Traditional Key Locks VS Digital Locks
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Traditional Key Locks VS Digital Locks

If you’ve ever found yourself locked out of your own home because you’ve forgotten your keys, then this is the perfect article for you!

Today, we’re going to weigh the pros and cons of traditional key locks with those of digital locks. Hopefully, you’ll be able to determine which one works best for your needs as a homeowner or resident.

(For clarity, we wrote this post with residential purposes in mind.)

How do traditional key locks and digital locks work?

How do traditional key locks and digital locks work
Photo by George Becker from Pexels

Traditional door locks have become ubiquitous home security tools for centuries and are known via doorknob and key pairings. They can lock doors and windows with the turn of a key, push of a button, or a special twisting motion.

Pin-tumbler locks are some of the most common types of mechanisms used by traditional door locks. Even simple safe boxes use them to keep valuable documents and items secure at home.

On the other hand, smart or digital locks are relatively new innovations. The main difference is you can control these locks remotely via electronic means.

Most smart homes employ digital locks and are integrated with the use of the homeowner’s smart devices. Instead of a physical key, a smart lock uses a cryptographic key to lock and unlock doors.

Convenience 

Convenience

If you have lots of doors at home, you’ll know the frustration of carrying a key ring full of jangling metal bits and trying to see which one opens which door. So as far as convenience goes, digital locks trump traditional ones because that’s one less keychain to lug around.

But if you do get yourself locked out by a traditional lock, you can always call a reliable locksmith to bail you out. They can employ key copying methods and you’d be inside your home in a jiffy.

On the other hand, losing your smartphone or another device can’t be helped by a locksmith’s presence (which is highly inconvenient). 

Security

Security
Photo by Joppe Beurskens from Pexels

If you’re the type of homeowner who always forgets to lock doors, being able to control your locks from a distance should give you a feeling of security. However, there have been reports about cyber-attacks on smart homes with digital locks, so that’s one thing to worry about.

In the same way that window grills give a layer of security to windows, physical locks and deadbolts can do the same to doors. There’s more physical effort involved in trying to get through actual locks compared to being able to hack a smart device or lock.

However, some smart locks can also work with doorbell cameras which is an added security benefit. In fact, they’re great reinforcements for most home security cameras.

Reliability

Reliability
Photo by Sergij from Pexels

Some of the best home security systems in Singapore swear by the reliability of smart door locks. They tout anti-hacking and high-level protection using biometric locking or RFID systems which you can share with only trusted people.

However, they do run on batteries and need to be charged to work properly. And those relying on WiFi or Bluetooth technology might find the range limiting and could disconnect as distance increases.

You’ll also need to ensure that your smartphone or device you use to control your digital lock always has some battery left. Luckily, you can always bring a wireless charger with you anywhere you go.

As for traditional key locks? You just need to ensure they won’t freeze or rust and they’ll work great for years.

Looks 

Looks

Most smart homes have sleek looking functional features that become part of the wall, door, and interior design. That’s why many prefer digital locks to bulky traditional deadbolts and locks.

The good news is that you can still accommodate the modern and stylish aesthetic of a smart lock with the classic looks of a door handle. A reliable door repair service can easily integrate your digital lock and make it look seamless.

Window contractors can do the same for your windows, too. They can introduce smart locks instead of unsightly padlocks to keep them safe and secure.