Key takeaways
- Keyless entry improves security and convenience, while traditional keys remain inexpensive but less efficient.
- Upfront costs are higher with smart locks and access control, but ROI comes from reduced rekeying and enhanced resident satisfaction.
- Property-wide systems like ACS and video intercoms offer the best balance of security, convenience, and scalability.
- For multifamily, gated communities, and commercial properties, keyless entry is the future of access management.
When it comes to controlling access, the debate of keyless entry vs traditional keys is no longer just about hardware. It is about resident experience, operational efficiency, and long-term security. Metal keys are familiar and inexpensive, but they create ongoing headaches, including lost keys, rekeying, limited visibility, and no straightforward way to revoke access. Keyless entry system options, such as keypads, smart locks, mobile credentials, and video intercoms, centralize control, simplify move-ins and move-outs, and provide teams with real-time oversight across doors, gates, and garages.
In this guide, we break down how both approaches compare in terms of security, cost, convenience, maintenance, and integration. You will learn when traditional keys still make sense, where keyless entry delivers the strongest ROI, and how different property types, multifamily, gated communities, commercial, and industrial, can choose the right mix. We will also answer common questions such as “Is keyless entry better than a key?” so you can make a confident, future-proof decision.
This post covers:
More than 40K, 5-star reviews!
Video Intercoms
Open doors, gates & garages from anywhere.
QR Code Intercom
Smartphone-based visitor access.
Access Control
Fob, key cards, PINs, and mobile apps.
Security Cameras
Visibility throughout your property.
Vehicle Access
Hands-free access for gates & garages.
Package Room
Receive, store, and manage deliveries.
Smart Locks
Connect to all major brands and models.
Elevator Controls
Unlock key-fobbed elevators for anyone.
Front Desk Station
See all your doors and cameras in one place.
What is the difference between keyless entry and traditional keys?
At its core, the difference between keyless entry and traditional keys comes down to how access is granted and managed.
Traditional keys rely on a physical lock-and-key mechanism. They’re simple, low-cost, and widely understood. But they also create challenges: keys can be lost, stolen, or copied, and rekeying locks every time a resident moves out or staff turns over is both time-consuming and expensive.
Keyless entry systems, on the other hand, replace physical keys with digital credentials. This can be a PIN code on a keypad, a smartphone app, a fob or card reader, or even a video intercom that lets residents visually verify guests before granting access. Instead of rekeying locks, property staff can add, revoke, or change credentials instantly through a cloud-based dashboard.
The result is a system that provides residents with greater convenience while giving property managers increased control and visibility over who enters the building.
Keyless entry vs. traditional keys comparison:
Pros and cons of keyless entry
Like any access solution, keyless entry has both advantages and potential drawbacks. Understanding these will help you decide whether it’s the right fit for your property.
Pros of keyless entry
- Enhanced security. Keyless systems eliminate the risks of lost or duplicated keys. Access can be tracked in real time, and managers can instantly revoke or update credentials without physically changing locks.
- Greater convenience for residents. Instead of carrying keys, residents can use their smartphones, PIN codes, or fobs to enter. Many systems also support guest access, letting residents share temporary codes or visitor passes.
- Streamlined property management. With a cloud-based dashboard, property staff can grant or remove access instantly across multiple doors, gates, and garages via keyless entry products, including keyless door knobs. This saves time and reduces costs associated with rekeying or replacing locks.
- Scalability and integration. Keyless entry solutions integrate with other property systems, including access control systems (ACS), video intercoms, and security cameras. This creates a centralized platform that scales as properties grow.
Cons of keyless entry
- Higher upfront cost. Smart locks, keypads, and access control readers cost more initially than traditional locks. For large properties, this can be a significant investment.
- Dependence on power or connectivity. Many systems rely on batteries, WiFi, or cellular networks. While most include backup options, outages can disrupt normal use.
- Learning curve for residents. Some residents may be hesitant to adopt new technology. Managers may need to provide guidance or training to ensure smooth adoption.
