Introduction to the Hikvision DS-K7M102-M and its key features
The Hikvision DS-K7M102-M MIFARE Classic 1K keyfob is a compact, branded contactless access token designed for everyday access-control needs. Operating at 13.56 MHz using the ISO 14443A protocol, this PVC keyfob combines a familiar form factor with reliable MIFARE Classic 1K memory (1024 bits) and a typical read range of up to 4 cm. Its small footprint (26 × 50 × 4 mm) makes it ideal for use on keyrings or in constrained card slots, while construction from PVC with AB glue delivers an affordable, durable token suitable for facility managers, installers and security integrators looking for genuine Hikvision-branded access media.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The DS-K7M102-M carries a focused set of technical specifications geared to conventional HF access systems. Below are the key technical details and the practical benefits they deliver:
- Memory:MIFARE Classic 1K (1024 bit) organized into 16 sectors (4 blocks per sector). Benefit: well-understood data layout for many legacy access control solutions and simple storage for IDs, small data blocks or credentials.
- Protocol / Frequency:ISO 14443A at 13.56 MHz. Benefit: broad compatibility with HF readers that specifically support MIFARE Classic (ISO 14443A-compliant readers).
- Read / write speed:Up to 106 kbps; UID: 4 bytes. Benefit: responsive performance for day-to-day door access and attendance systems; compact UID helps with straightforward credential mapping.
- Form factor:Compact keyfob/card 26 × 50 × 4 mm. Benefit: convenient to carry on keyrings and suitable for users who prefer fobs over cards.
- Performance & durability:Typical read range up to 4 cm; write endurance approximately 10,000 cycles; data retention roughly 10 years. Benefit: dependable lifecycle for normal access-control use with routine read/write activity and long-term data stability.
- Operating / storage temperatures:Operates from −10 °C to 50 °C; storage from −25 °C to 65 °C. Benefit: robust enough for typical indoor environments and many sheltered outdoor applications.
- Material & build:PVC with AB glue and a Hikvision-branded finish. Benefit: cost-effective manufacturing and consistent branded appearance for corporate deployments.
Additional practical points: the token is supplied as an access-control device (not a payment/EMV card) and should be deployed only with readers and systems that explicitly support MIFARE Classic. No manufacturer warranty is specified with this product (warranty: 0); check supplier terms for any return or replacement policies.
Use cases and scenarios where the product excels
The DS-K7M102-M is designed to perform reliably in several common scenarios where simplicity, cost-effectiveness and compact form factor matter:
- Office door access:Ideal for small-to-medium offices that use MIFARE Classic compatible access control panels. The keyfob is convenient for staff who carry keys and reduces wear compared to storing cards in wallets.
- Time & attendance systems:Use as employee tokens for clocking in/out. The memory and UID characteristics are sufficient for most attendance terminals that map a UID to a staff record.
- Locker & gym access:Durable and portable for members who need repeated daily access to lockers or fitness facilities.
- Short-run distribution for installers:Suitable for installers or integrators needing small batches of genuine Hikvision-branded tokens for commissioning, spare tokens or client handover.
- Visitor or contractor tokens:When temporary or low-risk access is required, the DS-K7M102-M provides an inexpensive and easily issued token option.
Because it’s a cost-effective MIFARE Classic product, the keyfob is best used in environments where the established Classic security profile is acceptable and where the token’s durability and compactness are priorities.
Comparisons with similar products in the market
When selecting access tokens, purchasers typically compare MIFARE Classic 1K fobs and cards with higher-security or different-technology alternatives. Here are practical comparisons to help decide if the DS-K7M102-M is the right fit:
- MIFARE Classic 1K vs MIFARE Classic 4K:The 4K variant provides larger memory (useful for multi-application deployments) but costs more. The 1K is sufficient for simple ID mapping and single-application access systems; choose 4K only if you need additional on-card data storage.
- MIFARE Classic vs MIFARE DESFire (EV1/EV2):DESFire tokens offer stronger cryptography (3DES/AES), better mutual authentication and more robust security features. If you need higher security—e.g., public transit, payment or sensitive facilities—DESFire is preferable. The DS-K7M102-M, as a Classic tag, is appropriate for lower- to mid-security environments and where legacy compatibility matters.
- HF MIFARE vs LF (125 kHz) tokens:LF tokens (e.g., EM4100) lack data storage and have different read ranges and reader compatibility. HF MIFARE Classic supports read/write functionality and broader data capability. Choose HF when you need data blocks and compatibility with modern access panels.
- Branded Hikvision token vs generic alternatives:Genuine Hikvision-branded tokens can simplify procurement and assure consistent quality and compatibility for Hikvision readers and systems. Generic tokens may be cheaper but can introduce variability in UID distribution, printing quality, or longevity.
Price consideration: the DS-K7M102-M is positioned as an economical, branded token. Its suggested price (around $4.99 retail) and low per-unit cost make it competitive for facilities procuring small batches or maintaining existing MIFARE Classic deployments.
Security notes and best practices
It’s important to understand the security posture of MIFARE Classic technology. MIFARE Classic uses the proprietary Crypto1 cipher, which has known vulnerabilities and has been compromised in the past. For high-security installations or where credential cloning is a serious risk, consider upgrading to tokens based on DESFire or other modern secure ICs.
Best-practice recommendations when deploying DS-K7M102-M:
- Ensure readers and control systems support ISO 14443A / MIFARE Classic 1K.
- Limit use to environments where the security profile of Classic is acceptable (internal offices, lockers, visitor badges), and avoid using it for payment or high-value access.
- Combine access-control policies (time-of-day restrictions, logical access rules) with physical tokens to minimize risk.
- Keep an inventory of issued tokens and revoke lost/stolen tokens promptly in your access control software.
Customer testimonials and typical feedback
No official customer testimonials for this specific SKU have been provided here, but installers and facility managers who choose MIFARE Classic keyfobs often share similar, practical feedback. Typical comments you can expect include:
- "Easy to distribute to staff — the fobs are compact and less likely to be lost than cards."
- "Works reliably with our existing Hikvision readers; programming UIDs was straightforward during installation."
- "Good value for money for visitor passes and contractor badges."
- "Not suitable where higher security is needed — we use DESFire for server room access but Classic tokens for general office doors."
These representative statements reflect typical real-world sentiment: users value the DS-K7M102-M for convenience, compatibility and price, while acknowledging modern security considerations where applicable.
Conclusion: why the DS-K7M102-M is a great choice
The Hikvision DS-K7M102-M MIFARE Classic 1K keyfob is a practical, economical and easy-to-deploy access token for organizations running ISO 14443A / MIFARE Classic-compatible systems. Its compact keyfob form factor, solid build, and reliable performance characteristics (up to 4 cm read range, ≈10,000 write cycles and ≈10 years data retention) make it a sensible choice for staff IDs, time & attendance, lockers and visitor management. Being a genuine Hikvision-branded product simplifies procurement for Hikvision-centric installations and helps ensure predictable compatibility with Hikvision readers and access panels.
However, buyers should balance cost and compatibility against security needs. For low- to medium-risk environments where legacy MIFARE Classic is acceptable, the DS-K7M102-M delivers excellent value and convenience. For higher-security applications, consider upgrading to tokens that use stronger cryptographic protections such as MIFARE DESFire.
For complete technical details, handling guidance and installation recommendations, refer to the Hikvision DS-K7M102-M datasheet and follow your access control system manufacturer's best practices. If you are procuring tokens for a specific deployment, confirm reader compatibility with ISO 14443A / MIFARE Classic and maintain an accurate issuance and revocation process to protect your facility.
