Sublimation keychains are the cheapest product most print shops sell, and often the most profitable per square inch. They cost about $1.35 to $1.89 each by the case, ship light, and sell as add-ons at checkout, wedding favors, pet ID tags and logo giveaways. This guide compares Photo USA's MDF and metal keychain blanks, how to press each type, which shape to stock first, and what a case can earn.
Short answer: Sublimation keychain blanks are small MDF or metal pieces with a coated print surface and a split ring or key ring attached. You print a mirrored design on sublimation paper and heat press it onto the blank, so the ink bonds into the coating instead of sitting on top.
Photo USA sells two families. MDF keychains are light, low cost hardboard shapes that take a print across the whole face. Metal key rings are sturdier pieces with a coated insert or panel, and some include extras such as a carabiner or a bottle opener. Every blank carries ORCA Coatings®, and all ship by the case with a one case minimum.
Short answer: MDF keychains are the lowest cost at about $1.35 each in cases of 200. Metal key rings run about $1.41 to $1.89 each in cases of 120 or 240 and cover more shapes, including a carabiner, a double heart and a heart with a bottle opener.
| Blank | Material | Case | Case price | About each |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rectangle (85088) | MDF | 200 | $270.00 | $1.35 |
| Oval (85090) | MDF | 200 | $270.00 | $1.35 |
| Heart (85086) | MDF | 200 | $272.00 | $1.36 |
| Rectangle insert key ring (85016) | Metal | 120 | $169.20 | $1.41 |
| Swirl, twisted heart, oval, heart key rings | Metal | 240 | $338.40 | $1.41 |
| Round keychain (85081) | See product page | 120 | $200.40 | $1.67 |
| Square carabiner (85035) | Metal | 120 | $200.40 | $1.67 |
| Heart with bottle opener (85062) | Metal | 120 | $200.40 | $1.67 |
| Double heart (85070) | Metal | 240 | $400.80 | $1.67 |
| Key ring 051 (85051) | Metal | 120 | $226.80 | $1.89 |
Print areas are small. The metal rectangle insert takes artwork at 274 x 395 pixels at 300 DPI (0.91 x 1.32 in. with bleed), and the swirl at 338 x 338 pixels (1.13 in. square with bleed). Check each product page for the template of the shape you order.
Short answer: Start with the rectangle MDF keychain. It is the lowest cost at about $1.35, it has the widest print area of our keychain shapes, and it sells all year for names, logos, luggage tags and pet ID tags. Add a heart shape for weddings and Valentine's Day, and a metal key ring when customers want a heavier, more premium feel.
Short answer: Use a flat heat press with a foam pad or jig to keep the small piece level. As a starting point, we recommend 385 to 400°F for 45 to 60 seconds with medium pressure for MDF, and 380 to 390°F for 50 to 60 seconds for metal key rings. Peel off any protective film, tape the transfer down, and cool metal pieces as soon as they leave the press.
These are recommended settings only. Temperature and time work against each other, so a higher temperature needs less time and a lower one needs more, and every press runs a little differently. MDF can scorch if pressed too long, so test one piece before a full run. Our sublimation time and temperature chart lists settings for other blanks.
Short answer: Names, dates and simple photos. At this size, fine detail will not read, so the best sellers are a name with a small graphic, a pet photo with the pet's name, a couple's initials and wedding date, and a company logo.
Bottle opener shapes are also covered in our guide to sublimation bottle openers, and heart shapes fit our Valentine's Day 2027 guide.
Short answer: Photo keychains list for about $5 to $16 on Etsy. As an example, a rectangle MDF case of 200 at $270.00 sold at $8 each brings in $1,600, or $1,330 before paper, ink and labor.
| Example retail | Case (200 MDF) | Case revenue | Gross before supplies |
|---|---|---|---|
| $6 (bulk logo order) | $270.00 | $1,200 | $930 |
| $8 | $270.00 | $1,600 | $1,330 |
| $12 (personalized gift) | $270.00 | $2,400 | $2,130 |
Example prices are illustrations, not recommendations. Keychains work best as add-ons, so most of the profit comes from raising the value of orders you already have.
Ready to add keychains to your line? Photo USA sells by the case with a one case minimum and no minimum number of cases, and most orders ship within 24 hours from Fremont, CA and Shepherdsville, KY. We also offer a wholesale imprint service if you would rather receive finished pieces. Email hello@photomugs.com or contact us with the items and quantities you need.
Short answer: Keychains press fast and ship light, so they are one of the best late season blanks. Order by early December to sell name keychains as stocking stuffers and gift exchange add-ons. Our last minute Christmas blanks guide has the full December countdown.
Because a small case of keychains takes little shelf space, many shops keep MDF rectangles in stock all year and add seasonal shapes, such as hearts, before Valentine's Day and wedding season.
The rectangle MDF keychain. At about $1.35 each in a case of 200 it is the lowest cost keychain Photo USA stocks, it has the widest print area of our shapes, and it sells all year for names, logos, luggage tags and pet ID tags.
Photo USA sells MDF and metal keychain blanks by the case, from about $1.35 to $1.89 each, with a one case minimum. Most orders ship within 24 hours from Fremont, CA or Shepherdsville, KY.
MDF keychains are light, low cost hardboard shapes that print across the whole face, sold 200 per case. Metal key rings feel heavier and more premium, use a coated insert or panel, and include shapes such as a carabiner, a double heart and a heart bottle opener.
As a starting point, we recommend 385 to 400°F for 45 to 60 seconds with medium pressure for MDF, and 380 to 390°F for 50 to 60 seconds for metal key rings, on a flat press with a jig. These are recommended settings only, so test one piece first.
Yes, if there is one. Some blanks ship with a clear protective film on the print face, and the design will not transfer into the coating until it is peeled off.
Names, dates and simple photos, since fine detail will not read at this size. Pet ID and memorial tags, wedding favors with names and a date, first car and new home keychains, and logo keychains for fundraisers sell well.
Photo keychains list for about $5 to $16 on Etsy. As an example, a rectangle MDF case of 200 at $270.00 sold at $8 each brings in $1,600, or $1,330 before paper, ink and labor.
By early December. Keychains press quickly and ship light, so they work as late season stocking stuffers and gift exchange add-ons.
One last note: the press settings in this guide are recommended starting points only. Temperature and time work against each other, so a higher temperature needs less time and a lower one needs more, and every heat press and oven runs a little differently. Press one test piece and adjust for your own machine.
