Keycard Launches Pre-Sale for Shell – The Most Open, Modular Hardware Wallet to Date

April 23, 2025 – Zug, Switzerland

Keycard, a hardware wallet company backed by the Status team, is proud to announce the pre-sale launch of Shell, a revolutionary, fully open-source hardware wallet.

Designed with modularity, transparency and uncompromising security at its core, Shell enables users to seamlessly manage multiple wallets through interchangeable smart cards – called Keycards – for enhanced convenience and safety.

Early supporters can now pre-order Shell bundled with two Keycards at a discounted rate and gain access to exclusive pre-launch rewards ahead of its global release in October 2025.

Redefining the hardware wallet architecture

Current hardware wallets often market themselves as transparent and open source, yet many lack true transparency in their designs – relying on closed-source components, exportable keys or upgradeable secure elements that weaken user trust.

Shell sets a new benchmark in wallet architecture.

Guy-Louis Grau, project lead at Keycard, said,

“Hardware wallets need a complete rethink.

“Users rarely realize that most hardware wallets allow private keys to be exported outside secure elements or rely on upgradable secure elements – both of which compromise the integrity and transparency of the device.”

Shell is powered by Keycard, an EAL6+ certified, open-source smart card that signs transactions and stores keys internally – ensuring they never leave secure hardware.

Moreover, Keycard firmware is not upgradable by design, providing long-term assurance that the device behavior will never change post-manufacture.

Shell – Built for transparency, security and control

Shell is about more than security – it’s designed for those who demand verifiable control over their hardware and digital assets.

• 100% open source – Every layer – from chip software to hardware layout and 3D-printable casing – is verifiable and customizable, exceeding the transparency of leading competitors.
• Multiple stealth smart cards – Users can store multiple seed phrases, or use backup cards safely – even if one card is lost, others remain secure.
• Air-gapped operation – Users can sign transactions safely using Shell’s integrated camera and QR-code interface – no USB, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection to devices required.
• Duress PIN support – Defends against physical coercion with a second PIN.
• Cross-wallet compatibility – Works seamlessly with major EVM and Bitcoin wallets like MetaMask, Rabby, BackPack, imToken, UniSat, BlueWallet and more using QR-based signing.
• Future-proof design – Easily replaceable battery extends the device life, and upgradable Keycards mean Shell adapts as cryptographic standards evolve – unlike most competitors.

Pre-sale now live – Limited perks for early adopters

Customers who join the pre-sale will receive the following.

• A discounted Shell bundle with two Keycards
• Status network KARMA rewards for participating in the growing ecosystem

To reserve a Shell wallet and secure pre-launch rewards, users can join the pre-launch here.

About Keycard

Keycard is a proud subsidiary of Status, a pioneer in the crypto industry known for its trusted products like the Status mobile wallet.

With a focus on security, privacy and user empowerment, Keycard continues to build hardware solutions that meet the evolving needs of the global crypto community.

Users can visit the website.

Contact

Laura Guzik, PR for Status