Kwikset Door Knobs With Locks: Keyed Entry or Privacy?
As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. This means we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you click through and make a purchase.
Kwikset is one of the most familiar names in home door hardware, and its locking door knobs are the kind of simple upgrade a first-time homeowner or renter can install with just a screwdriver. Across its knob styles, the brand offers two locking types: keyed entry knobs, which lock from the outside with a key, and privacy knobs, which lock from the inside with a push or turn button and have no key at all.
The six knobs below cover both types in different shapes and finishes; the main differences are whether they take a key, their BHMA security grade, and whether the style is classic round, traditional or square and modern.
Kwikset Locking Door Knobs Compared
| Model | Lock type | BHMA grade | Finish | SmartKey |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tylo Entry | Keyed entry | Grade 3 | Satin Nickel | Yes |
| Cove Entry | Keyed entry | Grade 3 | Matte Black | Yes |
| Hancock Entry | Keyed entry | Grade 2 | Satin Nickel | Yes |
| Pismo Privacy | Interior privacy, turn button | Grade 1 | Matte Black | No key |
| Polo Entry | Keyed entry | Grade 3 | Venetian Bronze | Yes |
| Tylo Privacy | Interior privacy, turn button | Grade 3 | Satin Nickel | No key |
Kwikset Tylo Entry Door Knob for Classic Front Doors
Kwikset
Kwikset Tylo Entry Door Knob with Lock and Key, Secure Keyed Handle Exterior, Front Entrance and Bedroom, Satin Nickel, Pick Resistant SmartKey Rekey Security and Microban
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Kwikset Tylo Entry Door Knob
Best for: Classic front or side doors
Pros
- SmartKey rekey in seconds
- Microban treated
- Brass handle material
Cons
- Grade 3 BHMA, the entry level
The Kwikset Tylo Entry Door Knob is the classic round knob many people picture when they think of Kwikset. It is a keyed entry knob: inside there is a turn piece to lock the door, and outside you need a key. Kwikset recommends this function for exterior-facing doors, and the description adds that it can also secure an interior room, such as a home office, with a key.
It includes Kwikset’s SmartKey Security, which the listing says protects against advanced break-in techniques and lets you re-key the lock yourself in seconds. Re-keying means changing which key opens the lock, handy when you move into a new home and do not know who has copies. The box contains the keyed exterior knob, interior knob, screws, adjustable latch, 2 keys, strike plate, SmartKey tool, installation hardware and an install guide. It is treated with Microban, which Kwikset describes as product protection that keeps the surface cleaner.
The Tylo is Grade 3 BHMA certified. BHMA grades run from Grade 1 (highest) to Grade 3, based on security, durability and finish tests, so this is solid residential hardware but the entry level. The listing names brass as the handle material and a satin nickel finish. It suits a side door, garage entry or bedroom where you want a key; if your front door gets heavy use, the Grade 2 Hancock below is a step up.
Kwikset Cove Entry Door Knob for Modern Matte Black Style
Kwikset
Kwikset Cove Entry Door Knob with Lock and Key, Secure Keyed Handle Exterior Doorknob, Front Entrance and Bedroom, Matte Black, Pick Resistant SmartKey Rekey Security
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Kwikset Cove Entry Door Knob
Best for: Modern homes wanting matte black
Pros
- Matte black finish
- SmartKey security
- Two keys included
Cons
- Grade 3 BHMA
- Microban not mentioned
The Kwikset Cove Entry Door Knob offers the same keyed entry function in a matte black finish that suits modern and farmhouse-style homes. You lock it with a turn piece inside and a key outside, and it carries SmartKey Security for do-it-yourself re-keying.
The box includes the exterior keyed knob, interior knob, adjustable latch, installation hardware, SmartKey tool, 2 keys and an install guide. It fits standard doors 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inches thick, and the latch backset adjusts between 2-3/8 and 2-3/4 inches with a twist. Backset is simply the distance from the door edge to the center of the knob hole, and those two sizes cover most US doors. Security, durability and finish are Grade 3 BHMA certified.
Unlike the Tylo and Hancock listings, this one does not mention Microban, and the specs are brief: metal material and dimensions of 7.4 by 3.6 inches. Pick the Cove if you want a black knob with a key on a bedroom, side or garage door. For a matching front entrance look, our guide to the Kwikset front door handle options covers handlesets and levers.
Kwikset Hancock Entry Door Knob for Stronger Everyday Security
Kwikset
Kwikset Hancock Entry Door Knob with Lock and Key, Secure Keyed Handle Exterior, Front Entrance and Bedroom, Satin Nickel, Pick Resistant SmartKey Rekey Security and Microban
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Kwikset Hancock Entry Door Knob
Best for: Stronger security on exterior doors
Pros
- Grade 2 BHMA certified
- Signature Series styling
- SmartKey and Microban
Cons
- Traditional look only
The Kwikset Hancock Entry Door Knob is part of the Kwikset Signature Series and is the only keyed knob in this group rated Grade 2 BHMA. The listing says it is designed to withstand everyday use and common forced entry break-in methods, which is a meaningful upgrade over the Grade 3 models if this knob is going on an exterior door.
It has the same keyed entry function, SmartKey Security and Microban treatment as the Tylo, and the box contents match: keyed exterior knob, interior knob, screws, adjustable latch, 2 keys, strike plate, SmartKey tool, hardware and guide. The description points to a patented pre-assembled design that needs only a screwdriver, and to coordinating Hancock handlesets and levers if you want the whole house to match. Finish is satin nickel with a traditional look.
This is the keyed knob to choose for a front or back door when you want more than basic protection. For the very best exterior security, most locksmiths also recommend a separate deadbolt, since knob locks alone are easier to force than a bolt.
