Key
From SpiralKnights
A key is an item that can be used to unlock locked containers or areas. These items show up in the player's arsenal. The key section doesn't show up in the Arsenal if the player doesn't own any keys.
Silver Key
A special key that can open any lockbox. Silver Keys can be bought from the Supply Depot or Kozma for 750 energy, and are destroyed once used.
Silver keys are tradeable and can be sold in the Auction House.
Shadow Key
A special key that can unlock the elevators into the Shadow Lair. It is obtained from Iron Lockboxes or the Supply Depot or Kozma for 1800 CE each. Only one is needed per party to unlock the Shadow Lair elevator, but is destroyed upon use.
Shadow keys are tradeable and can be sold in the Auction House.
Notes
To date, there are two types of keys that a player can have in their arsenal.
The "Golden Key" object found in the clockworks does not go into the player's arsenal. It is an object encountered in the clockworks that simply serves as a means to progress through levels (or in some cases to access loot), similar to status and switches.
