Colin Murphy - OptimalPad

7 Best Quiet Keyboards for 2020

Do you want to be that chump click-clacking away like a madman?

Or do you want to be a smooth operator, typing on those pristine, sleek keys?

Be the silent killer of keyboard users, not the oaf-y dud.

The average office worker (or work-from-home-in-your-boxers worker) spends multiple hours a day using their keyboard for web browsing, working, and writing. In a large office with an open workspace design, keyboard noise can become quite a distracting issue.

Even in closed cubicle offices, keyboard noises lead many workers to don headphones and turn the volume up during the day so they can tune out the clickety-clack of their colleagues’ keyboards.

What to do about it? Designers introduced quieter keyboards that provide the same tactile experience of a traditional mechanical keyboard without the noisy keystrokes. If you are in need of a quieter keyboard for your office, or you want to pitch your boss on purchasing quieter keyboards for your workplace, here are the top 7 quietest keyboards on the market.

1. Apple Magic Keyboard

In terms of the beauty of form meeting with practical function, the Apple Magic Keyboard is the physical embodiment of quiet keyboarding excellence. The keystrokes feel feathery as your fingers depress them, and they produce the quietest of clicks imaginable even if you are a more forceful typist.

Better still, this model uses Bluetooth connectivity, making it usable on just about any iOS 10 or later device, including iPad devices. Setup with any Apple iOS device is instantaneous, and the battery is rechargeable for convenience.

While it does come with a hefty price tag compared to most Bluetooth keyboards, the ultra-quiet operation, long battery life, and aesthetically pleasing design make the Apple Magic Keyboard and an excellent choice for reducing keyboard noise in your workspace.

Best for: Apple lovers

View Magic Keyboard on Apple.com

2. Microsoft Wireless Desktop 900

Long recognized for their ergonomic and quiet keyboard designs, the Microsoft Wireless Desktop 900 is a combination keyboard and mouse set intended to keep typing silent.

The keys have an extremely short mechanical throw, allowing them to produce near-silent keystrokes that still provide excellent tactile feedback.

The key size is similar to standard mechanical keyboards, but the lower profile provides a more comfortable feel. Function combination keys allow you to quickly and easily adjust important settings on your computer without the need to use the mouse.

Best of all, connections with your computer are wireless and 128-bit encrypted to prevent wireless key logging. All in all, this is a solid and near-silent mouse and keyboard combo.

Best for: Office workers

View Microsoft Wireless Desktop 900 on Amazon

3. Uhuru 2.4GHz Keyboard and Mouse Combo

A barebones, comfortable keyboard that generates very little keyboard sounds, this wireless keyboard is as whisper quiet as its packaging claims it to be.

The keyboard itself runs off a single AA battery, but the mouse requires 2 AAA cells to operate.

Some users have complained of keyboard lag when using this model, but that was not evident in multiple YouTube unboxings and testings.

It is definitely a budget model and isn’t much to look at, but the typing action is very close to a standard keyboarding feel without the usual clatter. If you are looking for a budget wireless keyboard that keeps things quiet, this may be a good fit for you, at least in the short term.

Best for: Low-Budget option

View Uhuru Keyboard on Amazon

4. Jelly Comb Ultra-Thin Wireless Keyboard and Mouse

Thanks to its low profile keys and shorter throw, the Jelly Comb Ultra Thin keyboard is a near-silent wireless keyboard solution.

Ergonomically speaking it’s fairly vanilla, but the overall typing experience is somewhat softer than comparable mechanical models.

Mechanical keyboard fans may find this off-putting, but the overall whisper-quiet operation more than compensates for the perceived loss in tactile experience. Altogether, this is a good budget board that’s easy to set up and reduces overall key noise.

Best for: Mid-budget

View Jelly Comb Ultra Thin on Amazon

5. Logitech Quiet Keyboard K740

Your first mouse or keyboard was probably a Logitech. So you trust them.

As one of the original semi-premium builders of computer peripherals, Logitech has a longstanding reputation for excellence in quality and longevity.

The K740 upholds this reputation well, and its low profile keys make it quiet, comfortable, and easy to use even if you are accustomed to noisier, larger keyed mechanical keyboards. It may not be wireless, but its overall function is excellent in every way, and it definitely cuts down on typing noise significantly.

Cool feature – illumination on the keyboard. So when you’re gaming hard in your basement, you know what you’re pecking at.

Best for: Trolls and night lurkers

View the Logitech K740 on Amazon

6. HP Wireless Elite Keyboard V2

Somewhat plain but highly functional, the HP Elite V2 is a low profile, flat feel keyboard with full-size keys to reduce the learning curve if you are making the switch from an older, noisier keyboard.

