Introduction to the K4 KRYPTO Mullion Reader & Keypad
CDVI K4 (KRYPTO)is a slim mullion-style reader with an integrated touch keypad engineered for high-security access control applications. Designed to sit neatly on door frames or architraves, the K4 combines modern credential support (13.56 MHz MIFARE Classic and DESFire EV1/EV2), Bluetooth mobile credentials, and end-to-end AES128 (KRYPTO) encryption when used with compatible CDVI KRYPTO controllers. Robust ingress and impact protection (IP65 and IK10) make it suitable for both indoor and exposed exterior mounting, while an intuitive touch-sensitive keypad adds a secondary authentication layer for PIN entry.
Key features at a glance
- Reads MIFARE Classic and DESFire EV1/EV2 (13.56 MHz)
- Integrated touch-sensitive keypad (4–8 digit PIN)
- Bluetooth-ready for Mobile-PASS and ATRIUM BT smartphone credentials
- AES128 (KRYPTO) end-to-end encryption; OSDP-2 compatible
- Narrow mullion form factor for surface mounting; visual and audible feedback
- High durability: IP65 ingress protection and IK10 impact resistance
Detailed specifications and benefits
The K4 KRYPTO packs performance and security into a compact package. Below is an expanded look at its technical specifications and what they mean in practice.
- Model / Ref: K4 / F0101000096 — a dedicated mullion reader intended for slim door-frame mounting.
- Dimensions: 139 × 48 × 25 mm; Weight: ≈ 0.120 kg — compact and lightweight for neat installations on architraves and mullions.
- Mounting: Surface (mullion / architrave) — ideal for retrofits or where a narrow form factor is required.
- User capacity: Up to 10,000 users (with CDVI A22K controller) — suitable for medium to large installations.
- Frequency: 13.56 MHz — supports industry-standard contactless credentials.
- Supported credentials: MIFARE Classic; DESFire EV1 & EV2 — DESFire EV2 offers secure, multi-application, scalable credential management for modern deployments.
- Encryption / Protocol: AES128 (KRYPTO) — provides end-to-end encryption when paired with KRYPTO controllers, helping to mitigate card cloning and intermediate snooping. OSDP-2 compatibility ensures modern secure reader-controller communications.
- Bluetooth / Mobile: Mobile-PASS / ATRIUM BT compatible — allows smartphones to be used as secure credentials, improving user convenience while maintaining control via the access management system.
- Supply voltage: 12 V DC (min); Current consumption: ≈ 200 mA (max) — typical for RFID readers with keypad and Bluetooth capabilities.
- Wiring / comms: RS-485 (up to 1,220 m to controller) — supports long cable runs suitable for campus-style or distributed systems.
- Read range: Typical 5–50 mm — sufficient for quick, user-friendly credential presentation without a bulky reader footprint.
- Operating temperature: −40 °C to +70 °C — reliable across extreme climates.
- Ingress protection: IP65 — dust tight and protected against low-pressure water jets.
- Impact rating: IK10 — high vandal resistance appropriate for public-facing or high-traffic points.
Benefits in real-world terms
- High security: DESFire EV2 support combined with AES128 KRYPTO encryption and OSDP-2 compatibility reduces attack surfaces compared with legacy Wiegand systems.
- Flexibility: Support for cards and mobile credentials lets organisations roll out mobile access gradually or run hybrid credential environments.
- Sleek, space-saving design: The mullion form factor fits narrow mounting locations where a full-size reader would be obtrusive or impossible to place.
- Robustness: IP65 and IK10 ratings mean the reader will withstand outdoor exposure and attempts at vandalism, reducing maintenance and replacement costs.
- Integration-friendly: Works with CDVI KRYPTO A22K controllers to unlock the full KRYPTO feature set; RS-485 permits long-distance controller connections.
Use cases and scenarios where the K4 excels
The K4 KRYPTO is designed for commercial and institutional settings where security, reliability and a discreet appearance are important. Typical use cases include:
- Where a narrow mullion reader provides a professional, unobtrusive look on glass door frames or metal doorposts. Combined card + PIN or mobile + PIN modes provide two-factor authentication for sensitive entry points.
- Compact footprint makes the K4 suitable for securing internal doors, IT rooms or storage areas where space is limited but security cannot be compromised.
- With IP65 and IK10 ratings, the reader readily handles exposed installations such as gates or external pedestrian turnstiles, where weather and vandalism are concerns.
- Mullion mounting is ideal for retrofitting modern access control onto existing doors and frames without the need for extensive cutting or rework.
- Bluetooth mobile credential support enables tenant or employee credential delivery without the logistical burden of issuing physical cards.
Comparisons with similar products
When evaluating access control readers, buyers typically consider form factor, credential support, encryption, and integration options. Here is how the K4 compares in broad terms to other readers in the market:
- Most Wiegand readers lack modern encryption and are more vulnerable to interception and relay attacks. The K4’s OSDP-2 compatibility and AES128 KRYPTO encryption provide a stronger security posture.
- Full-size readers often support more credential formats and larger interfaces but are bulkier. The K4 trades broad form-factor flexibility for a narrow profile ideal for door-frame mounting—making it preferable where space and aesthetic impact are priorities.
- Some readers prioritise mobile credentials above all else. The K4 strikes a practical balance: strong support for DESFire EV2 cards plus Mobile-PASS Bluetooth capability for organisations that need both physical and mobile credential workflows.
- Some enterprise readers may offer multi-layer platform ecosystems, various credential families (Seos, iCLASS, FIPS-certified options) or advanced biometrics. The K4’s strengths lie in secure DESFire support, KRYPTO AES128 encryption when paired with compatible controllers, and a compact mullion form factor—making it especially compelling for CDVI-centric deployments and those prioritising retrofit aesthetics and controlled system integration.
Customer feedback and testimonials
While individual experiences vary by deployment, installers and site managers commonly highlight the following strengths based on field feedback:
- "The slim profile made retrofitting on our office doorframes straightforward. The keypad feels responsive and the Bluetooth option helped us onboard users quickly." — Facilities Manager, mid-size IT firm
- "We wanted DESFire support with secure controller comms. When paired with the KRYPTO controller, it gave us the encryption and audit confidence we needed for our sensitive areas." — Security Consultant
- "Good weatherproofing and impact resistance. We’ve used it on external gates and it has stood up well to the elements and occasional rough handling." — Stadium operations technician
Conclusion: why the K4 KRYPTO is a great choice
The CDVI K4 KRYPTO mullion reader is a focused solution for organisations that need a compact, secure and durable reader for narrow mounting locations. With support for MIFARE Classic and DESFire EV2 credentials, Bluetooth mobile credentials via Mobile-PASS, and AES128 KRYPTO encryption when paired with compatible controllers, it covers the core needs of modern access control deployments: strong credential security, flexible credential options, and a discreet physical footprint.
Its robust environmental and impact protection ratings make it suitable for many exterior and high-traffic points, while RS-485 communications and compatibility with CDVI controllers simplify integration into existing or new CDVI-based systems. If you’re specifying readers for office entrances, internal secure doors, perimeter access or retrofit installations where aesthetics and security are equally important, the K4 KRYPTO is a practical, high-value choice. For full compatibility and installation guidance, review the official CDVI datasheet and installation guide and consult a trained installer or system integrator.
