Tuya vs TTLock: Which Smart Lock Ecosystem Should You Sell?
Both ecosystems work. They suit different buyers, and choosing wrongly costs a lot of after-sales time.
Read the article →Materials and Finishes for Smart Locks
A smart lock is not made of one material. The body, the shackle, the panel and the cylinder each do a different job, and reading a single material off a specification sheet tells you very little.
Where each material is used
| Zinc alloy | 6.6 | Die-cast bodies, padlock shells, panels |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminium | 2.7 | Panels and handles, where weight matters |
| 304 stainless | 7.9 | Shackles, bolts and high-exposure bodies |
| 201 stainless | 7.9 | Indoor bodies and panels |
| Brass | 8.5 | Cylinders and keys |
Zinc alloy die-casts cleanly and holds a shape, which is why it dominates the body. Stainless carries the load where a part can be attacked with a tool.
Corrosion: the salt spray figure is the one that matters
| Zinc alloy | 48 hours | General outdoor use, inland |
|---|---|---|
| 201 stainless | Indoor only | Not for coastal or high-humidity sites |
| 304 stainless | 200 hours or more | Coastal and marine environments |
| Brass | Good | Cylinders, where plating wear matters |
Salt spray hours come from a standardised test, and they are the honest way to compare two finishes. A supplier who quotes a material without a test figure has not answered the question.
The four finishes you will be offered
| Satin nickel | Silver-grey | 72 hours | Indoor and mild climates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matte black | Solid black | 48 hours | Indoor and modern interiors |
| Brushed | Bare metal tone | 96 hours | Indoor and fire doors |
| PVD coating | Gold or rose gold | 200 hours or more | High-end residential and hotel |
PVD is a vacuum deposition process rather than a paint, which is why its salt spray figure is several times higher. It costs more, and on a coastal site it is usually the right answer.
Choosing against the site rather than the catalogue
- Inland indoor door: matte black or satin nickel on zinc alloy is sufficient
- Hotel corridor: satin nickel or brushed, for wear rather than for water
- Outdoor gate or container: 304 stainless shackle with PVD or brushed finish
- Coastal or marine site: 304 stainless throughout and PVD where the finish shows
- Wash-down area: confirm the seal arrangement as well as the finish
What to put in the order
Swipe the table sideways to see the full specification →
| Body material | Named in the specification, not left to the family default |
|---|---|
| Shackle or bolt | Material and diameter, since this is the attack surface |
| Finish | Named finish and its salt spray hours |
| Colour reference | A physical sample or a Pantone number, not a colour name |
| Approved sample | Kept, and referenced against the production run |
A colour described only by name means different things on different days. Send a physical reference or a Pantone number and keep the approved sample.
Buyer Questions
Three questions this guide usually raises.
On this topic
Is zinc alloy strong enough for a padlock body?
For the body, yes - it die-casts cleanly and takes an impact. The load path is the shackle, which is why that part is hardened steel or 304 stainless.
Which finish should I choose for a coastal site?
PVD at 200 hours or more, with a 304 stainless shackle. Satin nickel at 72 hours is an indoor finish.
Can we specify a RAL or Pantone colour?
Yes, on a customised order. Send the reference and expect a proof or a sample before the production run.
Related Reading
Active Unlock vs Request-Based Unlock in Smart Locks
The single most expensive misunderstanding in app-connected locks, and how to avoid it.
Read the article →Choosing a Mortise Body and Door Thickness for a Smart Lock
The four measurements that decide whether a smart door lock order works.
Read the article →