🎥 Watch my full video review of the SwitchBot Keypad Vision: Click here to watch
This is Mark’s Tech Blogs review of the SwitchBot Keypad Vision, the company’s latest smart access accessory for their range of smart locks. Sent to me by SwitchBot for review, this new keypad brings support for key codes, fingerprints, NFC cards, and for the first time – facial recognition.
I’ve been using the SwitchBot Keypad Vision for around three weeks and I’ve got mixed thoughts on it. Read on to find out why!
Pricing and Compatibility
You can purchase the SwitchBot Keypad Vision as part of the new Lock Ultra pack, which includes the Keypad Vision, the Lock Ultra, and a Hub Mini with Matter support for around £300 – with 10% off when using my discount code.
Individually, the SwitchBot Keypad Vision costs £150 and is compatible with the Lock Pro as well. Promotional discounts are available through purchase links.
Design and Build
The new SwitchBot Keypad Vision is slimmer than the previous Keypad Touch models but is wider overall. Dimensions come in at 131mm high, 65mm wide, and 30mm deep.
Its modern design features a black body with sleek, rounded edges. It supports both flat and angled mounting thanks to the included mounting brackets and can be easily recharged via USB-C through a port located at the bottom.
On the front, from top to bottom, you’ll find the facial scanner, keypad with built-in NFC reader, a dedicated lock button, fingerprint scanner, and a multifunction button designed to ring the SwitchBot video doorbell (not tested in this review).
Key Features and Specifications
- Operating temperature: -20°C to 45°C
- IP65 rated for rainproof outdoor use
- Data like faces and fingerprints are stored locally for added security
Facial Recognition
The standout feature of the SwitchBot Keypad Vision is its 3D facial recognition technology. It uses 850nm infrared light and over 30,000 light points to generate a precise millimetre-level facial map. Recognition distance is between 0.6 to 0.8 meters, for users between 1.2m and 2m tall, with a false acceptance rate of less than 0.0001%.
You can store up to 100 unique faces on the device.
Fingerprint Sensor
The semi-conductive fingerprint sensor supports 90 regular fingerprints and 10 emergency prints. The emergency fingerprint can trigger a silent alert to a chosen contact, which is ideal in duress situations.
Key Codes
Supports 6 to 12-digit codes with four different types: permanent, temporary, one-time, and emergency. Up to 90 permanent and 10 emergency codes can be stored.
NFC Cards
Supports up to 100 NFC cards for fast and reliable unlocking.
Battery
Powered by a 5000mAh rechargeable battery. With up to 10 unlocks per day, SwitchBot claims a battery life of up to 12 months. Low battery alerts are sent through the app.
Setup and Installation
Setting up the SwitchBot Keypad Vision is simple. It’s recommended to first add it in the SwitchBot app before mounting. It can be installed using either screws or an adhesive pad, with the option to mount it flat or angled.
Mounting height should be around 1.2 meters, ideal for users between 110cm and 180cm tall. I installed mine directly on my door using the sticky pad, and it works seamlessly with the Lock Ultra (which I previously reviewed).
Initial setup requires adding a key code, after which you can add other methods like fingerprints, faces, or NFC cards. Once another method is added, you can remove the key code if desired.
Everyday Use
Unlocking Methods
- Fingerprint: This is my preferred method. The sensor is fast and accurate, even in damp weather. Emergency fingerprints are also a great security feature.
- NFC Cards: These work reliably and quickly, especially when using SwitchBot’s own NFC cards.
- Key Codes: All four types work well. Codes are entered followed by pressing the tick button. Remote management is available via SwitchBot Hub Mini, Hub 2, or Hub 3 with Matter support (not Apple Home compatible).
- Facial Recognition: Innovative but inconsistent. Initially, the device struggled to recognise my face, which was resolved by registering it a second time. Conditions during setup—such as lighting—can affect performance. Pressing any key will force a scan, and voice prompts assist with positioning. While it’s a clever feature, I found it less reliable outdoors and believe it may perform better in controlled indoor lighting.
Final Thoughts
The SwitchBot Keypad Vision offers a stylish, functional upgrade over previous models. It pairs perfectly with the Lock Ultra, supports a wide range of unlock methods, and brings strong security features to the table. While the facial recognition could be more consistent, the design improvements and expanded functionality make this a smart buy.
For most users, the combination of key codes, fingerprint recognition, and NFC support will be more than enough. And as SwitchBot continues to refine their software, facial recognition performance may improve over time.
Recommended over the previous Keypad Touch for its slimmer profile, modern look, and more advanced features.
