October 21, 2026
DO RFID manufactures 13.56 MHz MIFARE Classic 1K RFID key fobs for access control, attendance, membership and closed-loop identification systems. These compact passive credentials combine a contactless IC and antenna with a durable key-ring housing, giving users a convenient alternative to carrying a full-size RFID card.
We supply standard and custom key-fob styles for system integrators, distributors, security installers and OEM projects. Available services include housing and color selection, logo printing, laser numbering, barcode or QR marking, data encoding and project packaging. Samples can be prepared for compatibility testing with the intended reader and software.
Product specifications
| Item | Product option |
|---|---|
| Technology | Passive HF RFID contactless credential |
| Frequency | 13.56 MHz |
| IC | MIFARE Classic 1K or approved compatible configuration |
| Air interface | ISO/IEC 14443 Type A |
| Memory | 1 KB EEPROM organized in sectors and blocks |
| Typical read distance | Approximately 2–10 cm, depending on reader, antenna and housing |
| Housing | ABS, PVC, PPS, silicone or epoxy options by model |
| Colors | Standard colors and custom color matching |
| Personalization | Logo, serial number, laser marking, barcode and QR code options |
| Data services | Blank, serialized or project encoding according to an approved data specification |
| Applications | Access control, attendance, membership, lockers, parking and closed-loop payment |
The final housing, IC version, UID requirement, encoding workflow and reader compatibility should be defined in the production specification. Existing product images and style options remain available for buyers selecting a physical format.
How the key fob works
The reader generates a 13.56 MHz field. When the passive key fob enters that field, its antenna harvests enough energy to power the IC. The reader and credential then exchange data through ISO/IEC 14443 Type A communication. The access-control or membership system decides what action to take based on the identifier, stored data and application configuration.
Because the credential has no battery, it does not require charging. Actual reading distance depends on the reader antenna, output, key-fob construction, orientation and nearby materials.
MIFARE Classic 1K memory and compatibility
MIFARE Classic 1K provides 1 KB of EEPROM divided into sectors. It remains widely used in installed access-control, attendance and membership systems, making reader and software compatibility a major reason buyers continue to source it.
MIFARE Classic should not be treated as interchangeable with every 13.56 MHz or NFC product. NTAG, MIFARE Ultralight, MIFARE DESFire and ISO 15693 products use different memory structures, commands or security models. Smartphone reading is also device and application dependent; MIFARE Classic is not a universal NFC Forum tag for iPhone and Android interactions.
For a replacement or expansion project, confirm the reader frequency, protocol, required UID behavior, sector/key configuration and software workflow. Testing a sample with the actual system is the safest compatibility check.
Where MIFARE key fobs are used
- office, residential and factory access control;
- employee attendance and time recording;
- gym, club and membership identification;
- hotel, campus and electronic-locker systems;
- parking and gated-community credentials;
- closed-loop canteen, vending or stored-value applications supported by the system.
One physical credential can support more than one application when the reader infrastructure, data layout and access keys are designed accordingly.
Security and platform selection
MIFARE Classic is a mature legacy platform. Its Crypto1 security is not the preferred choice for a new system requiring strong modern cryptography or high assurance. It can remain practical when compatibility with an existing installed system is the primary requirement and the project has an appropriate risk model.
For new high-security access, identity or multi-application projects, consider MIFARE DESFire products with stronger cryptographic capabilities. DO RFID can supply the physical credential specified by the system integrator, but chip selection should follow the application’s security, reader and lifecycle requirements.
Custom manufacturing and OEM supply
DO RFID can manufacture key fobs in multiple shapes, materials and colors and apply customer branding for distributor, installer and private-label programs. Depending on the selected model, personalization can include silk-screen or digital printing, laser numbers, UID or serial presentation, barcodes, QR codes and customer-supplied artwork.
For encoded orders, provide the exact data layout, sector and key-handling requirements through the agreed production workflow. A sample approval stage helps verify appearance, reader response and encoded data before volume production.
What to include in your RFQ
- reader model and system/application name;
- required IC and UID expectations;
- blank, numbered or encoded supply;
- housing style, material and color;
- artwork and numbering format;
- quantity, packaging and delivery requirements;
- sample-testing requirements.
If you are replacing an existing key fob, send a clear photo, current specification and reader information. Our factory team can help identify the appropriate 13.56 MHz RFID key-fob configuration for testing.
Request samples or a quotation
Contact DO RFID with your reader, application, customization and quantity requirements. We will recommend a suitable MIFARE Classic 1K key-fob format, prepare samples where required and quote the approved production configuration.
