I've had both touchscreen and button-style keypads over the years, and honestly, battery life differences weren't huge enough to stress about. My touchscreen one needed batteries maybe once every 10-12 months, while the button one lasted a bit longer—maybe 18 months tops. But I preferred the touchscreen overall because it was easier to clean and looked sleeker. If you're happy with the touchscreen experience, I wouldn't second-guess it too much...battery swaps once a year aren't bad at all.
I've noticed similar battery life spans with my touchscreen keypad—around a year or so. One thing I'd add, though, is that rechargeable batteries can make a big difference environmentally. I switched to rechargeables a while back, and it's been great not having to toss out batteries regularly. Plus, the touchscreen does look cleaner and more modern, which is a nice bonus. Just something to consider if you're looking to reduce waste a bit...
"I switched to rechargeables a while back, and it's been great not having to toss out batteries regularly."
Did you notice any difference in performance when you switched? I tried rechargeables in my keypad last year, and while they're definitely better environmentally, I found myself swapping them out more often than regular batteries. Maybe it was just the brand I used... Curious if anyone else had a similar experience or if I just got unlucky with mine.
I had a similar issue at first, but honestly, switching brands made a huge difference. Initially, I was swapping them out every few weeks and it was super frustrating. After doing some research, I went for higher-capacity rechargeables (Eneloops specifically), and now they last almost as long as regular batteries. Might be worth trying a different brand or checking the mAh rating—makes a bigger difference than you'd think...
I've been eyeing those Eneloops too, but man, they're pricey compared to the generic ones I usually grab. Do you think the extra cost actually pays off long-term, or is it more of a convenience thing?