History of the Turbo Keychain


Model: KCT-11


Units Produced: Less than 200
Availability Date: July 2008 - November 2008
This is the first generation non-spinning turbo keychain. Available in Chrome. Initial production run of 20 available in the USA sold for $24.95. The second production run of approximately 150 sold for $19.95, then lowered to $14.95.


Model: KCT-11R


Units Produced: Less than 50
Availability Date: July 2008 - October 2008
This is the first prototype spinning turbo keychain essentially a modified by hand KCT-11 which had many variations from keychain to keychain. Very time consuming process which took about 1 - 1.5hrs to modify per unit. Initially available for $27.95. The impellers on these units were heavy and spun on a thin paperclip. Some units were noted as the all-time best spinning and sounding turbo keychains ever sold to date. Unfortunately they were impractable for production.


Model: KCT-11RS


Units Produced: 4,500
Availability Date: Dec 2008 - March 2010
Major redesigns and retooling of the factory were made to allow the turbo keychains to spin without modifications. The first 200 production spinning turbo keychains were available for $14.95. The color changed from Chrome to brushed black. Out of the initial batch assembled in China, the first 50 were given away to turbo performance shops as gifts. The rest quickly sold and were out of inventory by Janurary. The next batch of about 500 was available late January of 2009 and noticed QA needed to be addressed, so most of the keychains were disassembled and reassembled. From ~March 2009 until today batches are assembled in USA with added improvements. May 2009 there was a slight design change to the backplate and different screws supplied from manufacturing that caused a rather painful change in assembly procedures. In late August after many weeks of research/trials we have finally settled on a new procedure which USA assembled models include a better fitting screw and thrust washer (Mega Spin). Also available as "unassembled" with a slight discount for the RC model enthusiasts that enjoy further mods.


Model: KCT-11BB


Units Produced: 500
Availability Date: March 2010 - Today
Extensive internal redesign. Initial price $17.95 due to cost of high grade expensive materials, but very well worth it. Includes integrated twin shield chrome steel ball bearing rated for up to 72,000 rpms. Six month warranty free from defects on all full priced units. The spec cards actually have real meaning, each keychain RPMs is now recorded. Bearings have been run-tested at 35,000 RPMs, no break-in required.


Model: KCT-11BBv2


Units Produced: 0
Availability Date: est Sept. 2010
Same as KCT-11BB but with minor design change to increase durability and assembly efficiency.


Model: KCT-11P


Units Produced: 500+
Availability Date: August 2009 - Today
These are the KCT-11RS designs, however assembled in China without the upgraded components. Typically these are handed out at trade shows and club events at no charge. Replica units started surfacing on various auction sites.


Model: KCT-11LE


Units Produced: 100
Availability Date: est. mid 2010
Limited Edition and assembled in USA with performance improvements that includes impeller balancing and integrated ceramic ball bearings. Fully tested and certified to spin at or above 50,000 rpms. Only 100 have been produced in gold color. Each has it's own unique serial number and compressor spec card which will be registered to the purchasing owner. Currently not available for sale yet, but in production.