Hi everyone, I’ve read through the comments and recommendations in this thread and I’m looking to get a digital lock for my resale hdb. I’ve shortlist 2 brands - Lockin and Solity.
The two brands would be my suggestions as well for a good starting point. They are more accountable, being the manufacturers themselves (as opposed to a re-labeling exercise of existing lock models made through an ODM arrangement with a distant party and company). I like Solity for the Korean practicality (keep it simple! mostly) and Lockin (for that Chinese supply chain and manufacturing prowess).
--Origin--
Lockin originates from China, and
Solity from Korea.
You should be aware of their country of origin because the locks reflect the consumer buying patterns of that market, which dictates the design philosophy and features. The Singapore market is not big enough to drive a Singapore centric design, so we accept them (the locks, as they are). The exception being the gate digital locks, where there had been more localisation efforts in design, out of necessity (because they are unique to Singapore, and local vendors need to differentiate), but I can imagine it is a struggle to high volume production, support any ground up designs, innovate and more refresh cycles. I can understand why some gate lock models has been around forever. Accept them as they are if you need a gate. I don't like gate locks for what they are but there are users who need them as they view the gate being the primary secure entrance (as they leave door open regularly).
--App - -
Lockin (and for that matter
Aqara) are Internet centric lock (should I say "cloud and mobile app
dependent").
Solity locks is layered with a mobile app but can be app independent except for some functions.
While I like the notion of keeping things more discrete, less integrated and hence more replaceable ( that means no sync, no cloud), it should not stop me from getting a lock that meets other requirements.
-- bells and whistles --
Chinese origin electronics (especially the higher end models) can be full of bells and whistles. After all, competition in China is cut-throat in a country that is the electronics supply chain for the world. Flaunt it when you can. Korean locks can be relatively and markedly more down to earth, for good or for worse. For example, the Korean regulation forbids rechargeables batteries on the door lock (until recently) whereas almost every new Chinese lock design is moving towards rechargeables out of necessity because the design has a function overload (if you will, an Object Oriented programming terminology).
Door drill holes pattern would lean towards country specific, and then a similar lock model or models in the same range. Replacing an old digital lock may require an awareness of the country of origin, if you prefer less drilling of additional holes.
I’m looking at digtial locks with facial recognition, fingerprint and in sync locks (meaning when the main gate is unlocked, the wooden door will be unlocked as well), after sales support is important as well.
I’ve shortlisted 2 models and the prices are pretty similar.
1) Solity G1 bundle
(Disadvantage is this don’t have door viewer while Lockin has it)
2) Lockin V5 Max / latest model S6 max + Lockin v3 gate bundle
I would like to check if anyone have any reviews of this 2 brands / models in particular?
While I may update this later ( I am traveling), I would say the major distinctions between the two from what I had gathered over time. The rest can chip in to correct or add.
. Solity G1 is a mortise gate lock whereas Lockin V3 which is a rim lock, look at my past posts if I don't update this description further on the perceived physical intrusion risks between these two. The door lock (GEA1000k sth) that is usually bundled with the G1, is a dressed down (ie very basic) door lock, for good or for worse. This may address some forrumers' grouses that a sophisticated door lock model is unnecessary since the gate is the primary entrance and the door unlocks with the gate with the sync feature.
. Lockin (being Chinese origin) may have more bells and whistles (especially in the handle to upper end models) than you will ever likely to use or care for. The V3 is biometrics rich so you may need only a simple door lock on the door that syncs with V3. However, the irrational buyer in us may go for all the extra functions in the V5, for the feel-good factor.
(*S6 Max is not one better than V5 Max despite the numeral increase).
. For home automation, Solity goes the Matter route, and Lockin the Mijia route.
I’ve also noticed that Interlock sells these 2 brands but base on their website they don’t seem to have any showrooms. Have anyone purchased locks from Interlock and how is their service?
Interlock as a vendor is fine, based on my interactions with them over the years, across multiple purchases (for myself and my relatives / parents places). I call them sometimes just to help check some details; they are more willing to share than other vendors eg. the "grommet" for V5 Max that I learnt from another forumer just a few posts up. For details, always contact the technical sales / support if you can get to them. This rule of thumb applies to most vendors.
FWIW, I noticed Interlock has recently introduced locks under their own label
Mercury. The Chinese industry may have reached the point where feature wise, one could pay less to get the functionality, but without the price premium associated with notable brands. See if you can engage them to give you a feel of where this Mercury brand sits in terms of Lockin and Solity. From what I gathered on their website, the locks are of Chinese origin, (the rather innovative and advanced palm vein recognition is a giveaway).
--Summary--
If you think the gate lock should be the sturdiest from physical breakins, then I think the Solity's G1 mortise lock is clearly designed with that in mind. If you get the bundle, the concentration of value is on the gate. The door lock is a prop but does the job. If you like or comfortable with a mobile phone centric approach (though I understand there two separate apps for the gate and door), and good construction overall, then the Lockin. While I admire the Lockin V3 and V5 Max on paper, the practical me may end up choosing the Solity. For transparency, I use a Lockin S30 Pro from Interlock and very pleased with the lock, and I have no use for a gate lock.
