As you can probably guess, KeyMod gets its name from the keyhole shaped slots that it uses. You can even mount picatinny rails onto a handguard where you need as well. This system was designed so that any accessories could be mounted directly onto the rail, unlike the Picatinny that had to be attached to the handguard first. Their hope was to standardize the attachment system, and they even left it as an open source design in order to allow other companies to make rails and accessories. KeyMod was originally developed as a collaboration between Noveske Rifleworks and VLTOR Weapon Systems in 2012. Both the M-LOK and KeyMod systems have grown in popularity since their inception, but what are the differences between the two? And is one better than the other? KeyMod

All of these problems brought along the next generations of mounting systems: M-LOK and KeyMod.īoth of these mounting systems use a slot system rather than the rail system of the Picatinny, which means a smoother surface and even more mounting options. In addition to plenty of extra weight and bulk, many shooters will complain about the rough feeling it has in the hand.

While it does work, it does have drawbacks. For many years, the picatinny rail was the gold standard for attaching things like lights, lasers, grips and other accessories to firearms.

Attaching keymod accessories