SwitchBot, the company that makes little robotic fingers to push your switches for you, is increasingly branching out into a smart home. The new SwitchBot lock ($ 99.99) sticks to your door and rotates your thumb automatically to lock and unlock it. This is the simplest smart lock solution I’ve ever seen. SwitchBot says it can be installed in seconds, as there is no need to remove part of the existing door lock. But it looks a little strange.
The SwitchBot Lock will be available from June 20 on Amazon and the SwitchBot store along with two compatible keyboards – the SwitchBot KeyPad ($ 29.99) and the SwitchBot KeyPad Touch with a fingerprint reader ($ 59.99).
There are two versions of the SwitchBot KeyPad, one with a fingerprint reader. Sold separately from the lock. Image: SwitchBot
As a Bluetooth lock, you can control the SwitchBot Lock with your smartphone or Apple Watch when you’re near the door. There is also an automatic locking function. To add voice control via Amazon’s Google Home or Alexa and control the lock when you’re away from home with the SwitchBot app, you’ll need to take the SwitchBot Hub Mini ($ 39) and plug it into a USB port near the lock.
The company says the lock is compatible with most locks and comes with three different thumb rotations to fit different designs. SwitchBot is also working on optional accessories for greater compatibility. The thumb turns into the SwitchBot lock to “catch” and then rotates the lock thumb automatically. You can also control it manually.
Ease of installation makes it a good option for tenants. The SwitchBot lock uses 3M VHB to stick to the door and you don’t have to screw anything to the door or touch your existing lock. It is powered by two CR123A 3V batteries, which promise six months of battery life.
Diagram of how intelligent door locking works. Image: SwitchBot Examples of lock styles that SwitchBot works with. Image: SwitchBot
In addition to application control, voice control and keyboards, you can continue to unlock your door with your existing key and there is an option to pair one of the NFC tags of the SwitchBot with the lock.
There are not many options on the market to upgrade the door lock (where you do not need to change the entire door lock). The leader is the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, which is much more expensive than $ 230, but does not require a separate hub, and there is a Wyze Lock for $ 125. However, both require the removal of part of your existing lock. SwitchBot Lock is a unique and innovative approach to creating a smart door lock, if not the most elegant option.
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