The Loqed Touch Smart Lock: Modern access for the digital age
Loqed Smart Touch Lock. Pictures: Loqed.
One of the key benefits of keyless smart locks is their convenience. You can unlock your door with a simple touch, swipe, or voice command, eliminating the need to fumble for keys. This is particularly useful when your hands are full or in adverse weather conditions. Keyless smart locks like the Loqed Touch Smart lock offer enhanced security, convenience, remote control, customisable access, and integration with smart home systems, making it a modern and efficient choice for securing your property.
The Loqed Touch Smart Lock comes with a complete handle and frame redesign that enhances security and adds a touch of modernity to your door. The most apparent difference from the outside is the absence of a traditional keyhole, replaced by a sleek LED TouchPad. This TouchPad proves invaluable in case you leave your phone behind. A simple code entry is all it takes to gain access. However, the real magic happens when you have your phone with you. Leaving the vicinity, typically within 500 meters, triggers the lock to assess Bluetooth signal strength. This clever feature distinguishes between inside and outside, allowing you to quickly tap and open the door.
My hands-on experience with the Loqed Touch Smart Lock was generally positive. I loved leaving the house for a walk without worrying about bringing keys or even a phone. You touch the panel on the outside to lock the door, and if you don’t have a phone, you can enter a six-digit code to unlock the door. Also, remotely unlocking a door for guests or friends has come in handy.
You can share digital keys with family members, housemates or perhaps guests for an AIRB&B. No more searching for your keys is excellent, but my household members did take time to get used to the new method of entering the house.
I created a schedule of automatically locking the door after 9 a.m. and at 11 a.m. to ensure the door was secure, just in case someone forgot to lock the door.
In my experience with the smart lock, I didn’t enjoy the internal motor in the lock, which I found pretty loud, and the relatively lengthy duration it took to lock and unlock, averaging around six seconds.
Manually operating the smart lock is possible by twisting the cylindrical knob inside the door. This action necessitates three to four complete turns. While there isn't significant resistance, I would have found it more convenient if the knob had a textured surface since my fingers tend to slip when wet. You can enable a twist assist which will rotate the knob automatically when you turn it, but then you have to listen to the motor noise.
The Touch Smart Lock operates on AA batteries included with the lock. For added convenience, Loqed offers the Power Kit (€50), which includes eight AA rechargeable batteries and a charger. With this kit, you can enjoy uninterrupted use without worrying about battery changes for up to a year. The provided charger cord, extending to three meters, eliminates the need for a nearby socket. The Power Kit is a worthwhile investment for those seeking prolonged battery life.
While the lock uses Bluetooth and WiFi, the fact that it uses an independent power source means that even in the event of a power outage, you will still be able to use the lock.
Installation of the Loqed Touch Smart Lock shouldn't be overly time-consuming, provided your existing hardware is compatible. My front door featured an old inside night latch lock, incompatible with the Loqed system. It's crucial to thoroughly read and consult the online support on the Loqed website to ensure your lock is compatible. If you encounter uncertainty, seeking professional assistance is advisable. All the necessary hardware and tools for installation are conveniently included with the lock.
The kit also comes with a bridge which connects to the internet and then to the lock to allow for remote unlocking.
The Loqed app offers straightforward functionality and options but lacks the polish that could enhance user interaction. You can use the app to unlock the door, but you only need to touch the outside of the smart lock to lock it.
Establishing a connection with the lock via Bluetooth may take a brief moment. Once connected, it undergoes authentication, simplifying the process to a mere touch on the lock to open it. This Touch to Connect feature comes with a manufacturer's warning, and they provide a comprehensive article within the app, offering insights into the feature's advantages and disadvantages. Reading this article before deciding whether to activate this feature is highly recommended. There are instances where the door may misinterpret your location, potentially leading to unintended door openings.
Loqed's approach of informing consumers to toggle this feature on or off based on their judgment is appreciated. However, it's advisable not to activate it unless you're sure it won't result in unwanted door access.
Other app features include Opening Hours, allowing anyone to open the door with a touch in a set period. While this might not be a helpful feature for a home, I can see how it might be an excellent option for a business.
There’s also an Auto Unlock feature, which is currently in Beta. This will automatically unlock the deadbolt when your phone connects to the lock. Again, this convenience feature comes with certain insecurities that may work for some and not others.
The smart lock has security in mind and features SKG, EN 1303, and EN 15684 certification. It will also work with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, and Matter support is promised by the end of the year.
The Loqed Touch Smart Lock is a keyless system with thoughtful design elements, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a modern, secure, and convenient locking solution. While the app experience has room for improvement, Loqed's transparency and user-friendly support make it a strong contender in the smart lock market. Whether you prioritise advanced security or seamless access, the Loqed Touch Smart Lock warrants consideration.
The Loqed Touch Smart Lock is available from LOQED for €349
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