Pros and cons of traditional keys
Traditional keys have been the standard for centuries, and while they still work for many properties, they come with trade-offs worth considering.
Pros of traditional keys
- Lower upfront cost. Locks and metal keys are inexpensive to install, making them appealing for properties with limited budgets.
- Familiarity. Everyone knows how to use a key. There’s no need for training or onboarding, which can ease adoption for residents and staff.
- No reliance on technology. Traditional locks function without batteries, WiFi, or apps. This makes them dependable in power outages or areas without internet connectivity.
Cons of traditional keys
- Security vulnerabilities. Keys can be lost, stolen, or easily copied without authorization. Rekeying becomes necessary whenever security is compromised, driving up long-term costs.
- Operational inefficiency. Property managers must manually rekey or replace locks whenever residents move out or lose their keys. Over time, this process is costly and time-consuming.
- Limited flexibility. Traditional keys cannot integrate with modern systems, such as access control dashboards, intercoms, or cameras. They also provide no visibility into who is entering the property.
Discover how ButterflyMX works:
Cost comparison: Keyless entry vs. traditional keys
When weighing keyless entry vs traditional keys, cost is often a deciding factor. While traditional locks appear cheaper upfront, keyless systems can deliver greater value over time.
Traditional keys and locks:
- Installation: $20–$50 per lock
- Rekeying: $50–$150 each time a key is lost or a tenant moves out
- Hidden costs: Frequent locksmith visits, staff time managing keys, and resident dissatisfaction when access issues occur
Keyless entry systems:
- Smart locks & keypads: $150–$300 per unit
- Access control readers & cloud management: Higher upfront, but centralized control reduces ongoing costs
- Long-term savings: No rekeying needed, reduced locksmith expenses, and time savings for property staff
Bottom line: Traditional keys are budget-friendly at the start, but keyless entry provides a stronger return on investment. By reducing operational costs, boosting resident satisfaction, and supporting higher rents, keyless systems often pay for themselves within a few years.
How to decide what is best for your property
Choosing between keyless entry and traditional keys depends on your property type, budget, and long-term goals.
- Multifamily communities. With frequent resident turnover, a cloud-based access control system or video intercom reduces the need for rekeying while giving managers centralized control. Residents also value the convenience of smartphone access.
- Gated communities. A keypad at the entrance or vehicle access control system simplifies entry for residents and guests while reducing reliance on physical keys or gate attendants.
- Commercial properties. Businesses benefit from readers and access control systems that provide audit logs, role-based permissions, and remote management of employee access.
- Industrial sites. Durability and layered security matter most. Combining readers, keypads, and cameras can protect sensitive areas and track entry activity.
If your property needs higher security, better operational efficiency, and a more modern resident experience, keyless entry is the smarter long-term investment. Traditional keys still work for smaller or lower-budget properties, but they limit growth and add hidden costs over time.
Frequently asked questions about keyless entry vs. traditional keys
- Is keyless entry better than key?
- What are the disadvantages of keyless entry?
- What are the disadvantages of keypad locks?
- What is the difference between a smart key and a traditional key?
Is keyless entry better than key?
For most properties, yes. Keyless entry provides stronger security, more convenience for residents, and easier management for property staff. Traditional keys may be cheaper upfront, but they create long-term inefficiencies and higher maintenance costs.
What are the disadvantages of keyless entry?
Keyless systems have higher upfront costs, depend on batteries or internet connectivity, and may require residents to adjust to new technology. However, their long-term savings and convenience usually outweigh these drawbacks.
What are the disadvantages of keypad locks?
If not managed properly, PIN codes can be forgotten or shared. Regularly updating codes and pairing keypads with a broader access control system helps maintain security.
What is the difference between a smart key and a traditional key?
A traditional key is a physical metal object used to operate a mechanical lock. A smart key (or smart credential) uses digital technology, like a smartphone app, fob, card, or keypad code, to unlock a door.
Learn more about ButterflyMX
Fill in the form below, and we'll email you right back.
Have questions?
Fill in the form below, and we'll email you right back.