When it was first unveiled, the SwitchBot Curtain 3 was unanimously hailed as the quietest curtain robot on the market. Initially, I met it with a hint of skepticism; but the bold declaration piqued my curiosity. Having pioneered the curtain-control robot in 2019, Chinese smart home powerhouse, SwitchBot’s latest gem would obviously deliver high in the product’s commitment to providing top-notch automation. But I did not want to settle for claims!
So, when I received the consignment from China – two boxes full of curtain bots and accessories – I immediately got down to business. As I delved into the experience, it became abundantly clear that this Chinese marvel not only boasted a striking aesthetic charm but also orchestrated the art of curtain control with an exceptionally powerful motor, executing its maneuvers in a symphony of silence.
What’s New
From my first-hand experience with the SwitchBot Curtain 3, let me tell you, it’s a game-changer for anyone looking to add futuristic elegance to their home on a budget. Having used this curtain controller for a few days now, I can confidently say that the Curtain 3 lives up to its reputation as the quietest curtain bot out there.
Arguably, this is what I intended to define, but certainly, it wasn’t the only element to substantiate! With its ability to hand out smart functionality to your traditional curtain, the smart bot turns what you have into a smart device. This is what this curtain controller has done since inception; but for its third edition, it does it in a fancy new design, with a powerful motor, and nearly soundless performance, yet almost at the same price as its predecessor.
Through a special Homecrux offer, you can get the SwitchBot Curtain 3 for $89.99 $53.99, a 30% off on-site. Or avail 10% discount via XMCURTAIN3 on Amazon.
Curtain 3 is designed a little longer in size than its predecessor, providing better coverage. The optional Solar Panel 3 is a fantastic addition to the curtain bot which, the company claims, eliminates the need for charging. The package I received comes without the solar attachment, so I would have to rely on a USB-C cable for charging.
Packaging and Contents
From the moment I unboxed the SwitchBot Curtain 3, I was impressed with the attention to detail in the packaging. Right from the first unwrap, it was evident that this was no ordinary curtain controller: It was a manifestation of Chinese craftsmanship and smart living aspirations packaged for the masses.
Within the thoughtfully packaged box, I received the main unit (where the motor and sensors reside), two spring-laden arms (that fix on either side of the main unit and grip onto the curtain rod), a USB-C cable (for charging), magnet attachments (for calibration and control), tiny remote controls, a user manual, pair of hooks, beads chain, and clips.
The inclusion of the SwitchBot Curtain 3 – in the box – adds another layer of convenience. It renders voice control possible over platforms like Alexa, Google Home, and Home Kit possible. Meanwhile, the Hub 2 is Matter compatible and it allows one to use any form of smart home system to command the SwitchBot Curtain 3.
It was effortless to connect to Home Kit and Google Home, however, because of security reasons may be, I had to work my way through the cloud setting in the SwithBot app to connect to Alexa. If you’re outside of India, it should be equally straightforward with the Amazon Assistant too, I suppose.
Setup
Installation was pretty effortless; taking me about 6 minutes (in contrast to the advertised 5 minutes). The detailed user manual and the intuitive app guided me through the calibration process seamlessly.
The Curtain 3 requires you to attach the two spring-laden arms to the main unit, which then together securely grip onto the curtain rod. This was the toughest part of my setup, as stretching the spring unit to wrap around the curtain rod took some grit. Otherwise, the installation was straightforward and smooth.
The SwitchBot Curtain 3 is attached between the first and second loops of the curtain, and once commanded, the sleek robot glides effortlessly, automating the opening and closing of your curtains.
Like any technology, I encountered a minor challenge during the process. My curtain rod had grooves, causing the Curtain 3 to exhibit a jittery movement. A quick change of the rod, and recalibration, accompanied by the magnet attachments (stuck in the middle of the rod, allowing the bots to calibrate), helped resolve the issue, showcasing the adaptability of the device.
Connecting and setting up the Curtain 3 with the SwitchBot app was fairly simple, and the range of options in there – from auto and manual calibration to settings to choose between different noise levels and battery consumption modes – make it fairly easy to operate. I did face a hang-up with connecting the little remote provided alongside, which had to be paired separately (not that it really matters, coz all the controls are right there on your smartphone), and the rest you can do over voice commands via the hub connected to the Curtain 3. the SwitchBot Hub 2 has a nice display with also shows temperature and humidity.
Major Takeaway
As mentioned toward the beginning of this review, the SwitchBot Curtain 3 bragged of being the quietest out there. Not that I had a doubt after the first hands-on experience with it. I wanted to give the scheduling option a try and validate the claim there as well.
Before that! Using the SwitchBot app, you can either instantly use the Curtain 3 to draw your curtains open or close, or even set schedules for opening and closing, saving yourself from the hassle of manual commands. Its smart adaptability to changing light ensures a seamless transition during dusk and dawn.
The Curtain 3 boasts compatibility with various curtain rods – Rod, U-Rail, or I-Rail (you can choose according to your type), making it a sought-after retrofitting device. The Curtain 3 comes with two mode settings: Normal and QuietDrift. As the name suggests, the QuietDrift Mode, operating at a whisper-quiet decibel sound, is a fantastic addition for those who prioritize serenity. The previous editions of the SwitchBot Curtain made a loud noise. This was like the humming RC cars from the good old days.
The Curtain 3 in the QuietDrift, which does drain the battery, can easily drift curtains of up to 15 kgs with almost dreamlike silence, that’s how it was for me in the morning when the Curtain 3 scheduled to draw open at 6:30 am did so without waking me up. Of course, the daylight didn’t help, but there was almost no sound and the process was noiseless.
As opposed to this, the rolling sound of the bot is more obvious in the normal mode (less battery guzzling of course; company claims can allow the battery to last up to eight months on a single charge). The sound may change slightly depending on the wood or metal curtain rod that you may have.
Also Read: Best Motorized Smart Blinds, Shades and Retrofit Kits
Final Thought and Pricing
To sum it up, the SwitchBot Curtain 3 is not just a curtain controller; it’s a thoughtfully designed, better-performing, advanced curtain-automating wireless robot that elevates the concept of home automation. If you’re looking to add a touch of sophistication and convenience to automating your traditional curtains, the Curtain 3 is a worthwhile investment. You can find the SwitchBot Curtain 3 on the Black Friday sale starting Nov 17 through Nov 27.
Through a special Homecrux offer, you can get the SwitchBot Curtain 3 for $89.99 $53.99, a 30% off on-site. Or avail 10% discount via XMCURTAIN3 on Amazon.
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