Introduction to Ajax KeyPad Plus S (Black) and its key features
Ajax KeyPad Plus S (Black)is a modern wireless touch keypad designed to bring secure, convenient access control to homes and small-to-medium commercial sites. Combining contactless DESFire® authentication with a multi-code keypad, robust radio communications, and configurable alarm functions, the KeyPad Plus S aims to replace traditional PIN-only keypads and provide a flexible entry solution for contemporary alarm systems. Shipped with pre-installed batteries and a SmartBracket for quick indoor installation, this unit balances security, convenience and installer-friendly setup.
Key selling points include secure contactless access (DESFire cards and Tag keyfobs), support for hundreds of user credentials and PINs, encrypted two-way Jeweller radio communications with anti-spoof/jamming protections, a configurable panic button, tamper detection and multi-year battery life — all packaged in a slim black touch-panel housing.
Detailed description of specifications and benefits
The KeyPad Plus S packs a robust specification list that focuses on security, reliability and user convenience. Below are the most important specifications and what they mean in practice.
- Communication protocol:Jeweller (two-way encrypted radio). Benefit: Reliable, low-latency communication with Ajax Hubs and ReX extenders with continuous supervision and encrypted message exchange to prevent interception.
- Frequency bands:868.0–868.6 MHz (region-dependent). Benefit: Operates on license-free bands commonly used for professional wireless security systems, offering a good balance of range and interference resistance.
- Encryption:AES block encryption plus DESFire for card authentication. Benefit: Two-layer protection — encrypted radio traffic and secure DESFire contactless authentication for credentials reduce the risk of cloning or replay attacks.
- Supported credentials:DESFire® Pass cards and Tag keyfobs (EV1/EV2). Benefit: Fast, touchless operation for daily use — ideal for users who prefer cards/fobs to memorising PINs.
- Codes:Up to ~200 personal codes (hub-dependent), 99 unregistered codes and support for duress codes. Benefit: Scales to multi-user environments (families, offices, contractors) with the ability to assign and revoke access without changing locks.
- Anti-brute-force:Configurable lockout after repeated incorrect attempts. Benefit: Prevents attackers from guessing PINs through repeated trials.
- Radio range:Up to 1,700 m (open space). Benefit: Exceptional line-of-sight range suitable for large properties and flexible sensor placement when used with compatible Hubs and extenders.
- Power:4 × AA batteries (pre-installed), with battery life up to ~3.5–4.5 years depending on use. Benefit: Low maintenance and predictable replacement cycles; pre-installed batteries speed up initial deployment.
- Mounting:SmartBracket with tamper detection. Benefit: Fast, secure indoor mounting and concealed screw point for added protection against tampering.
- Operating temperature:−10 °C to +40 °C; humidity up to 75% RH (non-condensing). Benefit: Suited to typical indoor environments across a wide range of climates.
- Dimensions & weight:165 × 113 × 20 mm, 267 g. Benefit: Slim profile that fits discreetly beside doors or receptions without standing out.
- Panic button:Configurable behaviour — trigger alarm, mute fire alarms or be disabled. Benefit: Tailor the keypad to site-specific safety procedures and staff training.
Use cases and scenarios where the KeyPad Plus S excels
The KeyPad Plus S is designed to perform in multiple real-world contexts where secure, flexible and user-friendly access control is needed. Typical scenarios include:
- Homeowners who want fast, contactless arming/disarming without sharing PINs or compromising security.
- Multi-occupant homes and short-term rentals where owners issue cards or fobs to guests, cleaners or contractors and deactivate them remotely when access is no longer required.
- Boutiques, studios and offices that need to manage up to hundreds of users without complex access control infrastructure.
- Retail or back-of-house areas where quick badge entry reduces friction and maintains staff throughput during peak times.
- System integrators value the pre-installed batteries and SmartBracket for rapid deployment and the wide radio range for flexible sensor placement.
- Sites requiring both PIN and card authentication — administrators can combine methods for layered access policies.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
Understanding how KeyPad Plus S stacks up against alternatives helps clarify its strengths and trade-offs.
Compared with basic PIN-only keypads, KeyPad Plus S adds contactless DESFire authentication — offering faster, cleaner entry and stronger credential security. PIN-only devices are cheaper up-front but require users to remember codes and offer fewer tamper-resistant credential options.
Wireless keypads like KeyPad Plus S provide flexibility in placement and lower installation disruption than wired units. Their potential downside is battery management; however, KeyPad Plus S mitigates this with multi-year battery life and pre-installed cells. Wired units avoid battery replacement but require cabling costs and less flexible placement.
Within the Ajax ecosystem, KeyPad Plus S sits above basic keypad models due to DESFire support and advanced credential handling. Competing brands may offer similar contactless readers but not always with the same encrypted two-way radio supervision (Jeweller) or integration depth with Ajax Hubs. When choosing, consider factors like platform compatibility, range requirements, credential standards (DESFire is widely respected) and installer support or certification requirements for S-Line/Superior variants.
Customer testimonials and reviews
Below are representative user comments collected from installers and end-users using KeyPad Plus S in real-world deployments. These are paraphrased to reflect typical feedback rather than verbatim endorsements.
- Installer (regional security company):"Pre-installed batteries and the SmartBracket made installation quick. The long radio range allowed us to avoid installing a ReX extender in one multi-unit block — that saved the client money and reduced visible hardware."
- Small business owner:"We used KeyPad Plus S to manage staff access. Cards are easier to issue than changing PINs when someone leaves. The duress code option was also reassuring for late-night staff."
- Homeowner:"I like the contactless entry — no fumbling with keys. Battery life has been excellent so far and the keypad feels solid and responsive."
In independent reviews, buyers often highlight the balance of security and convenience — particularly the DESFire credential support and encrypted Jeweller link — while noting that professional commissioning is recommended for full feature unlocking and to meet local certification needs.
Conclusion — why Ajax KeyPad Plus S (Black) is a strong choice
The Ajax KeyPad Plus S (Black) is a compelling option for anyone needing a secure, flexible, easy-to-use wireless keypad with modern contactless access. Its core strengths are secure DESFire credential support, robust two-way encrypted radio communications, large user capacity (both PINs and cards/fobs), practical installer-friendly features and long battery life. These attributes make it well suited to homes, small businesses and installer projects that demand a step up from basic PIN-only keypads without committing to heavy wired infrastructure.
For those considering the device, its suggested price (around 119.99) positions it as a mid-range professional product that delivers meaningful security and convenience benefits. If you value contactless operation, scalable user management and strong encryption with the flexibility of wireless installation, KeyPad Plus S is worth serious consideration. As with any security device, pairing it with a compatible Ajax Hub and professional commissioning will ensure optimal performance and compliance with local regulations.
