> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://warframe-disruption.gitbook.io/disruption-guide/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://warframe-disruption.gitbook.io/disruption-guide/documentation/basics/using-and-keeping-keys.md).

# Using and keeping keys

## Using Key

Using a key is straightforward, pick it up and insert it into its <mark style="color:violet;">corresponding</mark> conduit. One optimization worth noting: if you're near a group of enemies, <mark style="color:violet;">clearing them</mark> before inserting may drop an <mark style="color:violet;">extra key</mark>, though only if it doesn't cost more time than just inserting directly.

## Manage Key

If you drop <mark style="color:violet;">2 keys</mark>, hold one with your <mark style="color:violet;">Warframe</mark> and one with your <mark style="color:violet;">Operator</mark> (→ [Dropping keys](/disruption-guide/documentation/basics/dropping-keys.md#tenno-version)). Note that switching to your Warframe while your Operator holds a key will cause it to <mark style="color:violet;">drop</mark>.

### Storing keys

Placing a key in a conduit <mark style="color:violet;">despawns all ground keys</mark> of the <mark style="color:violet;">same color</mark> — but held keys are safe. If a second ground key of the same color exists, another player (or your Operator) can hold it briefly to prevent it from <mark style="color:violet;">despawning</mark>.

### End of round

<mark style="color:violet;">Killing</mark> the last Demolisher <mark style="color:violet;">despawns all ground keys</mark>. Holding extra keys prevents this loss and carries them into the next round — holding <mark style="color:violet;">2–3 extra keys</mark> can enable sub-20-second rounds.

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