The lack of response lag makes it a joy to type on, and the shorter throw of the low profile keys reduces noise to a whisper-quiet click. Add to that the ability to be up to 30 feet away from your computer if necessary, and this is one of the best near-silent keyboard offerings commercially available.

Best for: Advanced Button Clickers

View Elite Keyboard V2 on Amazon

7. Corsair K70 LUX RGB Mechanical Gaming USB Keyboard

This thing looks like a beast but purrs like a kitty, depending on who you ask.

Some claim this keyboard is quiet, others complain about the noise, so it’s worth testing yourself.

Originally best known for its performance system RAM, Corsair has branched out into high-performance gaming hardware in recent years. A hallmark of mechanical keyboards is the additional noise they generate, but Corsair’s K70 is a marked exception to this rule.

The bright LED backlit keys are large and comfortable, with a long mechanical throw for a traditional tactile typing experience. The key difference is that with these keys, the clacking normally associated with lag-free keyboards is absent.

Keys slide silently along their paths without generating loud impact noises, preventing that bane of the online gamer’s existence: the thunder of a too-loud mechanical keyboard. Despite the ultra-quiet mechanics of this keyboard, it is still lag-free with gold contacts for the precision essential to online competitive play.

Overall, this is a somewhat pricier option that may not necessarily be the first choice for office workers, but for the gamer looking to reduce noise during late-night gaming marathons, it is an ideal choice.

Best for: Gamers

View Corsair K70 on Amazon

Conclusion

In the end, you may have to try a few keyboards out til you find one that is comfortable enough and quiet enough to meet your needs. Don’t be afraid to exchange a model if it’s not working out.

The keyboard is the most used tool in most office workspaces or in your at-home basement cave, and it is crucial to get the right keyboard for you to maintain maximum productivity.

Get yourself a comfortable quiet keyboard, and improve everyone’s work environment and peace of mind on the job.

Or you might just get fired.

Updated June 28, 2020: Fixed grammatical errors and some other minor issues, also reviewed product status to verify they are still listed on Amazon.

Kitchen

Ultimate Guide to the Perfect Smart Kitchen in 2020

Whether you’re moving into your first apartment or you’ve been living on your own for a while now and are looking for some new kitchen appliances to upgrade from your worn-down and overused ones, we understand. Kitchen appliances, while they may not be the most exciting item to shop for, are definitely a necessity. And smart kitchens are the answer to creating more time in your life by making the cooking processes faster and easier than ever. Using technology to make cooking daily meals is the wave of the future so that you spend less time cooking and more time with your loved ones. So, if you’re looking for the top rated kitchen gadgets to compliment your new home or simply to replace your shabby, old ones – we’ve devised a list of the best ten kitchen gadgets that you absolutely need.

Behmor Brewer Connected Coffee Maker

Coffee in the morning is a shared tradition among millions of Americans. It makes your 5 a.m. mornings less miserable, offering a boost of caffeine to get you energized for your long work day. So, we understand the importance of a delicious, fresh-brewed pot of coffee. Luckily, the Behmor Brewer Connected Coffee Makers just made your early mornings a little easier. Fully controlled from your smartphone, this coffee maker is the epitome of the advancement of technology. You can now stand back and watch your pot of coffee get made for you, barely lifting a finger throughout the entire process. Even better, this coffee maker is also compatible with Amazon’s Alexa, so all you need to do is say that you want a cup of coffee and it’s made. Additionally, this coffee maker has a unique temperature control feature, allowing you to tailor each pot of coffee to your preferences. But, it doesn’t stop there, this coffee marker also delivers high-quality flavor coupled with a strong brew so that you can get that kick in the morning to jump-start your productive day.

Secura 9100MC 1800W Portable Induction Cooktop Countertop Burner, Black

Whether you prefer to start your mornings off with sunny side up eggs and sausage links or pancakes and bacon, the portable induction cooktop does it all. Don’t be fooled by the economical design; just because this kitchen gadget is smaller, it still delivers that high-quality and fast cooking method you desire. Offering 15 different power levels ranging from 200-1800 watts and 15 different temperature levels, this product encompasses the meaning of endless possibilities. You can now adjust any of these settings to speed up or slow down your cooking, so whether you’re in a rush or have all of the time in the world, this fancy kitchen gadget accommodates to your every need. The Secura 9100MC also comes equipped with a built-in digital timer, just another handy feature to make your cooking experience more enjoyable. Additionally, the cooktop’s digital control panel now makes it easier to read and adjust your settings, creating a more compact and ergonomic design that means less storage space for you. So if you’re ready to maximize your cooking, creating tastier food in half the amount of time, then you need to try this portable induction cooktop counter.

