A keyway illumination system is operable with different keys to enable illumination of a keyway when a matching key approaches to enhance visibility of the keyway. A smart key case detachably couples to the key to provide a gripping surface for applying torque to key, and electrical components to actuate illumination of the keyway. The key case includes a receiver, a power switch, a mode switch, and a PCB motion sensor mechanism that deactivates illumination of the key case when sensing proximity to keyway. A slave module attaches adjacently to the keyway and communicates with the key case. A light torch emits a beam of light onto the keyway. A photoresistor detects presence of light from the key case to determine activation or deactivation of light torch. Verification that the key is engaging a matching keyway is possible by matching LED colors of the key case and slave module.