It is possible to make our apartments keyless but, at the same time, have a manual key as fallback. Who doesn’t like a good combo, like Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett or, something closer to home, fried rice with chilli chicken.
Recently, we had an opportunity to test a smart key solution from Godrej. Called Catus Touch Plus, it’s for anyone who understands the ease with which codes can work securely. There are multiple codes that can be stored on the lock, so you could have one number for your family, one for the gardener, one for the house help, one for the electrician at the housing complex… it helps when you have to let trusted people into your apartment even when you are away. The idea is not to share a physical key. Codes can be added or deleted at any time.
Versatile locking system
The lock that came in for review can be attached to almost any door. You can try doing it yourself if you have patience and all the tools or you can wait for a technician from Godrej. The Catus Touch Plus is very helpful and it’s not a luxury. We keep reading about break-ins; that can be reduced a great deal. In case you are not aware, using a specially-designed key, known as a bump key, most conventional locks can be opened. This is where the Catus Touch Plus comes in.
The pandemic kept a lot of people at home and many of them started taking to smart technology, from plugs and lights to speakers and locks. This a keyless lock that can be opened using a passcode or fingerprint or RFID cards.
There is no longer a need to give someone a physical key, which can be easily copied. You don’t even need to hide a key under the mat.
For example, when construction work needs to be carried out in the kitchen, you could give a code to a contractor while work is going on. Once the job is done, the code can be deleted.
A few things one needs to know about the Godrej lock. There needs to be a master passcode, which you need to remember. Each time you want to create a passcode for someone to enter the house, the master passcode needs to be used. There is the option to register up to 99 unique pins and save a password of four to nine digits for enhanced password strength. Similarly, you can register up to 99 RFID cards for multiple-user access and 99 fingerprints at any angle.
There are a few questions you may have. Is a code necessary to unlock a door from the inside? No. The code needs to be punched in if you are entering the house and there is nobody at home to open the door. You can open the door without a password from the inside but not from the outside. How do I lock the door from the inside? There is a toggle-like button on the inside, called the privacy button. Once turned on, no passcode or fingerprint can open the door. At such moments, the only way to open the door is through the two physical keys that come with the lock or by using the master password (not any of the other registered passwords). Where does the lock draw power from? You need to install a regular battery pack on the lock. What if the battery runs out? There is a USB connector on the lock that can be powered up with a portable power source.
The door lock includes anti-prank measures such as a three-minute lockout after three unsuccessful attempts and alarms. The lock also has an adjustable spy code function that adds random numbers to the password for enhanced security.
Should you buy it?
The chances of burglars opening this lock is zero. The person has to forcibly remove it or will have to drill to remove it, both of which are far-fetched scenarios. There are no vulnerabilities on the mechanical side.
There are several options in the market. Besides Godrej, you can go for Qubo or those from Yale, one of the world’s oldest lock manufacturers. If you want something even more versatile, like having app access, there are options available.
Is Godrej Catus Touch Plus secure? It’s definitely more secure than any conventional lock because you can’t bump this lock open and you can’t pick this lock open.
Mathures Paul
At a glance
Device: Godrej Catus Touch Plus
Price: Rs 17,499 (MRP)
High notes
Convenient features
Can restrict the need for conventional keys
Far more secure than a regular lock
Easy to install
Muffled note
Smart connectivity features would have been helpful
You can also use a manual key and there is a power port in case you need to kickstart the lock if battery runs out