A computer system performs a technique for reducing memory usage when a key-value store is being implemented. A first key associated with data is received. A block address of a block of keys is obtained from memory. The block of keys is stored on disk storage, and the keys in the block of keys correspond to respective values stored on the disk storage. The block of keys is obtained from the disk storage using the block address. A second key in the block of keys is located. Locating the second key includes determining that the second key matches the first key. A value of the respective values is obtained using the second key.