Hopping Key by Bond Lee, Wenzi, and MS Magic

Created by: Bond Lee, Wenzi, MS Magic

Hopping Key is a close-up magic trick that transforms the classic 'Hopping Halves' coin routine into a modern, practical performance using everyday keys. Spectators see two keys—one gold and one silver—visually jump between the performer's hand and pocket, with effects including vanishes, reappearances, color changes, transpositions, and splits, all culminating in a final vanish or unexpected reappearance (e.g., in a card box). Designed for impromptu and walk-around settings, it's an everyday carry item that attaches to a keychain, making it highly portable and ideal for magicians who enjoy interactive, visual magic with relatable objects. Buyers should note it requires basic misdirection and pocket space for resets, and it comes with a gimmicked set of keys and video instructions.

Key features

Adapts the classic Hopping Halves effect for keys, offering a fresh twist on a proven routine
Allows for multiple effects (vanishes, appearances, changes, transpositions) without resetting between phases
Compact and practical design, attachable to a keychain for everyday carry and impromptu performances
Forgiving angles and easy to learn, suitable for magicians of various skill levels
Includes a gimmicked set of keys and video instructions, though some reviews note the video may be brief

Pros

Versatile tool for creating numerous effects beyond a single routine
Strong visual impact and audience engagement due to the use of familiar objects
Quick reset and minimal pocket space required, ideal for walk-around or street magic
Well-made and realistic keys that spectators are unlikely to question
Encourages creativity with potential for expanded routines and narratives

Cons

Relies heavily on a specific flourish (e.g., snap) which might limit versatility for some performers
Video instruction is relatively short (9 minutes) for the price point, potentially lacking depth
Requires basic misdirection and pocket management, which may not suit all performance styles

Effect

The Hopping Key trick presents two keys, one gold and one silver, that appear to magically jump between the performer's hand and pocket. The keys vanish and reappear multiple times, sometimes changing places or colors, and can even split apart. The routine often ends with both keys completely disappearing, only to be found in an unexpected location, like a card box. The effect is visual, interactive, and uses a familiar object that audiences connect with easily.

Full details

Hopping Key is a modern adaptation of the classic hopping halves coin routine, redesigned for keys. The set includes six gimmicked keys, with a gold and silver key as the primary focus. These keys are well-made and look realistic, so spectators do not question their authenticity. The trick allows for multiple effects without resetting, including color changes, transpositions, splits, and vanishes. It comes with a video tutorial that demonstrates the routine. The prop is compact and can be attached to a keychain, making it practical for everyday carry and impromptu performances.

Who should consider the trick

This trick suits magicians who enjoy prop-based magic with a strong visual payoff. It is ideal for close-up and walk-around performers who want an organic effect using everyday objects. Magicians who like coin magic but seek a fresh twist will find Hopping Key appealing. It is also good for those who value versatility, as the prop enables multiple routines beyond a single trick.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

Hopping Key is easy to learn. The routine relies on a single move repeated several times, and the reset is quick. The angles are forgiving, but basic misdirection is needed. The trick requires minimal pocket space. Performers with experience in coin magic may find it simpler to handle. Blake Aleong notes the method is practical and well-made, while David from Magic Orthodoxy emphasizes that the effect is visually striking despite its simplicity.

What magicians say

Blake Aleong states, "Hopping Key is not just one trick but a tool for creating various effects." He praises its versatility and modern construction. David calls the effect a "stunner" and compares it to a routine that fooled Penn & Teller. He notes the video instruction is brief but believes creative magicians can develop their own presentations. Craig Petty demonstrates expanded routines using basic coin moves, showing the prop's potential for interactive and humorous performances. Reviewers consistently highlight the strong visual impact, practicality for impromptu use, and the value of having multiple effects in one prop.

What people are saying about Hopping Key

BAM_magic says...

This modern version of the classic hopping halves effect is designed for keys, allowing for appearances, vanishes, changes, and transpositions without resetting. It's a versatile tool for creating multiple effects.

EverythingMagicPro99 says...

The Hopping Key set includes two keys that allow for multiple effects: color changes, transpositions, splits, and vanishes. It's easy to learn with a quick reset, making it ideal for walk-around or street magic.

magicorthodoxy says...

The effect is a stunner, with keys repeatedly vanishing and reappearing, culminating in a final disappearance. It's visually striking and easy to perform, though the video instruction is somewhat brief for the price.

magic-tv says...

The 'Hopping Key' routine involves two keys that teleport with a snap flourish, building to a finale where both keys vanish and reappear in an unexpected location. It's ideal for performers who enjoy interactive and visual magic.