TCL’s K1 smart door knob will keep clever kids out of your room

By Ian Bell Published September 26, 2025

TCL has launched their first ever fingerprint “smart” doorknob, the K1 which promises fast biometric access with a unique design and robust security features. Priced at $79.99, the TCL K1 adds smart functionality for doors that do not necessarily have a separate deadbolt.

What’s happened? TCL has added to their smart home arsenal, the K1 fingerprint doorknob which promises to add more technology and security features than their competitors. The company boasts a .03-second fingerprint recognition system with multiple modes like “Passage” for high traffic moments and “Private” for admin-only entry. The doorknob is crafted from aerospace-grade aluminum with a brushed nickel finish and is powered by four AAA batteries which promises 12 months of use. You can purchase the TCL K1 from Amazon for $79.99 which is right in line with competitors like the Lukyamzn Smart Biometric Knob, Vevor 5-in-1 Smart Knob, or Tinewa Fingerprint Knob.

This is important because: The smart lock sector is projected to grow to $4.4 billion by 2027 driven by demand for seamless secure home solutions. What makes the K1 unique is that it is not dependent on the cloud like competitors, the K1 prioritizes local security keeping your data private without 3rd party involvement. The market is changing fast, and make sure to check out the Digital Trends smart lock guide.

Why you should care: The K1’s .03 second fingerprint unlock is incredibly fast, the Passage mode works well for busy households, and the Private mode allows you to keep a specific room safe and secure. The Aerospace grade should be very durable, and because it’s waterproof you do not need to worry about shortages.

Ok, so what’s next? Expect TCL to continue to grow their smart lock product line, and add integration with Alexa or Google home, although no plans have been announced yet. But to stay competitive they need to be more compatible with services like these. Expect a full review from us shortly, and in the meantime, make sure to check out our recent TCL D2 Pro smart lock review which received an Editor’s Choice award.