Dash DPB500AQ Chef Series Countertop Blender, Aqua

For all of the smoothie and protein shake fanatics, this kitchen gadget is for you. Traditional blenders often have a difficult time crushing ice, but this powerful blender is equipped with 1,400 watts and a 2 ¼ horsepower motor, so breaking down your ice cubes is effortless. This blender is the most effective and high-tech on the market today. Offering six preset functions: rinse, puree, soup, smoothie, crush, and frozen, this blender is also all-inclusive towards your every need. So if you want to make a nutrient-filled smoothie in the morning and a healthy, hearty soup at night, it can do it all. Even better, for your convenience, this blender comes with a rinse setting to make cleaning up a whole lot easier. You no longer have to worry about taking apart all of the pieces and then reassembling them after they’re clean. Instead, you can just focus on perfecting your smoothie or soup, removing the dreadful cleaning process. This blender also comes with a one year warranty so you can rest easy knowing that you’ll be protected in the event of an unexpected occurrence. Additionally, this forceful blender also comes with a recipe book so that you’ll always have food ideas and inspiration to draw from whenever you want to try something new.

Crock-Pot Wemo Smart Wifi-Enabled Slow Cooker, 6-Quart, Stainless Steel

For those who want to exert less effort when it comes to cooking, but still want to create a tasty culinary masterpiece, this WiFi-enabled slow cooker is perfect for you. This crock-pot has decided to jump on the digital technology trend to simplify and enhance your cooking experience. Simply connect the crock-pot to your at home WiFi, and you can now control the crock-pot from the free WeMo app. Whether you want to adjust the temperature or the cooking time, you can now control these features from your phone. Who knew cooking could be so simple? Additionally, this crock-pot also comes with three heat settings so whether you want to speed up the cooking time or slow it down for a more savory flavor, it’s all possible. With the crock-pot’s special oval shape, it can fit large roasts, meats, an abundance of veggies, or large portions of soups, making big meals easier to cook. This crock-pot is also dishwasher friendly, so you don’t have to worry about the cumbersome cleaning process. You can just toss this high-tech gadget into the dishwasher without having to worry about any damage. So if you’re ready to make delicious and savory meals with little to no trouble, this crock-pot is waiting for you.

Anova Culinary Sous Vide Precision Cooker WIFI, Immersion Circulator (2nd Gen), 900 Watts, Black

This inventive and unique kitchen gadget will surely leave you impressed. You can now enjoy chef-quality food from the comfort of your home with the Anova Culinary Sous Vide Precision Cooker. Simply season your meat of choice, placing it in a plastic bag and then placing it in a pot of water with the precision cooker. This fancy gadget heats and circulates the water in the pot, bringing it to the perfect cooking temperature to create the best texture for your food. Best of all, it’s easy to use: just attach the precision cooker to your pot and then you’re done. You can sit back and relax, read a book or watch television while this cooker does all of the work for you. You can sit back and relax, read a book or watch television while this cooker does all of the work for you. Even better, this must have kitchen appliance is also Bluetooth and WiFi compatible so that you can now cook from the Anova Culinary app with just a few swipes on your phone. This precision cooker now brings you professional results at an affordable price so that you can enjoy succulent five-star meals any time.

Spiral Slicer Vegetable Zoodle Spiralizer – Veggie Noodle Maker Pasta Cutter – With Kitchen Peeler Bundle

Looking for more ways to incorporate more veggies into your diet? With this zoodle spiralizer, you can now receive all of your daily nutrients in a tasty way that will leave you and your kids coming back for seconds. We understand that trying to incorporate more veggies into your diet can be quite the hassle, but with this spiralizer, it doesn’t have to be. Simply spiralize the veggies of your choice, such as zucchini, squash or eggplant, instead of opting for the traditional spaghetti noodles. Then top these cooked veggie noodles with a flavorful sauce, and your nutrient filled meal is ready in under 20 minutes. This spiralizer comes equipped with sharp stainless steel blades so that your veggies will be prepared in mere seconds. Also, with the spiralizer’s wider funnel, you now receive more veggies than ever, ensuring that you get the most for your buck. To simplify the spiralizing process, this gadget requires no tedious or laborious assembly, reducing the preparation process so that you can make meals in a hurry. Additionally, the simplistic design makes the cleaning process much easier; as opposed to having to clean many units, you now only have to worry about one. If you’re all about making cooking healthier and quicker, this spiralizer is a must have.

