Deadbolt Go: A Design Story

Smart locks should never feel intimidating. When we conceived the Deadbolt Go, our mission was simple: create a product that is familiar, effortless, and dependable, especially for those new to smart home security. This is the story of how a series of thoughtful, deliberate decisions culminated in a simple smart deadbolt designed to work in all the right places.

An Interface Engineered for Certainty

The first thing you’ll notice is the tactile, physical keypad. Rejecting the dead-front touch panels that require "waking," we opted for generous spacing, relief and concave buttons. This tactile approach guarantees deliberate, error-free actuation, whether you're juggling groceries, in a rush, or wearing gloves.

We obsessed over every detail of the keypad: the travel, the hardness, and the overall tactile response. The result is a system that removes friction: no need to wait for lights, or wake up the lock, just press. For new smart lock users, this clarity is paramount.

The Deadbolt Go introduces the convenience of traceable, biometric authentication. We placed the sensor beneath the keypad, to ensure no accidental button presses and to reduce hand travel distance from sensor to knob.

Finally, adding Siri, apple shortcut & apple watch support allows universal interaction by touch, voice, gestures or automations.

Materials: Performance is Paramount

Every exterior part of a lock must contend with weather, wear, and contact. That's why the front escutcheon is cast, milled, and plated, providing the necessary rigidity, precision and durability to withstand environmental exposure and forced-entry attempts. Furthermore, the minimized thickness reduces gripping or leveraging during tampering attempts, adding an extra layer of security while being sleek.

Inside, the body is engineered from plastics, not metal. This wasn't a cost-saving measure; it was a deliberate performance choice. Using engineered plastics dramatically improves Bluetooth signal performance compared to metals, ensuring reliable connectivity with phones and bridges.

Engineered for Consistency and Longevity

Smart locks are long-term devices. To ensure consistency over thousands of uses, Deadbolt Go was developed to meet rigorous ANSI/BHMA durability standards, including accelerated cycle testing that simulates 3–5 years of real-world operation. 

Waterproofing was also an essential requirement. We engineered a rubber interface layer between the device & door. This layer is crucial, serving three purposes: protecting internal components from water ingress, providing essential alignment during installation, accommodating for seasonal dimensional changes, and protecting door surfaces from scratching and denting during assembly.

A Modern Approach to Emergency Power

The traditional 9V "jumpstart" battery is increasingly rare. The Deadbolt Go modernizes this with a USB-C jumpstart port, enabling emergency power from common devices like a power bank or even another smartphone. The USB wire connector frees both hands for unlocking or maintenance. These small decisions deliver a much smoother, less stressful user experience in times of stress.

Simplified Installation for Everyone

We streamlined the installation process to save time and improve reliability:

• Fewer screws, larger fasteners: This means less fiddling during assembly and greater long-term security.

• Larger, more intuitive wire connectors: These are easier to grasp, route, and connect the front and back bodies.

These refinements significantly reduce installation time and enhance the overall reliability of the final install.

To ensure compatibility with any door, Deadbolt Go ships in two classic finishes:

• Satin Nickel: The industry's most widely used, door-hardware-friendly finish.

• Matte Black: A modern, subdued look perfect for contemporary homes.

These two options cover the vast majority of residential installations without overcomplicating buying decisions.

Each design decision, taken individually, might seem minute. But collectively, they form a product that is intuitive, reliable, and thoughtfully crafted for the realities of everyday use.

Deadbolt Go is not defined by flashy features. It is defined by good, understated design—design that serves quietly and consistently, day after day. Good design is everywhere; you just need to feel it rather than see it.