The Switchbot Curtain 3 aims to connect and automate all your curtains, regardless of the type of curtain rod. We have tested it for you !
In a world in which connectivity and robotics are present in every corner of our homes, the SwitchBot Curtain 3 appears to be a promise of additional comfort, even if it can seem almost decadent. This robot simply motorizes your curtains, allowing very precise remote control from a smartphone or via voice assistants.
This third generation promises to correct the flaws of previous models by being quieter and faster. Although this product seems to have it all, it still costs 89.99 euros per window, a price that is double if you have double curtains! However, it offers the promise of entering a world where closing and opening your curtains no longer requires moving. An interesting product to test, on the border between a gadget and a real well-being tool.
In-depth design and build quality:
The SwitchBot Curtain 3 is a product whose design expresses above all its function, which does not prevent it from being relatively aesthetic. However, remember that it must remain hidden behind a curtain; so it’s not so bad if it doesn’t catch your eye. The robot consists of a white central body which integrates the motor, the battery and Bluetooth connectivity.
This slender device measures 4.2 cm x 5.1 cm x 17.3 cm and weighs 280 grams. It is accompanied by two arms, each equipped with two wheels, which must be connected to the central body and which ensure support on the curtain rod. Once installed, the robot is almost invisible, unless the curtains are transparent. Its polycarbonate design makes it a robust object with impeccable assembly. The device can support and move curtains weighing up to 15 kg, with a rod diameter ranging from 1.5 cm to 4 cm with a circumference of 4.8 cm to 12.5 cm. In addition, the manufacturer is thinking about extendable rods. Thus, the robot is compatible with height differences of up to 0.35 cm.
The Curtain 3 is equipped with a 3350 mAh lithium-ion battery, providing up to eight months of battery life for one opening and closing per day. The manufacturer had the excellent idea of offering a solar panel (at 69.99 euros) to connect via USB to the product to recharge it during the day.
Its articulated arm allows it to be oriented to optimize recharging. Theoretically, you will never have to recharge your robot, which seems to be confirmed by our tests. However, in the event of numerous openings and closings of curtains, it is not certain that this is enough to compensate for this type of electricity consumption.
Installation: much simpler than the manual suggests
The Curtain 3 comes with several accessories to cope with all situations. So, in addition to the robot body and its two arms, it includes a reset tool, curtain clips with legs, a string of beads, a wet wipe for cleaning surfaces and a magnetic adhesive patch.
Before starting the physical installation, it is necessary to install the Switchbot application.
The application automatically detects the device and Bluetooth pairing with the robot is almost instantaneous. At the end of this process, you will have access to tutorials, with pictograms or video, to guide you in the physical installation of the robot. The whole thing is very clear and adapts to all configurations. Whether you have track rods or other types of rods, you will find everything you need for a successful installation.
In the case of eyelet curtains, we installed the robot on the rod, behind the curtain. You must first place your arms. Then, press the side button on one of the arms and pull firmly.
You must not hesitate to put force into it, otherwise nothing will move. You can then connect the first arm to the body, then do the same with the second. The robot is thus perfectly fixed to the rod, ensuring impeccable support.
Now that the robot is installed, we need to make it control the curtains. In our case, we use a beaded chain with clips to hang on each eyelet. Thus, when the robot moves, the eyelets are pulled by it.
The final step is to install an adhesive patch with a magnet. The latter will indicate to the robot the limits not to be exceeded. You must therefore clean the lower surface of the rod, position the robot in the “curtain closed», then place the patch so that only the wheels of the central body and the arm opposite the end of travel are positioned on it.
You may feel some apprehension before beginning this process, especially if you have read the paper manual which may be unclear. But in reality, if you follow each step methodically, in less than 10 minutes your robot will be installed.
Uses
Before talking about usage, it is necessary to complete the installation process. If you have a double curtain, you will need two robots. You will then have to repeat the process a second time and combine the two robots.
The operation is very simple and the application guides you step by step to avoid any errors. Then, through the app, you will define the type of installation, whether for one or two curtains.
The Curtain 3 then begins an automatic calibration process, starting from the position “curtains closed“. The robot will then measure the length of the rod by opening the curtains and will determine the stopping point on its own. If this doesn’t seem precise enough, manual calibration is also possible.
Added to this are built-in safety mechanisms, such as obstacle and overload protection, ensuring safe everyday use.
On the app, you can then set the open and closed positions of the curtains. We are not limited to open and closed positions; you can choose the aperture level quite precisely. The visualization on the screen, representing curtains, makes handling very intuitive.
In addition to manual control, it is possible to program schedules for the automatic opening and closing of the curtains, in line with your lifestyle. These automations can be adjusted to respond to specific events, like opening with the first rays of the sun or closing at sunset.
The Curtain 3 is really pleasant to use. The movements are fluid and its ability to handle curtains weighing up to 15 kg, over a maximum length of 3 meters, and at a speed of 5 mm per second, is a promise kept. QuietDrift mode moves the curtain at a reduced speed, which significantly reduces the noise generated. The movement is much longer, increasing to 1 mm per second. However, we move on to simply non-existent noise pollution, compared to around 52 dB at one meter in normal mode. This is very appreciable especially in the morning when you wake up.
Let’s move on to the thorny subject: the integration of voice assistants. Although the Curtain 3 is compatible with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa and Siri, as well as IFTT and Smarthing, it requires the use of the SwitchBot Hub, which acts as a bridge between the Curtain 3 and the home network. This can be a bit restrictive, unless you want to take full advantage of connected curtains throughout your home or equip yourself with other products from the brand. Having not received this Hub, we cannot comment on the effectiveness with these.
SwitchBot Curtain 3 pricing and availability
The SwitchBot Curtain 3 is available on the brand’s official website as well as at certain third-party resellers such as Amazon.