Should I go completely keyless or a smart lock with override keys?

When it comes to choosing the right smart lock for your home, you're faced with various options. Some come with override keys and some are completely keyless where it has no key hole at all.

Which one is better? Well, there is no definitive black or white answer and it really depends on your requirements. Let's talk about pros and cons:

Keyed smart locks 

  Examples: (Yale Assure Keyed Deadbolt, Schlage Encode Smart WiFi deadbolt, Yale 3109A, Yale 7220, Samsung SHP-DP609, Samsung SHP-DR708 etc.)

The biggest advantage of a keyed smart lock is that you can still gain access easily in case of flat batteries or lock failure (electronic failure). Even if you don't have the override key with you, a locksmith can be called to pick the lock open which won't cause physical damage to lock or the door. 

Secondly, you can still use a keyed lock to secure your home when electronic part failed until it's fixed or replaced. Override key can be used to lock or unlock the door, just like a traditional mechanical lock. 

While you can gain access using override key in case of emergency, this can be a drawback in some circumstances. Technically, every lock with a key hole can be picked or bumped by a technician with correct set of tools. Or, unfortunately, by unwanted ones. 

The good news is that many of the smart locks have been equipped with advanced cylinder which can be very hard to pick or it takes a lot of effort and time. For example, Yale 3109A and Yale YDM7220 are equipped with 'super C' cylinder with laser-cut keys which can be difficult to pick. Samsung digital locks (DR708, DP609, DH537 & DH538) are equipped with dimple keys that can not be duplicated. 

Another drawback of keyed smart lock is the cost to replace/cut override key when it's lost. In some cases, lock cylinder needs to be replaced and cost of labour needs to be taken into consideration as this needs to be replaced by professionals. 

Smart lock WITHOUT override keys:

Without key hole and cylinder, a smart lock can be designed in a way that looks more sleek, adding a modern and stylish touch to your home entrance. Examples like: Yale Assure SL deadbolt, Samsung SHP-A30 fingerprint deadbolt, Samsung SHS-3321, Schlage S-480 & Gateman WK20. 

Security wise, it is not possible to pick or bump a smart lock without key hole. It can only be forced open which can take more time and make a lot of noise where the burglar don't want to grab that much attention.

You may wonder what can I do if I forgot to replace batteries and I'm locked out with flat batteries. These keyless locks offer a solution for such circumstance, most of these smart locks have a power connector outside where you can jump start the lock with a 9V alkaline battery (E.g. Yale Assure SL or Samsung SHP-A30) or a power bank (via micro-usb port) (E.g. Schlage Artus).

While keyless smart locks are pick-proof, this can be its drawbacks in some cases.

Although the lock can be jump-started in case of flat battery, it will not work in case of electronic failure (E.g. motor failure) and there is a chance you are outside when it fails.

If you don't have any other entrance with a mechanical lock that can be picked or gain access to the property, you will need to call a locksmith to force/drill open the  lock, this can be costly especially after business hours and not every locksmith is willing to do it. Force open a smart lock will damage the lock and sometime can cause damage to the door, it also makes a lot of noise that may annoy your neighbors if this happens at night.

We highly recommend getting a keyed smart lock if you only have single entry point to the property.   

Ultimately, the decision should be based on your specific needs and preferences. In many cases, a combination of both types of locks, such as using a keyless entry lock in conjunction with a keyed backdoor deadbolt, may offer a balanced approach to security and convenience.