Combination non-programmable and programmable key for security device

A key for a security device having a mechanical lock for locking the security device to a display support or for locking an item of merchandise on the security device and a sensor electrically connected to a monitoring circuit that is operatively coupled to an alarm for indicating a security threat to the security device or to the item of merchandise, the key comprising:

• a housing defining an interior cavity;
• a non-programmable portion at least partially disposed within the interior cavity for unlocking the mechanical lock of the security device;
• and
• a programmable portion at least partially disposed within the interior cavity for disarming the monitoring circuit of the security device to thereby prevent the alarm from indicating the security threat, the programmable portion comprising a contact strip, a contact switch operatively coupled to the contact strip, and at least one biasing member for biasing the contact strip such that the contact switch is in one of an opened position and a closed position.

A combination non-programmable and programmable key for a security device, comprising:

• a housing;
• a non-programmable portion disposed at least partially within the housing operable for unlocking a mechanical lock of the security device;
• and
• a programmable portion disposed at least partially within the housing operable for independently arming and disarming a monitoring circuit that is in electrical communication with a sensor and operatively coupled to an alarm,
• wherein the alarm provides an alarm signal if the security device is separated from a display support or if an item of merchandise displayed on the security device is removed from the security device when the monitoring circuit is armed by the programmable portion of the key.