Guest Review: SwitchBot Curtain 3 – The bulkier, stronger big brother is here!

Bigger, better, faster, stronger – That’s how I would describe the new SwitchBot Curtain. It promises much more power and delivers on that promise.

A few months ago, I wrote an amateur review for SwitchBot Curtain. Please make sure to read it too from here. As stated, I have no previous experience in home automation, and I am looking for out-of-the-box solutions that are easy to install and easy to use. This time, I got the opportunity to try and review the new SwitchBot Curtain 3.

Installation & Calibration

The installation process is similar to the previous Curtain. One main difference from my previous curtain is that a magnet was in the box to help close the curtains on more slippery curtain rods. The magnet is installed into the rod, and when the SwitchBot Curtain reaches the magnet, it keeps the curtain closed as the magnets lock it into place. I have to say, this might seem like a small addition – but it works well!

The installation goes as follows: You download the SwitchBot app to your phone (obviously, I already had it installed as I had the previous Curtain in use) and start adding a new device. Then, you press the button in the Curtain bot for two seconds, allowing the app to find your bot and connect to it. A moment later, I have the bot installed, and the firmware is updated automatically. Now, the bot needs to be calibrated, so you let the bot figure out when the curtains are closed and opened. You can use the smart calibration, where the bot does this automatically, or as I opted in, do it manually. The reason I did it manually is that, as previously, I had to use my 3D-printed part for fitting the bot to my curtain rails (Disclaimer: I’m pretty sure that you don’t have to do this, cause the Curtain bot fits most curtain rails). This might affect the bot’s movement, so I wanted to ensure I could control the calibration process.

This time, I made the curtains dual-sided as I have two curtains, so the curtains open from the center to both sides. So, I used two bots in the same curtain rail. If you install it like that, you can easily group and calibrate two bots individually. Overall, the installation and calibration are really well thought out, and you are guided through every step; it’s hard to fail in the installation.

In action

Okay, you sure are one big bot – but let’s see how well you do in action.

After the quick installation, it’s time to try how it functions. You can use the curtain in multiple ways: through the app, use voice commands, or, as I currently do, install a separate SwitchBot Remote to control the curtains.

When trying the bot for the first time, I immediately noticed that the sound was much more light and pleasant. The previous bot was a bit on the loud side, and the sound was on the screeching side compared to the new one. SwitchBot also states that the new bot is quieter with twice the strength – We’ll see about that.

The new version does bring the muscles into the work. It’s stronger than its little brother and works better in more challenging environments. My curtains are weighty as I use the bot in my movie room, which has to be pitch black when using the projector, and my railing is thin. I used the 3D-printed piece that brings friction, so it’s no easy task for a bot to move the curtains.

SwitchBot Curtain 3 delivers, the curtains open without any problems, and the curtains keep closed due to the new magnets – Did I already mention that I love little improvements like that?

You can either charge the SwitchBot now and then with the included USB cable, or if you want to go all the way, you could buy the separately sold new solar panel that promises unlimited battery life. I have to say; I’m not sure how it would work here in Finland, where you cannot even see the sun for most of the winter. (Challenge accepted, SwitchBot)

I liked the previous version of the bot, but the new one delivers even more. If you currently have the last bot, you might not have any need to update. Still, if you have more challenging environments or are just planning to make your curtains bright, based on these experiences, if you’re an amateur or a seasoned home automation guru, the SwitchBot Curtain 3 would be the product I’d choose.

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