The two-way finding feature – press a button to find your phone – works flawlessly. This feature alone has saved me countless minutes of searching for my phone, which seems to teleport around my apartment with alarming frequency. Battery life, unsurprisingly, falls short of larger trackers – the inevitable compromise made for that slim profile.>> THE CONNECTIVITY CHALLENGEHere's where my enthusiasm hit a roadblock. Despite Ekster's marketing promising Google/Android integration, achieving this harmony proved remarkably elusive. The tracker relies on Chipolo's ecosystem, which theoretically connects to Google's network.After multiple troubleshooting attempts and conversations with Chipolo support, the integration remained stubbornly theoretical. My Sony phone might shoulder some blame (we Sony users face unique challenges), but a product selling "Google integration" as a feature should deliver without requiring extensive technical know-how to configure.>> THE SCORECARDPROS:* Impossibly slim design that won't bulk up even the skinniest jeans* Perfect aesthetic match for existing Ekster products (they're practically family)* Two-way finding lets you locate your phone when it decides to play hide-and-seek* LED light provides visual tracking alongside audio alerts* Elegant look that might be the only tech accessory to earn complimentsCONS:- Alert volume noticeably quieter than competitors – challenging in noisier environments- Google integration more complicated than expected for a supposed key feature- Battery compartment that assumes you've trained with watchmakers- Battery life shorter than standard trackers- Price tag ($48) that makes my wallet wince while my keys remain hidden>> YOUR PERFECT MATCH IF:* You're an Ekster ecosystem devotee seeking the complete collection* You believe good design should be seen, not heard* Your living environment is relatively quiet* You organize your keys in one of those key systems where space is premium>> LOOK ELSEWHERE IF:* You frequently lose items in chaotic, noisy environments* Your tech setup philosophy is "plug and play, not plug and pray"* Your fingers struggle with tiny components* The phrase "bang for your buck" appears frequently in your vocabulary>> SURVIVAL TACTICS* Stock up on hearing aid batteries – they're not as commonly available as standard coin cells* Create relatively quiet conditions when searching – it definitely helps* Practice your night vision skills – that LED light becomes your best friend after dark* Consider the Chipolo app your companion, since Google integration requires unexpected technical effort>> THE FINAL TALLYThe Ekster Key Tracker is the supermodel of the tracker world: gorgeous, expensive, and a bit high-maintenance. At $48, it prioritizes looking good over being heard – like that friend who shares important information at a concert. While certainly more useful than playing Marco Polo with your keys, its modest volume and connectivity complications make it a complicated relationship.If you're already invested in the Ekster ecosystem or believe aesthetics matter (no judgment, I own unnecessarily beautiful versions of everyday objects too), you'll appreciate its sleek charm. For everyone else – especially the chronically disorganized in bustling households – consider alternatives that sacrifice runway looks for reliable performance. After all, in the panic of running late for work, function beats fashion every time.

For something so expensive, you would expect better packaging. It was unwrapped, batteries were falling out. I am not pleased at all with product that is expected to be a gift

Just had this break when my keys were in my front pocket. All I've done today is walk around a bit and sit at my desk at work. I know this was designed to fit into their key case, and isn't necessarily designed to stand alone, but I had to take it out of the case because their key case is also cheaply made and was already falling apart. I won't be buying anything from this company again.

Great functions. Two way ringing is probably my favorite. Connection is easy and reliable without the connection ever breaking

Unlike the wallet card, this is not rechargeable. Every month or so, it's whining that the battery is low. Ekster recommends that you use the Chipolo app, which is constantly telling me that I've left my keys behind even though they are in my pocket.

Don’t waste your money. Unreliable and later failed. I had it replaced, after 3 weeks of back and forth. The new one didn’t work either. Customer service was horrible. They are outside the country. It takes 1 or 2 days to get a response.

My favorite feature of the Esker Key Tracker is that it has two-way functionality: you can either use your phone to have the tracker ring, or you can use the button on the tracker to make your phone ring. Pairing was straightforward on my Pixel Fold and only took a couple minutes. There's also a handy flashlight built in should you need it!Overall it'd be nice to have the battery last a bit longer or if it were rechargeable, but that's a minor gripe. I would also like it to feel a little bit more substantial as it seems like the plastic flexes a little bit. Overall very happy with this!