INTRODUCTION

    I know I can't speak about everyone out there, but I never liked carrying keys around with me, whether those were for my home, office or even my car. It hasn't happened many times but there've been some occasions where I left home in a hurry and forgot taking the keys with me. Who of us didn't grow up watching countless sci-fi movies, series and anime in which doors opened either automatically or just by people using keypad passwords or biometric authentication? Well, it may have taken a bit more than what many of us were hoping for but today such locks have flooded the global market and since some of you asked today, I'm taking a closer look at the best-selling PCB41 keypad smart lock by WELOCK.

    WELOCK is a leading smart home access solution provider that focuses on smart door lock development, manufacturing, and marketing for over 10 years. In 2013, we have established our brand WELOCK, dedicated to popularizing high-quality smart home products and providing people with a safe and convenient life experience. WELOCK takes smart lock cylinders and fingerprint lock cylinders as its leading products and has become the first company in the world to implement biometric fingerprint technology in lock cylinders. We've established partnerships in Europe, North America, Middle East, and Australia to provide users with the most localized service and support.

    Exactly like the SECBN51 model which I reviewed a while back the PCB41 takes the role of your lock's cylinder and of course your keys. This not only reduces total costs but makes installation extremely easy even if you're not a DIY person. So, once again the IP54 certified PCB41 model consists by the main cylinder (compatible with doors from 50mm and up to 100mm in thickness), backlit keypad (up to 10 personal codes), RFID scanner (supports up to 20 cards), tiny OLED screen (displays battery life and activity), battery compartment (3xAAA batteries - up to 8000 uses) and a solid zinc alloy rear handle. Of course, it also comes ready with Bluetooth connectivity which allows it to communicate with your smartphone via the WELOCK app and even sports a failsafe microUSB port which can be used to power the lock in the event all AAA batteries run out of juice. So, let's move forward with today's review and see whether or not the PCB41 is the smart keypad lock to get.

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

Just like past products WELOCK uses a blue box to ship the lock which on both sides has a partial product drawing, the company logo and their contact information.

The model version along with contact information for WELOCK in that region are both printed on the left side.

Moving at the rear we find yet another partial product picture.

Both the lock and its bundle (located in a clear plastic box) are placed inside a formed piece of foam.

Along with the PCB41 inside the box you'll also find 3 RFID cards, Allen key, push tool, Phillips screwdriver, 3 screws, 2 rubber seals and the Instruction manual in 5 languages.

THE PCB41

The stainless steel and zing alloy PCB41 can fit inside door casings from 50mm and up to 100mm in thickness.

As you can all see the exterior end of the lock is basically a keypad that has a small activity screen next to it and of course an RFID scanner inside.

At the front of the lock there's a rubber cover just over the microUSB port and reset button used for emergencies.

Next, we have the cylinder on which we again find contact information for WELOCK.

The rear handle is solid zinc alloy and can be adjusted in length (depends on the thickness of your door).

To access the battery compartment you will need to remove the zinc alloy cover as seen above (held in place with just a small screw).

Once you install all three AAA batteries you will need to use the large screw found in the bundle to secure the compartment as seen above.

WELOCK bundles 3 RFID cards with the PCB41 just in case you forget your password (or want to give easy access to someone else).

INSTALLATION

Once again mounting the PCB41 requires just removing the handles, front cover (if there is one) and the cylinder of your door (removing the handles is not needed on all doors).

After you do that just slide the PCB41 inside as above and you're basically good to go.

Last part is to mount the zinc alloy handle at the rear and then mount the front cover and handles on your door (yes, I forgot to mount the front cover myself).

WELOCK APP

For complete control over your new smart lock, you should download the WELOCK app to your smartphone.

As with similar apps you will need to add your new lock/device.

You will also need to scan the 2D barcode located on the rubber front cover and then input the ID found on the right side of the lock.

From the main tab you can configure users, add/delete passwords and cards, create temporary passwords, set a lock pin, check unlock history records, sync records and time, reset the device back to its factory settings, use the USB reset function, lock/unlock the device, check the status of the batteries and access the Wi-Fi box (once again WELOCK didn't send that with our sample).

CONCLUSION

    Just like with the SECBN51 smart fingerprint door lock the PCB41 smart keypad door lock is an easy upgrade for most doors out there (thanks to its adjustable length of 30-100mm the SECBN51 model was actually slightly more compatible with doors), regardless of type. It offers good security for your home and/or office and can be used both via the keypad and the bundled RFID cards for roughly a year (advertised number). Now, are there better models out in the market? Well, there may be safer choices out there with more secure features (again, WELOCK products lack tamper and forced entry alerts – hopefully they will listen to my input and add those in future products) and some may even come with larger keys (handy for people with large/thicker fingers) and rechargeable battery packs but they will all be likely nowhere near to the price range of WELOCK models.

    Right now, the WELOCK PCB41 smart keypad door lock is on sale for USD125/109Euros (AHS40 coupon code) a price tag which should be very appealing to potential buyers. Yes, the PCB41 is not perfect but it does deliver as advertised and for that I strongly suggest giving it a chance, it might just surprise you.

PROS

- Overall Quality
- Keypad, RFID & Smartphone Use
- Backlit Keypad
- Door Compatibility
- Easy Installation
- Battery Life (Up To 8000 Uses)
- Emergency MicroUSB Port
- WELOCK App
- Current Price Tag (For Some)

CONS

- Requires AAA Batteries (Not Rechargeable)
- Door Compatibility (Could Be Better)
- No Tamper & Forced Entry Alerts
- Small Keys (For Some)