Hotel key card switch FAQs from hotel and procurement buyers
Common questions from hotel and procurement buyers evaluating our key card and occupancy energy saving switches — card types, universal vs encrypted, TTLOCK, occupancy control, and OEM/ODM terms.
Question 1 What is a hotel key card switch?
What is a hotel key card switch?
A hotel key card switch is the wall device that powers a guest room when a card is inserted and cuts power when the card is removed. It typically saves 25–40% of guest-room electricity because guests cannot leave the AC running after checkout. Our [guide to hotel key card switches](/blog/what-is-a-hotel-key-card-switch/) covers types, wiring, and how to specify one.
Question 2 Which hotel key card types do your switches support?
Which hotel key card types do your switches support?
Our universal switch reads any 125kHz Temic or 13.56MHz MIFARE card by UID only. Room-bound RFID switches accept a specific MIFARE/Temic card written for that room, and TTLOCK compatible switches use TTLOCK/TTHotel sector-key auth. See our [hotel key card types explainer](/blog/hotel-key-card-types/) for the full M1 / MIFARE / Temic breakdown.
Question 3 Universal vs encrypted key card switch — which should I choose?
Universal vs encrypted key card switch — which should I choose?
A universal switch works with any card (no lock-in) and is best for retrofits and budget properties. An encrypted or room-bound switch (RFID/TTLOCK) stops guests moving a card from one room to another to keep both powered, which suits branded and chain hotels. Our [universal vs encrypted comparison](/blog/universal-vs-encrypted-key-card-switch/) walks through the security and card-sharing trade-offs.
Question 4 Do you make a TTLOCK compatible energy switch?
Do you make a TTLOCK compatible energy switch?
Yes. Our TTLOCK compatible energy switch powers the room only for the correct room card and only inside the check-in window — auto power-off at checkout, no manual reset. It works with TTLOCK / TTHotel MIFARE cards via sector-key auth on the shared 30A platform. Read the [TTLOCK integration guide](/blog/ttlock-compatible-energy-switch-guide/) for ecosystem details.
Question 5 What is a hotel occupancy sensor switch?
What is a hotel occupancy sensor switch?
A hotel occupancy sensor switch powers the room by presence, not by card — using PIR or mmWave detection, with optional door-contact linkage. It is ideal for card-free rooms, staff areas, and bathrooms where a card is inconvenient. See our [PIR vs mmWave occupancy switch comparison](/blog/pir-vs-mmwave-occupancy-sensor-switch/) to pick the right detection mode.
Question 6 Is KeyCardSwitch a manufacturer or a distributor?
Is KeyCardSwitch a manufacturer or a distributor?
We are the OEM/ODM manufacturer — every switch is designed and built in-house at our Shenzhen facility on a shared 30A relay platform. You buy direct from the factory, with full support for custom branding, packaging, and card-frequency matching for hotel or distributor rollouts. See our [hotel energy management system solution](/solutions/hotel-energy-management-system/) for a real-world deployment, or contact us for sampling (7-10 days) and mass production (20-30 days).
Where are hotel key card switches used?
Hotel key card switches and occupancy sensor switches are used in guest rooms, serviced apartments, dormitories, and staff rooms — anywhere you want power to follow occupancy automatically. See our [hotel energy management system solution](/solutions/hotel-energy-management-system/) for a full room-control rollout.