Yeah, I don't want to pay three times the cost of the old key for what sounds an inferior product.

Yes, I agree that in magic, as with most other things, money talks - but basically I don'thave the cash to buy nice things for a hobby - which is why the extra expense of magic inthe UK is often quite irritating .

I think my best bet is the slow search for an appropriate key, but it's weird to be priced out of doing the haunted key effect, lol

It's easier with a specially-designed key, but you really don't need it. The effect goes back at least as far as 1935, long before (I assume) Royal and Magic Makers existed.

True that I'll be hunting out my own key, then.

Odd suggestion ... Look at bottle openers, too. There's a few that are key-shaped that are actually weighted really well for the method.

Also, it doesn't have to be a key.

Interesting suggestion. I found that claw-back scratchers can work really well . But I'm specifically looking for something that fits in my pocket and is attached to my key ring a s a portable any time effect, which makes a key an obvious choice. But I'll certainly keep open to other suggestions