PicoBrew Craft Beer Brewing Appliance

The PicoBrew Craft Beer Brewing Appliance is ideal for all of the beer connoisseurs. This high-tech appliance comes with a state-of-the-art brewing system that delivers amazing quality every time. With the PicoBrew Craft appliance, you can replicate award winning beers in the comfort of your home, eliminating the need to go to a bar and spend an exorbitant amount of money on mediocre beer that pales in comparison to yours. This gadget is designed to make your brewing experience enjoyable and easy with screen directions guiding you through every step of the process, brewing your own beer has never been easier. This appliance also allows you the creative freedom of making your own beer flavors so that you can tailor your drink of choice to your preferences and likings. With the PicoBrew Craft Beer Brewing Appliance, you can now craft any beer with the touch of a button.

Gourmia GTA2800 WiFi Air Fryer

Whether you want to make restaurant quality french fries, rotisserie chicken, wings, steak or kabobs, this multi-function air fryer does it all with no oil needed. So, you can now enjoy fried meals without having to worry about the dangerous health risks that traditional frying poses. Even better, this air fryer also comes with a bake, roast, and grill function, allowing you to create an endless combination of guilt-free treat foods. With the wide variety of cooking functions, this product eliminates the need for an expensive oven, saving you tons of money in the long run. Additionally, with 20 cooking presets to choose from, cooking is now done with the push of a button. However, if you’re more particular with your cooking, the air fryer also has a manual mode, allowing you to customize settings for your next cooking endeavor. As a bonus, this fancy gadget comes with tons of recipes that are all included in a free cookbook, so you never have to worry about eating the same food every day. With the Gourmia Air Fryer, you’ll be eating your favorite savory and flavorful foods that are actually healthy for you.

Instant Pot DUO60 6 Qt 7-in-1 Multi-Use Programmable Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker and Warmer

If you’re looking for a multi-purpose kitchen appliance that does everything, then the Instant Pot is for you. This multifaceted kitchen gadget combines the functions of seven kitchen appliances into one product. The Instant Pot can be a slow cooker, pressure cooker, rice cooker, steamer, saute and yogurt maker, and warmer. As if that wasn’t impressive enough, the Instant Pot also comes with 14 different smart programs, allowing you to create a wide variety of dishes with the push of a button. Equipped with a 24-hour timer, it’s perfect for delayed cooking. In addition, the Instant Pot is also supplied with the unique feature of automatically, keeping your food warm once it’s finished cooking, so that you never have to worry about your food turning cold if you plan on eating it a few hours later. With the high-tech design, this handy gadget monitors pressure, temperature, and adjusts heat to ensure that your meal achieves the highest quality every time.

Oster Large Capacity Countertop 6-Slice Digital Convection Toaster Oven, Black/Polished Stainless, TSSTTVMNDG

Fully functional and ideal for those who live a hectic and chaotic filled life, this convection toaster oven cooks anything from bagels and pizzas to cookies and croissants. Due to it’s spacious 14 by 11-inch size, this oven can cook whatever your heart desires. It’s also equipped with a bake, convection bake, broil, toast, pizza, defrost and the warm option to accommodate for a wide variety of foods. This oven is digitally controlled and comes with a see-through door panel and an interior light to enhance your viewing. With removable tray racks, cleaning has never been easier. Simply remove the racks and wash them, and once you’re done, place them back in the oven. This conventional oven encompasses smart, sleek, and advanced cooking so that preparing meals is no longer a painful task, but rather a simple and enjoyable one.

How to Create Your Perfect Smart Kitchen

The purpose of a smart kitchen is to make the daily chore of cooking as easy and seamless as possible. Just because a gadget is cutting edge doesn’t mean that it’ll shave time off your schedule or check off more cooking tasks. Choosing the right appliances and setting up your smart kitchen is important to make sure your new investments into the technology are working for you. Here are a few points of a smart kitchen so you what to look for, the perks of having the best new kitchen gadgets, and how they can improve life for you and your family.

Hub Centers

With smart technology coming into the kitchen, the main advantage comes down to the convenience that consumers benefit from. Some of the best kitchen gadgets keep track of inventory and freshness of their foods and possibly helping consumers to become better and sometimes healthier cooks. These devices usually have an easily accessible hub center with that information.

