You're tired of keys. People lose them, copy them, and forget to give them back. So you want a door that opens without a key.
The two most common choices are card readers and keypads. Here is how they are different, in plain words.
What is a keypad?
A keypad has number buttons. You type a code, and the door unlocks.
- Good: nothing to carry, nothing to lose. Low cost to start.
- Not so good: people share codes. A code can be told to a friend or seen over someone's shoulder. On simple keypads, everyone uses the same code, so you can't tell who came in.
What is a card reader?
A card reader is a small box by the door. You hold up a key card or a fob, and the door unlocks. Many systems also work with a phone.
- Good: each person has their own card. If a card is lost, or someone quits, you turn that one card off in seconds. The system keeps a log of who opened the door and when.
- Not so good: people have to carry the card. It costs more to set up than a basic keypad.
Side by side
| Keypad | Card reader | |
|---|---|---|
| Something to carry? | No | Yes (card, fob or phone) |
| Know who came in? | Only with personal codes | Yes, every time |
| Lost or shared? | Change the code | Turn off one card |
| Cost to start | Lower | Higher |
| Best for | Back rooms, small shops, few people | Offices, many workers, more than one door |
When a keypad makes sense
- You have a small team you trust.
- It's a stock room, office or back door, not the main door.
- You want a low cost first step away from keys.
Tip: pick a keypad that lets each person have their own code. Then you can remove one person without changing everyone's code.
When a card reader makes sense
- Workers come and go often.
- You need to know who opened a door, and when.
- You have more than one door or more than one location.
- You want doors to lock and unlock on a schedule.
- You rekey more than once a year. Each rekey costs money. Turning off a card does not.
You can mix them
You don't have to pick just one. Many businesses put a card reader on the front door and a keypad on a back room. Some readers have a keypad built in, so a person can use a card or a code. Cloud systems let you run all of it from one app on your phone.
One rule that never changes
Exit doors must always let people out, even if the power goes out. A good installer sets every door up so it is safe and follows fire code. If the door has a push bar, it can work with a reader too. See panic bar repair.
What we do
We walk your space, look at your doors and frames, and ask who needs to get in where. Then we tell you what fits and give you the price before we start. Want the bigger picture first? Read key cards vs. keys for small business.
Next step
Ask for a free walkthrough of your access control options. Or call (682) 324-6688, Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 6 PM.
Quick answers
Is a card reader or a keypad better for a small business?
A keypad is cheaper and there is nothing to carry. A card reader costs more but gives each person their own card, keeps a log of who came in, and lets you turn off one lost card in seconds. Many businesses use both.
Can I use a phone instead of a key card?
Many card systems also work with a phone app. We can tell you which systems support it during a walkthrough.
What happens to a card reader door if the power goes out?
Good systems have battery backup. Exit doors are set up so people can always get out, so you stay within fire code.