Elk M1 Keypad Recommendations

[ccmichaelson]

I am about to purchase multiple keypads for my home (near garage door, master bedroom, basement access). What keypads would you recommend? Should I buy all the same? I plan to use my iPhone/iPad and automation to trigger events most of the time so I don't see a ton of value in the keypads themselves other than punching in a code to disable alarm

 

[sda]

I like the KP2 with the backbox.   Semi flush mount and gives it a nice finished look.   
 
You can mix keypads.

 

[ccmichaelson]

So when I pre-wire for the KP2 do i install a single or double gang box?  Or do I need to purchase the backbox (and not nail a gang box to the stud)?

 

[drvnbysound]

I generally surface mount the KP2's with their included parts (and a SP12F); I use double-gang LV boxes.
 
I like the ease of installation of the SP12F with the KP2, but, I also really like the built-in temperature sensor in the KP(B ) as well...

 

[sanders2222]

I get by with one KP2 keypad located near the front entry.  My ISY home controller does the rest.  A simple button press near my garage door triggers things in motion to arm the system for away mode.  Another press can also cancel the action.   I also use my smartphone or notebook PC to monitor/control things/bypass zones etc., either at home or away.  My home controller also automatically arms things in the evening if certain conditions apply.

 

[sda]

So when I pre-wire for the KP2 do i install a single or double gang box?  Or do I need to purchase the backbox (and not nail a gang box to the stud)?

 
Use the Elk-BBK2.  It has old work tabs so you'll need to cut the hole after the drywall is up.  Leave the wire in the wall with a couple of feet of slack.
 
It only sticks out of the wall 3/8".

 

[Del91574]

I've never been a fan of the KP2's.
 
Their "off trade" size was off putting as well as the loss of the 2 F-keys and temperature sensor. Same for the loss of display size and exposed buttons/backlight. While they're "sleeker" and you can put a speaker behind them, there has been less of a reason for me to push them over the normal KP's unless the HO specifies such.
 
Also, you're committed to the footprint once you recess the unit. Being in the business 20 years, there's been plenty of flush devices, some trade sized, some not, and those that are not trade sized or large always create issues when there's the inevitable system replacement/upgrade.

 

[IVB]

ditto to Del, I got highly annoyed by the size.
 
I'm going to be putting an Elk M1G in for my father in law, to my surprise both he/MIL prefer the original KP as you can close the hinged "door" and cover up the numbers. He thinks its a cleaner look.

 

[drvnbysound]

I don't have a problem with the KP2 size... it's a non-issue if you surface mount them to a 2-gang box.
 
Double-gang box:

 
SP12F installed:

 
Final depth is just slightly more than my door casing:

 
And the KP and KPB will also mount to a 2-gang box if you decide you want to swap...

 

[Del91574]

That is true, they will mount with the surface box on standard trade, however the consensus I've seen is to use the backbox and install the speaker into it, which isn't truly possible using an electrical box.
 
I'm sure people can rig up a mount or similar to put a speaker in the box enclosure, but I see that as a less than ideal solution.
 
Overall, while not as slim, the KP gives you more options out of the box (plug in wiegand, temp sensor, 2 F-keys, covered buttons, larger display)
 
They do offer the KP3, but I haven't put any in or seen any in the wild as of yet.