Something is key "to" / "in" doing something.

[sunsunmoon]

- Something is key to doing something.
- Something is key in doing something.

Do these mean the same thing?

Merriam-Webster's Learner's Dictionary
▪ Their votes were key in getting the bill passed.

Wikipedia:Etiquette - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Treating others with respect is key to collaborating effectively in building an international online encyclopedia.

 

[billmcd]

- Something is key to doing something.
- Something is key in doing something.

Do these mean the same thing?

Merriam-Webster's Learner's Dictionary
▪ Their votes were key in getting the bill passed.

Wikipedia:Etiquette - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Treating others with respect is key to collaborating effectively in building an international online encyclopedia.

Yes, either could be used in either of your examples.

 

[BobK]

Yes, either could be used in either of your examples.

...but be aware that some speakers of Br Eng are a bit sniffy about 'key' as an adjective used in this way. They would prefer either 'Something is the key to...' or 'Something is a key factor/consideration/principle/relationship/process/step... {whatever - some noun} in...'

And if you want to get these people really mad vamp say something is 'very key.'

b