Some manufacturers support customized keyway fool-proof design (such as A/B key), which can avoid misplugging of connectors with the same size but different core counts/pin definitions, improving connection accuracy.
The conventional standard version of M9 connectors only has basic pin-socket anti-reverse design, without additional customized keyway structure, which meets the general use requirements of most scenarios.
Technical Note: The keyway fool-proof design is a value-added customization option, which is mainly used in scenarios with high requirements for connection accuracy and multiple types of M9 connectors in the same equipment system.