Totally agree about the tactile buttons—flat screens look sleek, but practicality wins every time, especially in winter. I recently helped a client switch to a similar setup, and they were skeptical at first (you know, worried about aesthetics and all that). But once they realized how much easier it was to punch in codes with gloves on, they were sold. Plus, from a design standpoint, there are some really nice-looking keypads out there now—sleek matte finishes, subtle backlighting... definitely not the clunky eyesores they used to be.
The smart lock app is a great backup too. I've had my share of frozen keypad moments (nothing like standing outside your own door feeling betrayed by technology), and being able to unlock remotely is a game changer. Still, call me old-fashioned, but I always recommend having at least one hidden spare key somewhere accessible—just in case your phone battery decides to die at the worst possible moment. Trust me, it's happened!
Couldn't agree more about the spare key—learned that lesson the hard way myself. I went with a budget-friendly keypad (still looks decent, thankfully), and it's been a lifesaver during winter mornings. But yeah, nothing humbles you faster than standing outside your own door, frantically tapping a frozen keypad while your neighbors casually wave from their warm cars... Glad to hear I'm not alone in this!
Keypads are handy, but honestly, I've found smart locks with phone integration a bit more reliable. No frozen buttons to deal with, and you can unlock remotely if needed. Costs a bit more upfront, but worth considering for peace of mind...especially in colder climates.
Interesting point about frozen buttons...never thought of that. But what happens if your phone battery dies or you lose signal? I'm still weighing options, and knowing my luck, I'd get locked out at the worst possible moment, lol.
I had the same worry when I first switched over. Actually, funny story...the first week I installed my keyless lock, my phone died while I was out jogging. Talk about panic mode. Luckily, most keyless systems have backup options built in. Mine came with a keypad as a secondary entry method, and I also hid a spare physical key in a lockbox nearby (just in case).
If you're considering it, I'd recommend looking into models that offer multiple entry methods—like a keypad, fingerprint scanner, or even a physical backup key. That way, even if your phone battery decides to bail on you at the worst possible moment (been there!), you won't be completely stuck. It's definitely worth the peace of mind.
