SwitchBot Releases Keypad Vision Pro with Palm Recognition
Whilst CES is over for another year (thank god…) SwitchBot has quietly announced their Keypad Vision Pro, which expands the company’s smart access portfolio by combining advanced biometrics with traditional entry methods, aiming for a more privacy-conscious security model. Designed as a premium companion to SwitchBot’s existing smart locks, it targets households that want keyless access without relying heavily on cloud processing.
Compatibility is focused on the wider SwitchBot lock ecosystem, including the Lock Pro (video HERE, review HERE) and Lock Ultra. When paired with a compatible lock and the SwitchBot Hub 3, the keypad can also integrate with major smart home platforms such as Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home, via Matter, enabling remote management and voice-based control.
The Vision Pro’s defining feature is its multi-layered biometric support, led by two contactless recognition methods:
- 3D facial recognition uses depth sensors and AI-based analysis to authenticate users in as little as 0.3 seconds. Infrared illumination allows reliable operation in low-light or nighttime conditions.
- Palm recognition adds an alternative biometric option, using palm vein or palm print data to unlock the door without physical contact. This can be particularly useful when hands are wet, dirty, or occupied.
Both systems are supported by anti-spoofing algorithms designed to reject common attacks such as printed photos, screen replays, or flat images. Importantly, biometric templates are stored locally on the device, rather than uploaded to cloud servers, reducing the risk profile associated with remote data breaches.
Beyond biometric protection, SwitchBot positions the Keypad Vision Pro as a privacy-first device. User credentials and biometric data are processed and stored locally, rather than being sent to external servers. This approach aligns with broader best practices in smart home security, particularly for access-control devices that manage entry to the home.
Alongside biometrics, the Keypad Vision Pro supports a wide range of conventional unlocking methods:
- Numeric passcodes entered via the physical keypad
- NFC cards for tap-to-unlock access
- App-based unlocking through the SwitchBot mobile app
- Fingerprint unlocking depending on the paired smart lock model
This mix of access methods makes the keypad suitable for households with multiple users, as well as for issuing temporary or time-limited access to guests, cleaners, or maintenance staff.
The Keypad Vision Pro measures 131 × 65 × 30mm, which is around the same as their current Keypad Vision model, and weighs around 205g, giving it a compact but substantial presence at the door. Its housing uses durable, anti-UV coated materials intended for long-term outdoor exposure, helping prevent yellowing or surface degradation over time.
Power is another area where the Vision Pro offers flexibility. It includes a built-in rechargeable lithium battery, rated for up to around one year of use per charge under typical conditions. For users who prefer a more permanent installation, the keypad also supports 12–24V AC/DC wired power, allowing it to draw electricity from existing doorbell or intercom wiring and effectively eliminate routine battery charging.
If you already have the Lock Pro or Lock Ultra, this would be a decent upgrade from any existing SwitchBot keypad you’re using. However, if you don’t own either of these locks, it might be better to wait, as SwitchBot has announced the Vision Lock Series, which combines the lock, keypad, and multiple biometric unlock methods, including fingerprint, palm recognition, and facial recognition, into a single package, and adds further features on top.
The Keypad Vision Pro is available now via Switchbot for US$129.99, but with a 20% discount coupon this is brought down to around US$104.
