Xhorse XT27A vs Keydiy D26 Super Chip

For years, the Xhorse VVDI Super Chip XT27A has been the dominant, go-to multi-transponder for its versatility and reliability. This review, based on extensive testing with the Keydiy KDX4 tool, pits the new Keydiy Super Chip KD26 against the established XT27A to see if it’s a worthy competitor or a late arrival to the party.

 

First Look: Setup and User Experience

To use the KD26 with the KD-X4 tool, a firmware update to version 1.38 or higher is required. This update promises optimizations specifically for the KD26, including improved generation of 8A type chips and 4D decoding.

A key differentiator is the user workflow.

The XT27A is known for its straightforward process: you often select the target vehicle, and it generates the chip directly.

The KD26, however, frequently requires a two-step “pre-load” process. For many chip types, especially complex ones like the Toyota 72G (a 4D-80bit chip), you must first configure the KD26 to a general type (e.g., “4D 80bit”) and then go to a separate menu to generate the specific vehicle profile. This adds an extra layer of complexity and is less intuitive than the XT27A’s direct approach.

 

Performance and Compatibility

1. Chip Generation and Versatility

XT27A: Offers a mature, broad, and well-organized menu. It has extensive list for brands like Nissan, with many specific models listed. It reliably generates a wide array of chips without significant issues.

XT27A Supports generating:

• ID 11
• ID 12
• ID 13
• PCF7935- (ID33,40,41,42,43,44)
• PCF7936- (ID46)
• PCF7937
• PCF7938- (ID47)
• PCF7939- (ID49)
• PCF7946
• CR 48
• ID 4C 
• ID 4D- (ID60,63) 
• ID 4D (80) – (ID70,83, G)
• ID 4E- (ID64)
• ID 8A- (H)
• ID 8C
• ID 8E

 

KD26: It successfully generated common chips like the ID48 (TP23) and ID46 (7936) without issue. However, its menu for some brands (like Nissan) was noted as being less comprehensive (“a little poor”) compared to the XT27A. It also lacks some specific options, such as the “Circul Plus” for Chevrolet.

2. Handling 4D Chips (Toyota, Chrysler, Mazda)
This is where the most significant differences and issues were found.

XT27A: Proven and stable. It correctly identifies and generates 4D chips like the ID64 for Chrysler/Jeep without problems.

KD26: Demonstrated instability and incorrect generation:

Incorrect Configuration: When generated for an ID64 (Chrysler/Jeep), the KD26 was sometimes misidentified by other tools as a 4C or a DST40 instead of a 4D chip.

Blank Data: The generated ID64 chip often had critical data pages (like User and Password) set to zeros, which would prevent it from working correctly in a vehicle without manual editing—a complex and error-prone process.

Blocking Issues: During testing, the KD26 occasionally became “blocked” when attempting to generate certain 4D types, requiring a reset function before it could be used again.

 

3. Physical Design and Price

XT27A: Is a known commodity, widely available, and has a very accessible price point.

KD26: Is reportedly being sold at a price premium over the XT27A

 

Based on this hands-on testing, the conclusion is clear:

Stick with the Xhorse XT27A.

The Keydiy KD26 arrives late to the market and offers no compelling advantages. In fact, it falls short in several key areas:

Less Mature Software: The requirement for a pre-load configuration and less intuitive menus make it slower and more complicated to use.

Performance Issues: Its unreliability with critical 4D chips like the ID64 makes it a risk for professional use.

Higher Price: It costs more than the proven and cheaper XT27A.

No New Capabilities: It doesn’t support any new vehicle protocols that aren’t already covered by the XT27A or other, more specialized chips like the AT1 (which can handle newer 4A-type chips).

For locksmiths and technicians who already own tools like the Xhorse Mini BBDI or Key Tool Max that support the XT27A, investing in the KD26 ecosystem (like the KDX4) is difficult to justify. The XT27A remains the more stable, cost-effective, and widely supported workhorse for the vast majority of jobs. The KD26 has significant maturing to do before it can be considered a viable alternative.