Kwikset Pismo Interior Privacy Door Knob for Modern Bathrooms
Kwikset
Kwikset Pismo Interior Privacy Door Knob with Lock, Door Handle For Bathroom and Bedroom, Matte Black Keyless Turn Lock Doorknob, with Microban Protection
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Kwikset Pismo Interior Privacy Door Knob
Best for: Modern bathrooms and bedrooms
Pros
- Grade 1 BHMA certified
- Square contemporary profile
- Emergency unlock tool
Cons
- No key, not for exterior doors
The Kwikset Pismo Interior Privacy Door Knob is a privacy knob, not a keyed one. You lock it from inside with a turn button, and from outside it can be unlocked with the included emergency release tool, which is useful when a small child locks themselves in the bathroom. Kwikset recommends this function for bedrooms and bathrooms.
The square profile gives it a clean, contemporary look, finished here in matte black. Surprisingly, it is the highest-rated knob in this guide: the listing says security, durability and finish are Grade 1 BHMA certified, designed for the toughest environments with frequent use. It is treated with Microban, made of zinc, and weighs 1.5 pounds. The box includes exterior and interior knobs, screws, adjustable latch, strike plate, emergency unlock tool, hardware and guide.
Because it has no key, it should not go on an exterior door. Pick the Pismo for a modern bathroom or bedroom; if your home has a more traditional style, the Tylo privacy knob at the end of this guide is the round alternative.
Kwikset Polo Entry Door Knob for Warm Traditional Decor
Best for: Warm traditional bronze decor
Pros
- Hand-rubbed Venetian Bronze
- SmartKey security
- Two keys included
Cons
- Grade 3 BHMA
- Microban not mentioned
The Kwikset Polo Entry Door Knob is a keyed entry knob in a Venetian Bronze finish, which the description says is hand-rubbed to reveal bronze highlights. It suits traditional homes and warm wood doors, though Kwikset also pitches it for contemporary spaces.
Functionally it matches the other keyed knobs: a key outside, a thumb turn inside, SmartKey Security for re-keying yourself, and a box with keyed exterior knob, interior knob, screws, adjustable latch, 2 keys, strike plate, SmartKey tool and installation hardware. It is Grade 3 BHMA certified and made of zinc. The listing does not mention Microban. The listed dimensions of 2.72 by 2.62 inches appear to describe just the knob rather than the full set.
This is the pick if a bronze finish ties in with other hardware in your home. If you want stronger protection on a front door, the Grade 2 Hancock is a better match. When an older latch starts sticking, our guide to Kwikset door latch replacement explains when to swap only the latch.
Kwikset Tylo Interior Privacy Door Knob for Bedrooms and Bathrooms
Best for: Matching Tylo bedroom and bath doors
Pros
- Pairs with Tylo entry knob
- Emergency unlock tool
- Microban treated
Cons
- No key, not for exterior doors
- Grade 3 BHMA
The Kwikset Tylo Interior Privacy Door Knob is the privacy version of the classic round Tylo. It locks from inside with a turn button and unlocks from outside with the included emergency unlock tool. There is no key, and Kwikset recommends it for bedrooms and bathrooms.
It is Grade 3 BHMA certified, treated with Microban, and finished in satin nickel. The box includes exterior and interior knobs, screws, adjustable latch, strike plate, emergency unlock tool, hardware and guide. It fits standard doors 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inches thick with the same adjustable backset as every other knob here.
The obvious reason to choose it is matching: pair it with the Tylo keyed entry knob and your exterior and interior doors share one look. If you prefer a modern square style and a higher grade, the Pismo is the stronger privacy option.
How to Choose the Right Kwikset Locking Door Knob
Pick the right function first. Keyed entry knobs (Tylo Entry, Cove, Hancock, Polo) lock with a key outside and are meant for exterior doors or rooms you want to secure. Privacy knobs (Pismo, Tylo Privacy) lock with a button inside and are meant for bathrooms and bedrooms. A privacy knob on a front door is a common first-time mistake.
Check the BHMA grade. Grade 1 is the toughest, Grade 3 the most basic. Among the keyed knobs, the Hancock is the only Grade 2; the Pismo privacy knob is Grade 1.
Consider SmartKey. Every keyed knob here includes SmartKey, which lets you re-key with the included tool. That is handy after moving house or losing a key. If you would rather skip keys entirely on the front door, see our guide to a Kwikset keyless entry door lock with WiFi.
Match finish and shape. Satin nickel (Tylo, Hancock), matte black (Cove, Pismo) and Venetian Bronze (Polo) cover most decor. Round knobs look classic; the Pismo’s square profile looks modern.
Measure your door. All six fit doors 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inches thick with a 2-3/8 or 2-3/4 inch backset, which covers most standard US doors.
FAQ
What is the difference between a keyed entry and a privacy knob?
A keyed entry knob locks from outside with a key and from inside with a turn piece. A privacy knob locks only from inside with a button and opens from outside with a small emergency tool, so it is meant for bathrooms and bedrooms.
What does Kwikset SmartKey do?
According to the listings, SmartKey protects against advanced break-in techniques and lets you re-key the lock yourself in seconds using the included SmartKey tool, so an old key stops working without replacing the knob.
Can I install a Kwikset knob myself?
Yes. Every listing says it installs in minutes with just a screwdriver and includes all hardware and directions.
Which Kwikset knob is most secure?
Among the keyed knobs, the Hancock is Grade 2 BHMA certified, above the Grade 3 Tylo, Cove and Polo. For an exterior door, pairing any knob with a deadbolt adds protection.
Do these knobs come with a warranty?
All six listings mention a lifetime mechanical and finish warranty, with details in Kwikset’s warranty terms.
