- Brass: An alloy of copper and zinc, commonly used for making traditional metal keys because of its durable and corrosion-resistant properties.
- Stainless Steel: High-quality keys are often made from stainless steel due to its strength and resistance to corrosion, wear, and rust.
- Nickel Silver: An alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc, known for its strength, corrosion resistance, and silver-like appearance.
- Aluminum: While less common, some keys may be made from aluminum, usually for lightweight applications.
- Hardened Steel: For higher security and durability, keys can be made from hardened steel to resist cutting or bending.
- Plastic: Certain key designs, especially for electronic key cards or key fobs, may use plastic materials that offer flexibility, lightness, and the potential for customization.