Putting Kwikset vs Schlage head-to-head can be a challenging competition. Both brands are reputable in the lock industry and have been competing for years, recently expanding their rivalry into the smart lock niche as well. When comparing Schlage vs. Kwikset, there are many factors such as build quality, security features, smart lock features and cost to consider. That’s what we’re doing in this article to help you settle on the brand that suits you best.
Schlage vs Kwikset: Company Background
History and Reputation of Schlage
This company was founded by Walter Schlage in 1920. With over a century of experience, Schlage consistently receives praise for its innovation and quality in the lock industry. Whether it’s a regular lock or a smart lock, they provide robust quality to make your home secure.
History and Reputation of Kwikset
Kwikset was found in 1946, and from the start, proved to be a major player in the lock industry. They manufacture reliable, affordable locks that are famous for their user-friendly experience. One of the latest technologies that has made this reputation for Kwikset is their SmartKey technology which makes re-keying a breeze.
Schlage vs Kwikset: Security Comparison
1. Forced Entry vs. Non-Forced Entry
When it comes to the security of locks, I always check their resistance to both forced and non-forced entry. Forced entry, as the name suggests, is when a burglar tries to enter your home by violent methods like drilling or prying open the lock. It’s important that your home’s guardian has the highest resistance against such measures. In my experience, Schlage locks have an edge here. Schlage locks come with hardened steel bolts and tamper-resistant technologies, which provide great construction and won’t easily let intruders inside.
On the other hand, while Kwikset locks are also reliable, they are more prone to forced entry because they come with lighter housing and bolt materials.
Non-forced entry involves techniques such as lock picking or bumping. Non-forced entry is a whole different story, my friends. These techniques require a different set of features for protection.
Schlage comes with lower cylinder tolerance and extra security pins, making it super hard to pick. As far as I’ve tried, they’re unbreakable. Kwikset’s approach to non-forced entry is its SmartKey technology, which is respectfully hard to pick—a nice touch.
Schlage’s tight cylinder tolerances and additional security pins render it exceptionally pick-resistant. Kwikset employs SmartKey technology, which is also highly resistant to picking
Can SmartKey Locks be Picked?
From my experience, I can tell that SmartKey devices are harder to pick compared to traditional pin-and-tumbler locks because of their unique mechanism. However, with the right tools and knowledge, a skilled intruder might still find a way to pick a SmartKey, although it takes more effort and expertise compared to traditional locks. Overall, they have good security, but they aren’t completely pick-proof.
2. Lock Housing
Lock housing is the part that surrounds the cylinder. A reliable lock housing must be resistant to tampering attempts. I believe Schlage is a clear winner here because they make their lock housing thicker and more durable, making it more resistant to drilling and prying. Kwikset’s lock housing material is thinner and somewhat hollow, so it’s more likely to be compromised.
3. Bolt Size and Strength
To ensure robust security, a strong bolt is vital. I find Schlage bolts to be larger and more reliable; they fit snugly into the door frame and minimize movement, making them more resistant to kicks and prying attempts. Kwikset’s bolts are smaller and less sturdy, which I find to be a vulnerability.
4. Drill Resistant Plate
A drill-resistant plate is a must for a reliable lock. The lack of this element makes your home’s first line of defence prone to drilling. While Schlage includes this feature in their devices, Kwikset locks don’t have it. So, that is a big negative point for Kwikset in my opinion.
Kwikset vs Schlage: Smart Lock Features
Smart Home Compatibility
Schlage has emerged as an impressive brand in smart lock production. Their Schlage Encode and Schlage Connect models are feature-rich and compatible with smart home ecosystems such as Amazon Alexa and Google Home. Schlage Sense is also compatible with these two, along with Apple HomeKit. Having a Schlage smart lock enables you to control your device remotely through the app or voice commands, set up automation, and receive security alerts. Several Schlage locks are strong contenders for a spot on the best smart locks list.
Kwikset provides users with a range of smart locks as well, like Kwikset Halo and Premis. While Schlage offers options like Schlage Sense that are compatible with all three major ecosystems simultaneously, Kwikset doesn’t provide such an option, which can be a drawback (although it’s not a deal-breaker!). The SmartKey feature makes the re-keying process a breeze for users, and that is important for those who value a user-friendly experience. However, for smart home integration overall, Schlage takes the lead in my experience.
Kwikset’s smart locks, such as Halo and Premis, lack the cross-ecosystem compatibility of Schlage Sense, which seamlessly integrates with all three major platforms, presenting a notable limitation
Schlage or Kwikset: Cost vs Quality
Are Schlage Locks More Expensive than Kwikset Locks? (Price Comparison)
Yes, generally Schlage locks are more expensive than Kwikset locks, but the price difference is justified when we compare their security features, build quality, and technology. For instance, a standard Schlage brass deadbolt is around $30, while a comparable Kwikset lock is around $14. The difference may seem significant, but in my experience, this added cost totally makes sense.
Value for Money
Evaluating value for money is important when comparing Schlage and Kwikset. You must consider what you’re getting for the money you pay. With Schlage locks, you get more robust security features such as thicker lock housing, longer and more solid bolts, drill-resistant plates, and more security pins. So, as I said, the price is justified.
Kwikset doesn’t fall short in terms of value for money. While they lack the security features Schlage offers, they are still more affordable and come with the nice and easy SmartKey feature, which simplifies re-keying. They still provide acceptable security for residential buildings.
From my perspective, investing in a Schlage lock makes more sense when comparing the security features both brands offer. They are a better companion in the long run and can provide peace of mind. However, if you prefer to be cost-effective, then Kwikset is the choice.
Conclusion
We can conclude that Schlage locks provide better security, durability, and smart home integration, while Kwikset locks are better in terms of affordability and user experience. My personal suggestion is Schlage, but the final choice remains yours.
FAQs
Are Kwikset and Schlage the Same Company?
No, these are two separate companies with their own set of products and security features.
Are Schlage and Kwikset Keys Compatible?
No, they aren’t compatible because of different keyway designs.