The opening Premiership win follows two British & Irish Cup victories and a string of pre-season successes.
Despite defeat, there were some promising signs for Swansea as they ran Greg Woods’ side close for the full 80 minutes.
After finishing bottom last year, the only way is up for a Swansea who undoubtedly have plenty of talent.
And if centre Aled Jenkins, who was Swansea’s man of the match against Keys, continues the impressive form he showed on Saturday, the all Whites should be OK.
After a scrappy opening 40 minutes, it was Keys who led 9-6 with the first half turning into a battle of the goal-kickers.
Wales Under 18 fly-half Angus O’Brien kicked Keys into a 6-0 lead and saw a third penalty sandwiched between two kicks from Swansea’s Nicky Thomas.
It was nip and tuck with little between the sides but O’Brien was on target at the start of the second before Cross Keys lock Dan Hodge went over for the opening try in the right corner.
Swansea finished strongly with a converted try from wing Richard Williams but not even two Cross Keys yellow cards in the space of a minute could get them back into the game.
