Keri Systems MS Format (MicroStar) Compatible Cards & Fobs
Keri MS (MicroStar) is a proprietary 125 kHz proximity format used exclusively with Keri MicroStar readers and PXL-500P Tiger controllers, one of the most widely deployed legacy formats in North American commercial buildings.
The Keri MS format is Keri Systems' legacy proprietary 125 kHz protocol, designed for their MicroStar reader line and PXL-500P controller infrastructure — one of the most widely installed access control platforms in North America. Because Keri has kept the format specifications confidential, very few non-OEM suppliers offer compatible credentials, creating strong demand for value-priced alternatives like ours.
Keri Systems MS Format (MicroStar) specifications
- Brand / OEM
- Keri Systems
- Technology
- Passive RFID proximity (Keri proprietary)
- Frequency
- 125 kHz
- Chip
- Keri proprietary MS-format IC (also reads Indala ASP credentials on PXL-500; cloneable with correct format emulator)
- Bit formats
- Keri MS (MicroStar) proprietary format — bit structure not publicly documented; exclusive to Keri MS-series readers and PXL-500 Tiger controllers
- OEM part numbers
- KC-10X, MT-10X, PKT-10X, MT-10XP
Our compatible Keri Systems MS Format (MicroStar) credentials
American Key Cards manufactures non-OEM credentials engineered to work with your existing Keri Systems readers — no hardware changes, encoded to your facility code and card-number range.
Can Keri Systems MS Format (MicroStar) cards be copied?
Keri Systems MS Format (MicroStar) is an open format, so a compatible card can be produced from your facility code and card number. We don't copy individual cards on request — we manufacture new, correctly-encoded credentials for systems you own or manage.
125 kHz proximity operating at low frequency — while the bit structure is proprietary and not published, the protocol has been reverse-engineered in the security research community. Cloning is possible with tools such as Proxmark3. Suitable for commercial access control where cryptographic credential security is not required.
Where Keri Systems MS Format (MicroStar) is used
- Commercial buildings with Keri PXL-500P Tiger controllers and MS-series readers
- Retail and small business installations using Keri MicroStar readers
- Multi-tenant office buildings on legacy Keri MS infrastructure
- Badge replacement programs for Keri MS deployments
Compatible readers
Keri Systems MS Format (MicroStar) guides
Keri MS Format vs. Keri 26-Bit: Which System Do You Have?
Keri PXL-500P uses MS format cards. Keri PXL-250 and IntelliProx 2000 use standard 26-bit. Order the wrong type and nothing reads. Confirm your Keri format before you buy.
Keri MicroStar MS Format Card Replacement Guide
Keri MS format cards are nearly impossible to source outside OEM channels. Learn which readers need them and how to order compatible aftermarket replacements.
Related formats
You might also need
Keri Systems PXL-250 / Keri Classic 26-bit (K-Format)
Keri Systems 26-bit (KC-26X / PSK-3) cards use the industry-standard H10301 Wiegand format, compatible with Keri IntelliProx 2000 controllers and any standard Wiegand reader.
View compatible cardsIndala FlexPass 26-Bit
Indala FlexPass 26-bit is a 125 kHz proximity card format using PSK modulation — architecturally distinct from HID Prox — with Wiegand output supporting 255 facility codes and up to 65,535 card numbers per site.
View compatible cardsKeri Systems NXT
Keri Systems NXT is a proprietary 125 kHz proximity format with encrypted card-to-reader communication used exclusively with Keri's NetXtreme reader line.
View compatible cardsKeri Systems MS Format (MicroStar) — FAQ
What readers use the Keri MS format?
Keri MS format is used exclusively with the Keri MicroStar reader family (MS-3000, MS-5000, MS-7000, MS-4000) connected to a Keri PXL-500P or PXL-500W Tiger controller. It is not compatible with standard Wiegand readers.
Can Keri MS cards also read Indala credentials?
Keri MS readers can read Indala ASP cards when paired with a PXL-500 controller — the PXL-500 supports Indala ASP as a secondary credential type. However, Keri MS and Indala are distinct formats; our Keri MS-compatible cards work specifically with the Keri MS reader protocol.
How do I know if my building uses Keri MS format vs. Keri 26-bit?
Check your reader model: Keri MS-series readers (MS-3000, MS-5000, etc.) use the MS proprietary format, while readers labeled 'P-710H', 'P-900H', or generic Wiegand readers use 26-bit format. Your controller type is also a reliable indicator — PXL-500P means MS format.