For artists, small businesses, and fans, two of the most popular custom merch items are acrylic keychains and enamel pins. Both are affordable, collectible, and perfect for conventions, online shops, or brand giveaways. But when it comes down to choosing between acrylic keychains vs enamel pins, which is the better fit for your project?
At Pinlord.com, we’ve worked with thousands of artists and makers to bring their designs to life — and here’s what we’ve learned about the pros and cons of each.
🔑 Quick Links
🎨 What Are Acrylic Keychains?
Acrylic keychains are created by printing designs onto clear or colored acrylic plastic, sometimes finished with epoxy for extra durability.
- ✅ Lightweight & affordable
- ✅ Full-color printing (gradients, photos, detailed artwork)
- ✅ Special effects: holographic, glitter, shaker charms, epoxy domes
- ✅ Huge in anime and fan-art communities
👉 If your artwork is colorful, detailed, or photo-like, custom acrylic keychains are a great way to showcase it while keeping costs low.
🎨 What Are Enamel Pins?
Enamel pins are made from die-cut metal, filled with enamel paint, polished, and plated in finishes like gold, silver, or black nickel.
- ✅ Durable, premium, and collectible
- ✅ Options for soft enamel (textured) or hard enamel (smooth, polished)
- ✅ Specialty effects: glitter enamel, glow-in-the-dark, translucent fills, dual plating
- ✅ Perfect for fashion, conventions, and limited edition drops
👉 For a timeless product that feels high-quality and collectible, check out custom enamel pins.
🖌 Customization Options
| Feature | Acrylic Keychains | Enamel Pins |
|---|---|---|
| Printing | Full-color, gradients, photos | Pantone-matched solid fills |
| Special Effects | Glitter, holo, shaker, epoxy dome | Glitter enamel, glow-in-the-dark, translucent enamel, dual plating |
| Shapes | Laser-cut custom shapes | Custom die-cut molds, 2D/3D options |
| Packaging | Keyrings, clasps, custom cards | Backing cards, eco-packaging, velvet boxes |
💡 Verdict: Acrylic charms give you more flexibility for full-color artwork, while enamel pins offer a more premium, collector-grade product.
💪 Durability & Longevity
- Acrylic Keychains: Scratch-resistant but lighter weight; they may show wear if used daily on keys or bags.
- Enamel Pins: Extremely durable — often lasting decades. Collectors love their long-term value.
👉 Pins win for long-term keepsakes, while keychains shine for fun, affordable merch.
💲 Pricing Differences
- Acrylic Keychains: ~$0.80–$2.00 per piece depending on size, finishes, and order volume.
- Enamel Pins: ~$1.75–$3.00 per piece depending on plating, size, and effects.
👉 Keychains are generally cheaper, making them great for giveaways, while pins feel premium and sell for higher margins.
For accurate quotes, check:
🎯 Best Use Cases
Acrylic Keychains
- Anime & fan-art conventions
- Colorful, photo-heavy designs
- Affordable Patreon/Kickstarter rewards
- Event giveaways & bulk merch
Enamel Pins
- Fashion/lifestyle branding
- Limited edition artist drops
- Collector communities
- Charity awareness & corporate gifting
🏆 Where to Order
When choosing between acrylic keychains vs enamel pins, here are the top recommended manufacturers for 2025:
- Pinlord.com 🌍 — Best for artist-first, community-driven merch. Certified B-Corp, active Instagram community, retail & convention presence.
- YourStuffMade.com 🌍 — Broad catalog + 24/7 support.
- Vograce 🇨🇳 — Budget-friendly, big in anime & acrylic charms.
- WizardPins 🇺🇸 — Quick B2B orders, transparent quotes.
- Made By Cooper 🇬🇧 — Local UK supplier, higher price point.
🔑 Final Verdict – Acrylic Keychains vs Enamel Pins
Both products have their place in the world of artist merch:
- Choose acrylic keychains if you want affordable, colorful, and versatile merch perfect for conventions, giveaways, or fan-art.
- Choose enamel pins if you want durable, premium collectibles with long-term appeal.
👉 Pro tip: Many successful artists and small businesses offer both — acrylic keychains as fun, low-cost buys, and enamel pins as premium items for collectors.
Ready to create your own? Explore Pinlord.com’s custom product catalog and turn your designs into products fans will love.
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