Thorbolt’s X3 Smart Lock w/ HomeKey Now Available
Back in June, we reported on a new version of Thorbolt’s popular X1 deadbolt lock that was expected to launch later in the year. That model – the Thorbolt X3 – is now officially available on Amazon.com. Unlike its predecessor, however, the X3 does away with the keypad entirely.
Many people have pointed out that while keypads can be convenient to have, they’re rarely used in practice. This is almost certainly thanks to features like Apple HomeKey, as well as the growing trend of built-in fingerprint readers – both of which the X3 includes.
In essence, the X3 and X1 are the same lock, minus the keypad, sharing an almost identical design inside and out. However, since the outer assembly no longer needs to accommodate a keypad, it’s noticeably more compact. The X3’s exterior measures 109mm (4.29”) in height, compared to 156mm (6.14”) for the X1 – a 30% reduction in height.
Like the X1, the new X3 is designed exclusively for Apple Home, supporting HomeKit over Thread. It includes both the fingerprint sensor and Apple HomeKey functionality, along with physical keys for emergencies and a USB-C port to supply power if the batteries unexpectedly run out. However, without a keypad, the lock no longer supports Apple Home’s ‘Manage Access’ feature, which lets you create and manage passcodes directly within the app. The same applies to Thorbolt’s own Sleekpoint app, which remains necessary for adding fingerprints.
The lack of a keypad thankfully comes with a slightly lower price tag though, with the X3 priced at US$119.99, compared to the the X1 being priced at an additional US$10 for a final price of US$129.99. At present the X3 only comes in the one finish, Black, whilst the X1 now comes in four finishes – Black, Silver, Grey, or the new Desert Titanium.
You can check out our video review of the X1 below to see how well it performs.
