SwitchBot announces the new version of its connected lock. The Lock Pro offers a more discreet design that easily adapts to European cylinders and remains Matter compatible via an evolution of its hub.
The connected lock market is clearly expanding. A few months after Nuki’s 4th generation Smart Lock Pro (read our review), it is the turn of the company SwitchBot, a major home automation specialist, to announce the Pro version of its lock simply called Lock (English word meaning lock). It also seems that the engineers of the two manufacturers have arrived at the same conclusions, because the design of the SwitchBot Lock Pro has evolved a lot to simplify and also come closer to that of Nuki. The rectangular box will easily adapt to many models of doors equipped with a European cylinder, either by a system of three screws gripping the cylinder if it protrudes sufficiently, or by gluing it to the flush lock using with a very resistant double-sided adhesive. Like the Nuki, and unlike the Netatmo lock (read our test), the Lock Pro does not completely replace the cylinder but adds a motor which will turn the key left inside. Which also means that you can always open your door from the outside with your traditional key, provided that the lock cylinder is disengageable, that is to say that it accepts that two keys are inserted at the same time in the lock.
SwitchBot Lock Pro: more classic design and increased autonomy
The more classic design is not the only new thing in the Pro version. Its casing changes from plastic to a more high-end aluminum alloy, incorporates a more powerful motor and offers two power modes ensuring increased autonomy. Basically, the lock’s power supply relies on 4 AA-sized batteries which, according to the manufacturer, ensures a battery life of 6 to 9 months. You can also opt for an optional rechargeable battery which has the particularity of being made up of two independent modules. Thus, when the battery is almost empty, one of the modules can be removed to recharge it while leaving the second module in the lock to ensure its operation. And vice versa. The system is smart: we are thus assured of never having a breakdown. Especially since the battery pack ensures, again according to the manufacturer, an autonomy of up to one year!
SwitchBot also indicates that its Lock Pro is compatible with the Matter standard, which allows it to be easily integrated into its home automation installation via the Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa and Samsung SmartThings applications. That said, unlike the Nuki lock, this compatibility is based on the additional purchase of a new version of its hub, called Hub Mini, that is to say an independent device responsible for ensuring the link between the lock and the rest of your home automation installation. This choice is explained by the fact that the SwitchBot range does not stop, far from it, at a simple intelligent lock. And this hub, which costs only 35 euros, makes it possible to make all other devices such as curtain rod motors or robot vacuum cleaners compatible with home automation.
The availability date of the Lock is not yet known. Its public price will be 140 euros, but it is, at the time of writing, available in pre-order on the manufacturer’s website at the promotional price of 100 euros. SwitchBot also offers a pack for 160 euros for pre-order (which will then increase to 240 euros) including the lock, the Hub Mini and the Keypad Touch Combo which allows you to unlock the lock using a code or fingerprint .