I've installed touchscreen keypads on a few of my flips, and honestly, they're pretty decent if you pick a good brand. They're definitely not gimmicky, at least not the reputable ones. The main advantage I've noticed is that there's no physical wear—no more faded numbers or worn-out buttons. So, durability-wise, they're a solid step up from the old-school button pads.
But...there's a catch. Touchscreens can be finicky if your hands are wet or dirty—think rainy days or when you're juggling groceries. Also, depending on the brand, some screens show fingerprints really easily, which can be annoying if you're particular about keeping your front door looking clean.
I installed one at my own place about three years ago and it's held up really well, even through tough winters and scorching summers. No fading, still responsive, and battery life has been surprisingly good. One thing I'd highly recommend is getting one with a backup key option, just in case the touchscreen ever decides to glitch out (rare, but it happens).
Overall, I'd say they're worth it if you're tired of button wear and tear. Just don't expect them to be completely hassle-free. Like any tech upgrade, there's always a trade-off somewhere.
I've actually moved away from touchscreen keypads after trying them out on a couple of my properties. They're sleek and modern, sure, but I found tenants often complained about responsiveness issues—especially in colder climates. Ever tried punching in a code with gloves on? Not fun.
Instead, I've switched to mechanical push-button keypads (the heavy-duty kind). They're not as flashy, but they're super reliable. No batteries to worry about, no fingerprint smudges, and they work perfectly even if your hands are wet or dirty. Plus, they're built like tanks—I've had some installed for over five years now without any noticeable wear or fading.
I get the appeal of touchscreen tech, but for me, reliability and simplicity win out every time. If you're flipping houses or managing rentals, sometimes the less fancy option ends up being the smarter investment long-term. Just my two cents...
Interesting perspective—I was actually leaning towards touchscreen keypads for my first renovation because they look so sleek and modern. But now you've got me second-guessing myself. I remember staying at an Airbnb last winter with a touchscreen lock, and it took me forever to get in because my fingers were freezing and the screen just wouldn't respond. Maybe mechanical buttons aren't such a bad idea after all... reliability over looks, right?
"I remember staying at an Airbnb last winter with a touchscreen lock, and it took me forever to get in because my fingers were freezing and the screen just wouldn't respond."
Haha, been there! Nothing like standing outside your own place, frantically breathing hot air onto your fingertips and praying the neighbors don't call the cops on the suspicious figure lurking at the door...
Honestly, sleek and modern is great until you're locked out in freezing temps. Mechanical buttons might not win any design awards, but they're reliable as heck. I've had mine for about three years now—rain, snow, or shine—and it's never let me down. Plus, there's something oddly satisfying about physically pressing buttons (maybe that's just me?). Anyway, don't second-guess yourself too much. Renovations are stressful enough without worrying about frostbitten fingers and unresponsive screens. Go with your gut and practicality—you'll thank yourself later.
Haha, your Airbnb story gave me flashbacks to last winter when I was fumbling around with a touchscreen lock at my friend's cabin. Sleek tech is awesome until it's 10 degrees and your fingers turn into popsicles. Honestly, mechanical buttons are underrated—simple, reliable, and they just work every time. But hey, don't stress too much about your choice. Renovations always come with a bit of trial and error, and you'll quickly figure out what works best for you. Plus, keyless entry is still a huge convenience overall...no more digging through bags or pockets in the rain or snow. Sounds like you're on the right track!