125KHz USB RFID Card Reader – EM4100 TK4100 Plug & Play
125KHz USB RFID Card Reader – Plug & Play for Windows & Linux
Effortlessly read 125KHz RFID cards with this compact, driverless USB card reader. Compatible with EM4100 and TK4100 card formats, it connects instantly via USB and acts as an automatic keyboard input device — no drivers, no external power supply required. Simply plug it in and start scanning. Made in Mainland China.
Key Features
- Plug & Play: No driver installation needed — works immediately on Windows and Linux operating systems.
- USB Powered: Draws power directly from your PC's USB port — no additional power adapter required.
- Wide Compatibility: Reads EM4100 and TK4100 format contactless RFID cards and key fobs at 125KHz frequency.
- Automatic Keyboard Emulation: Outputs the card's serial number directly to any active text field, just like keyboard input.
- LED & Buzzer Feedback: Instant audio and visual indication upon successful card read.
- Read & Write Capable: Reads EM card ID numbers and can write data to EM-format cards.
- Compact & Slim Design: Measures just 104 × 68 × 10mm — lightweight and easy to place on any desk or counter.
- Generous Read Range: Detects cards at up to 8cm (approximately 3 inches) for convenient, contactless scanning.
- Versatile Applications: Ideal for access control, hotel door lock systems, attendance management, canteen/consumption systems, and asset tracking.
Technical Specifications
| Frequency | 125KHz |
| Supported Card Types | EM4100, TK4100 |
| Interface | USB |
| Power Input | USB from PC (no external power needed) |
| Working Distance | Up to 8cm |
| Dimensions | 104 × 68 × 10mm |
| USB Cable Length | Approx. 140cm |
| Color | Black |
| Audio/Visual Indication | LED and Buzzer |
| Security Mode | Fail Secure |
| OS Compatibility | Windows, Linux |
| Model Number | R20D / R20C |
| Origin | Made in Mainland China |
Who Is This For?
This RFID card reader is perfect for IT administrators, small business owners, developers, and security professionals looking for a simple, no-fuss solution for card-based identification, time and attendance tracking, or access control management. Its keyboard emulation mode makes it instantly compatible with virtually any software — no SDK or custom integration needed out of the box.
For more information on RFID technology and contactless card standards, visit the NIST Guidelines for Securing RFID Systems.
Learn more: Firewall (computing)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does this 125KHz USB RFID card reader require driver installation?
A: No. This reader is completely driverless and plug-and-play. Simply connect it to a USB port on your Windows or Linux computer and it will be recognized automatically as a keyboard input device — no software or driver installation is required.
Q: What RFID card types are compatible with this reader?
A: This reader supports 125KHz passive RFID cards and key fobs in EM4100 and TK4100 formats. These are among the most widely used card formats in access control, hotel lock, and attendance management systems.
Q: How does the reader output the card data to my computer?
A: The reader emulates a standard USB keyboard. When a compatible card is brought within range (up to 8cm), the reader automatically types the card's unique ID number into any active text field or application — just as if you had typed it on your keyboard. This makes it compatible with virtually any software.
Q: Can this reader write data to RFID cards as well as read them?
A: Yes. In addition to reading EM card ID numbers, this unit supports writing data to EM-format cards, making it suitable for card enrollment and management tasks when used with compatible software.
Q: What are common use cases for this 125KHz RFID USB reader?
A: This reader is widely used for office and building access control, hotel door lock systems, employee attendance and time tracking, canteen or consumption management systems, library check-in, and asset identification workflows.