Keycard Announces Pre-Sale Of Shell, The Next-Generation Open-Source Hardware Wallet

Keycard, a hardware wallet company backed by the Status team, announced today the launch of its pre-sale for Shell.

Shell is a groundbreaking, fully open-source hardware wallet designed with a focus on transparency, modularity, and exceptional security. With a focus on modularity, transparency, and robust security, Shell allows users to manage multiple wallets using interchangeable smart cards effortlessly, referred to as Keycards, for enhanced convenience and safety. Notably, early supporters can now pre-order Shell. The wallet comes bundled with two Keycards at an exclusive discount. This is in addition to providing users access to special pre-launch rewards ahead of the global release scheduled for October 2025. Shell also comes.

Many existing hardware wallets claim to be transparent and open-source; however, numerous options fall short, often relying on closed-source components, exportable keys, or upgradeable secure elements that compromise user trust. Shell aims to establish a new standard in wallet architecture.

Commenting on the launch, Guy-Louis Grau, Project Lead at Keycar,d stated: 

“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 not just about security—it’s built for those who want absolute, verifiable control over their hardware and digital assets. Every aspect, from the chip software to the hardware layout and even the 3D-printable casing, is fully transparent and customizable, offering a level of openness that surpasses the leading competitors.

Shell further enhances its security by using multiple stealth smart cards. These allow users to store various seed phrases or secure backups, ensuring that even if one card is lost, the others remain protected.

Shell operates entirely air-gapped, using an integrated camera and QR-code interface to sign transactions safely. There’s no need for USB, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi connections, drastically reducing the risk of digital compromise.

To defend against physical threats, Shell includes a duress PIN, which offers a separate code that can be used under coercion to protect real data.

Designed for flexibility, Shell is compatible with a wide range of wallets, including major EVM and Bitcoin options such as MetaMask, Rabby, Backpack, imToken, UniSat, and BlueWallet, all through QR-based signing.

Its future-proof design includes an easily replaceable battery and upgradable Keycards, allowing the device to evolve with emerging cryptographic standards—something most competitors can’t offer.

The pre-sale is now live.  The wallet is offering all users exclusive perks, including a discounted Shell bundle that includes two Keycards. Users will also enjoy KARMA rewards from the Status Network, which can be earned for participating in the growing ecosystem.

Shell operates using Keycard, an EAL 6+ certified, open-source smart card designed to securely sign transactions and store keys internally, ensuring that sensitive information never leaves the secure hardware environment. Additionally, the Keycard firmware is intentionally non-upgradable, offering long-term assurance that the device’s functionality will remain consistent after manufacturing.

Keycard is a subsidiary of Status, a recognized leader in the cryptocurrency space, renowned for its commitment to privacy, security, and decentralization. Building on the foundation of the trusted Status mobile wallet and innovative hardware solutions like Shell, Keycard remains dedicated to developing tools that empower users and adapt to the evolving needs of the global crypto community.