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"The relative symmetry of a key's shape makes its orientation difficult to discern at first glance," writes Nendo, explaining the design of their L-Door Key. "When the bow becomes L-shaped, however, the principle of leverage enables the user to turn the key effortlessly, like a hex key."
"Further, the asymmetrical shape allows for easy identification of the key's top and bottom, front and back, so users with low vision can feel the key's correct orientation in their pockets or in unlit areas with only their fingertips."
It's an interesting concept, and Nendo says that "The design does not add elements to standard keys but instead structurally shifts the bow off center for operation, so the key is neither wider nor bulkier than usual." Even still, I do wonder how this would sit in one's pocket.
I’m a lapsed industrial designer. I was born in NYC and figured I’d die there, but a few years ago I abandoned New York to live on a farm in the countryside with my wife. We have six dogs.
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Nendo Reshapes the Key
If torque is ever an issue turning a key, you'll most likely be breaking it off.
From a physics perspective, it doesn't actually provide any mechanical advantage: with a standard key, I can provide force on either side of the lever arm, so torque T = (2*F)*d. With their design, I can provide the same force on one side of a lever arm twice as long, T = F*(2*d). Same difference.
I get the accessibility benefit though, that's nice.
This guy physics...
well that's actually pretty interesting.....
Quite a few vintage VW keys have an asymmetrical "handle." Many examples here: https://www.wolfsburgwest.com/wolfsburg_new/door_components/door_keys.cfm?type=2
also, there might be less material waste from manufacturing. I suspect this shape [edit]
My Kubota tractor key is L-shaped and works great for the reasons listed here.