Mechanical Vs Digital Locks. What Should You Choose?

Mechanical Locks (Traditional Keyed Locks)

Mechanical locks use physical keys and remain a popular choice across residential and commercial properties.

✅ Pros of Mechanical Locks

• Simple and reliable - no batteries or electronics
• Lower upfront cost
• Familiar and easy to use
• Widely accepted for insurance and compliance
• Suitable for standard residential and commercial doors

⚠️ Cons of Mechanical Locks

• Lost keys often require rekeying or lock replacement
• Key control becomes difficult with multiple users
• No access history or audit trail
• Less flexible for short-term or high-turnover properties

Best suited for:
Owner-occupied homes, fixed-staff workplaces, and properties where simplicity is the priority.

Digital Locks (Keyless & Smart Locks)

Digital locks allow access via PIN codes, cards, fobs or smartphone apps, offering far greater control over who can enter and when.

✅ Pros of Digital Locks

• Keyless entry - no physical keys to lose or copy
• Unique access codes per booking, ideal for Airbnb and short-term rentals
• Timed access, allowing codes to activate and expire to match guest check-in and check-out dates and times
• Easy to add or remove access without changing locks
• Some models provide access logs showing when doors are used
• Many systems integrate with Airbnb and property management software, automatically managing access for each stay

⚠️ Cons of Digital Locks

• Higher upfront cost
• Requires battery management
• Not suitable for all doors without modification
• Electronics may not suit every environment

Best suited for:
Airbnb properties, short-term rentals, holiday homes, and multi-user properties where access changes frequently.

Digital Locks for Airbnb & Short-Term Rentals

Digital locks are increasingly popular for short-term accommodation because they simplify access while improving security.

Key benefits include:

• Unique access codes issued per guest booking
• Access automatically limited to the exact stay period
• No key handovers, lockboxes or key collection delays
• Reduced risk of unauthorised access after checkout
• Separate access for cleaners, maintenance staff and owners

For hosts managing multiple bookings, digital locks significantly reduce administration while improving the guest experience.

Restricted Keys & Master Keying (A Strong Alternative)

For property owners who prefer mechanical locks, restricted key systems and master keying offer strong control without electronics.

🔑 Restricted Key Systems

Restricted keys cannot be copied without authorisation, helping prevent unauthorised duplicates.

Benefits include:

• Improved key control
• Reduced risk of keys being copied by guests or contractors
• Suitable for residential, commercial and short-term rental properties

🗝 Master Keying for Airbnb & Short-Term Rentals

Master key systems allow different levels of access using different keys.

A common setup includes:

• Guest key: Access to external doors only
• Master key: Access to all doors, including internal storage rooms, owner cupboards or plant rooms

This allows:

• Guests to access only approved areas
• Cleaners to access common areas
• Owners or managers to retain secure access to restricted spaces
• Secure storage for supplies, equipment or personal items

Master keying is especially effective for short-term rentals, serviced apartments and multi-property portfolios, where control and flexibility are critical.

Which Option Is Right for You?

Need Help Choosing the Right Setup?

At Lockmart, we supply and install mechanical locks, digital locks, restricted key systems and master key solutions tailored to Australian doors and property types. Our experienced locksmiths can design a system that suits your property layout, security requirements and access needs.

Products are available online with Australia-wide delivery, via local pickup from our Melbourne stores, or supplied and installed by our locksmiths across local Melbourne suburbs.