ChargeKey is exactly what the name suggests. It looks like a key and can charge your phone. The best part about it is its portability.

To add to its description, it is one of the world's smallest USB cables, allows for charging from any USB port and full data transfer when connected to a computer and is made with high grade plastics from Bayer (Germany) and GLS (USA). Isn't it just what we need in today's "mobile" world!

The modern life is not static and what always accompanies us in our drastic movements, is our mobile phones. It surely takes your breath away for a while when you see the low battery signal on your companion. Here is the solution, ChargeKey. The product also has a sibling, named ChargeCard. ChargeCard is just like ChargeKey, except that it is shaped like a credit card to fit into your wallet.

The company which produces these products is called NOMAD. The name itself shows their motive of making such products. We, in the 21st century, have turned into nomads with busy and fast lives.

Read on our exclusive interview with the founder of Nomad to more about the product.

1. Hi Noah! Please introduce yourself to our readers.

I'm Noah. I'm the founder of NOMAD. I care about building best in class products that enable our customers to live a modern, minimalist and connected lifestyle.

2. What is Nomad and what are the various products made at Nomad?

Nomad makes the world's best USB cables. They're the best not just because they're well made, but because they're so small and portable that they integrate into you life--into your wallet and keychain--so you never have to worry about your phone dying again. With ChargeCard and ChargeKey, you always have a way to charge your phone from any USB port.

3. The ChargeKey is a good utility product. What was the inspiration that led to the idea of its creation?

My phone was always dying and it was becoming a serious problem. We've all been there. And most of us have been there earlier today, literally. We rely on our phones more than any single tool in history, which is why it's such a setback when you run out of battery: no more maps, photos, emails, calls, music, videos, the list goes on… our phones are invaluable to our modern lives, so it's not worth not having a backup charging solution on you. So I got to thinking...


Both stages took longer than expected. And that's how it goes, everything always takes longer than expected, so start early. The design started with an idea in the fall of 2011 and I began sketching it out in early 2012. We finalized the design in mid 2012 and began producing by the end of the year. Manufacturing tends to be a slow process, so from submitting the design files to our tool maker to getting first shots, it was about 2.5 months, even though we were hoping to do it all in about 3-4 weeks. We were naive, but sometimes that can be a good thing because it gives you the energy to push forward through the delays and problems that are inevitable.



ChargeKey can be used to charge your phone from virtually any USB port that you'd normally use to charge your phone: TV, game console, wall plug, car, computer, monitor, cable box, sewing machine...yes, I've been there and done that.

6. Please explain the science behind the working of the ChargeKey to our readers?

ChargeKey is a USB cable, which by itself is a pretty simple concept (data and power cables). But the science really comes down to the materials science and the injection molding processes. We're pushing the boundaries of how thin and compact we can make USB cables.

7. How long does the ChargeKey take to charge a phone on an average?

ChargeKey charges your phone at the same rate as a normal cable charges your phone. It actually depends more on the source you're charging from. Some sources emit less power, which in turn charges your device slower, regardless of the cable you use.

8. How are ChargeKey and ChargeCard different or similar to each other?

One fits on your keychain and one in your wallet. It's what they share that makes them both so valuable. They both fit on something you already bring with you, so they don't take up any extra mental space. When you wake up in the morning, you bring your keys, phone and wallet...and now, without having to think about it, your USB cable for charging your phone, too.

9. What are your future plans regarding the ChargeKey? Are there any ideas kept in store for making such other new products in future?

Of course! And yes, but you'd have to be hired by us to find out. Speaking of which, we're looking for a great mechanical/design engineer and a growth hacker. Do you know any that are eager to join an energetic company?

10. Apart from promoting your products on major social media networks, what other promotional ideas really helped you ?

Press, press, press. We were bootstrapped from day one, so getting press was key to getting exposure. Fortunately, press have loved our products so we've always been able to meet them halfway.

11. What kind of reviews or compliments did you receive about ChargeKey? Is there any, which you cherish the most?

People love it. I actually prefer hearing when people don't like it. It boggles me. It's like someone who doesn't believe in gravity. I love to hear their reasons. If you own a smartphone, you should own a ChargeKey, period. Your phone will die. You'll need to charge it. You'll charge it with ChargeKey and it will save you.

12. What piece of advice would you like to give to other upcoming designers or product developers?

Look for a problem. Solve it. And to do that, believe in yourself and the power of your ideas. It's human nature to over-believe in the qualifications of others and under-believe in your own. So if there's something that's been bugging you for a long while and you don't see a ready solution to it, get to building your prototype.

Thank you so much Noah for taking out time and doing this interview with us. We would like to wish your team at NOMAD all the best for the future.

Stay tuned to E-junkie to know more such fabulous products.