ThorBolt Launches GK1 Smart Door Knob w/ HomeKit over Thread
ThorBolt has announced the GK1 Smart Fingerprint Door Knob, an interior smart lock that uses HomeKit over Thread rather than Matter, making it one of the relatively few new smart locks to launch with native HomeKit support.
While this will appeal to users who remain firmly invested in Apple’s ecosystem, it also means the GK1 isn’t taking advantage of the growing cross-platform support offered by Matter over Thread, which has become the direction most manufacturers are now pursuing.
Designed for interior doors such as bedrooms, home offices, apartments and guest rooms, the GK1 provides four unlocking methods: fingerprint recognition, Siri voice control, the Apple Home or Sleekpoint app, and a traditional mechanical key.
One point worth highlighting is that, despite some of ThorBolt’s marketing material referring to a keypad, the GK1 does not actually include one. The confusion appears to stem from the closely related and non-smart Thorbolt G1, which does feature an integrated keypad. The GK1 instead relies solely on its illuminated fingerprint sensor, app control, Siri, and backup keys for access.
As a HomeKit over Thread device, the GK1 can be added directly to Apple Home, with Thread providing fast local communication and lower power consumption than older Bluetooth-based HomeKit accessories. Remote access is available through a compatible Apple Thread Border Router, such as a HomePod mini, HomePod (2nd generation), or Apple TV 4K (2nd gen, 3rd gen 128gb).
Additional features are handled through the accompanying Sleekpoint app, where users can enrol up to 50 fingerprints, view lock history, adjust auto-lock timing, customise feedback sounds, and install firmware updates.
The lock also includes an electronic three-position switch that changes its operating mode without opening the app:
- Passage Mode keeps the door permanently unlocked.
- Admin-Only Mode restricts access to administrator fingerprints.
- Standard Mode allows both administrators and authorised users to unlock the door.
Power comes from four AAA batteries, which ThorBolt claims will provide up to one year of battery life. If the batteries become depleted, the lock can be temporarily powered through its USB-C emergency power port, while two physical backup keys are also included. Installation is designed for standard US interior doors between 35–57mm thick, with support for both 60mm and 70mm backsets. ThorBolt has not published an IP rating, although given the GK1 is intended primarily for interior installations, weather resistance is unlikely to be a primary consideration. The packaging does mention it is both splashproof and sweatproof, however.
Although the GK1 uses Apple’s older native HomeKit over Thread protocol rather than Matter over Thread, this approach still offers a mature implementation for Apple users and may retain some advantages, such as Bluetooth support for commissioning and, depending on the manufacturer’s implementation, communication if Thread becomes unavailable.
You can purchase the ThorBolt GK1 from Amazon.com for US$79.99.
