You only need a 9 position key when you need one to dial in intake centerline.
The problem is, you don't know if you need one until you degree a cam, and at that point you need the timing chain, so generally most of us start with one.
I used to use Rollmaster and there was one in my 427 that was just as tight 9 years later and no wear on the gears, so I put it back in my 489, but in my 445 I used a Ford Racing chain and it worked great too. We put an Edelbrock in a 400 Poncho, it worked great too and came in perfectly with a custom Comp Cam Brent had ground for me.
Cloyes is easy too, they just work and they actually make timing sets, so I have been happy with them. So, IMO, unless you have an oddly machined block, Ford, Cloyes, or Rollmaster work well, and I have also had many friends happy with Edelbrock.
Not a tough decision nowadays