There are endless brands that have released fridges that store and adjust to a person’s or family’s needs. With the new advancements, there are touch screens that will display the calendar, play music, or let you know when groceries are running low. Communicate with each other with some devices that allow you to leave notes for loved ones and keep an eye on the calendar for upcoming events. There’s no need to go rummaging in your fridge for those late night snacks to see what food is inside when your fridge is literally taking images of the food in it. The fridge then sends that information to your smartphone, making it a lot easier to plan for that dinner or snack, and shopping a whole lot easier for you, too.

Problem Solvers

The ability and capabilities of home automation gadgets are amazing. When controlling light bulbs and security systems by your smartphone came around, this created a stir for the masses. The focus was on keeping your home safe and saving on energy, which is great for the environment. Now, that same technology has crossed over into appliances. When searching for a smart stove or oven, the ability to connect your stove to an app is something that you want to look for and can come in handy after a while.

We’ve all had those moments that we’ve been rushing out of the house, arrived at work, and sat down only to realize we left the stove or oven on. With just a tap on your phone, your connected app will allow you to check if it is still on and turn it off. There are also some stoves that allow the knob to illuminate to let you know that it is on if you’re home as well.

Let’s say you’ve stumbled across a vegetable that you don’t really know much about. You’re not sure how to prepare it or what dish you would pair it with or what goes into it. There are now ovens that will recognize what that item is and tell you how to prepare it. The oven will recognize your food of choice and recommend the settings to use. That avoids the potential of foodborne illness from under or overcooking something to avoid fires or a bland taste.

Small Item, Big Punch

There are smaller appliances and gadgets that have made a massive technological advancement as much as stoves and fridges. If you want to start small and add a few cool gadgets or if you have already gone big, there are tons of gadgets to look for. Again, you want to go for those gadgets that add convenience to your life. There are devices that come with downloadable apps for your phone or tablet to assist you with a number of things. Wouldn’t you like for your cooking gadgets to let you know if something needs a little more time to prepare or a spoon and fork to tell you to slow down and enjoy the moment?

With electronic forks, you can monitor and track your habits for weight loss. There are interactive kitchen devices like scales that give you step-by-step recipes and save you on time and money with measuring cups by weighing ingredients while you pour to let you know when you’ve added the right amount sugar or spice. For cooking purposes, there are gadgets that will ensure that your eggs or veggies are cooked to perfection. The sensors in the pans will send a message to your smartphone and let you know when your food needs stirring or when it’s done. If you’re not much of a cooker or if you’re tired of the same thing, some of these device’s apps are stocked with tons of recipes to choose from and help you make healthier choices.

Kitchen Layout

When designing your perfect smart kitchen, keep the end goal in mind. You don’t need to completely renovate your kitchen at once, but to have a plan is the key. Make sure that you think about a new smart refrigerator or oven that you desire, and plan the kitchen layout accordingly, so you have enough room for all the new gadgets you want. This is also handy for budgeting purposes. You can budget in your purchases over an extent of time to make it easier on the wallet.

If you’re on the look-out for sleek, new kitchen appliances that will enhance your cooking experience, then try out any one of these top 10 rated appliances. After, you’ll be wondering how you lived without these and wished that you had picked them up earlier. So do yourself a favor and simplify your life with these top 10 kitchen gadgets.

Home, Tech

How to Make the Perfect Smart Home in 2020

Once only the someday dreams science fiction, a smart home has become an achievable reality in 2019. Thanks to the widespread integration of wireless internet technology, virtually every utility function and appliance in your home can be connected and controlled via a voice-activated assistant device or smartphone.

Electrical outlets, smoke detectors, refrigerators, robotic vacuum cleaners, and even whole house lighting can be easily controlled via voice command or a quick tap or two on your smartphone. You can even check security cameras remotely while you are away from home, or check to see if you left lights or appliances running that can be safely shut down for the day. The benefits of a smart home are many, and converting your home to a smart home requires less investment than you might think. Let’s take a look at how to build the perfect smart home in 2019.

Getting Started: What Works Best For You?

While great strides have been made in the functionality and utility of smart appliances and smart home devices, many remain skeptical about the benefits of a smart home. Beyond the “ain’t it cool?” factor and push-button/voice command automation of daily life for the lazy, what is it going to do for you? This is why many homeowners take one of three approaches to converting or building their smart home: integration, piecemeal installation, and total conversion. Let’s see which of these three is best for your home.

Integrated Approach

For those looking to build a new home or extensively renovate an existing home, this is the approach to take. As your home is being built or renovated, you install electrical outlets, appliances, door locks, security cameras, exterior lighting and HVAC controls that are capable of being wireless connected and controlled via smartphone apps or your voice-activated assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Home, or even Apple’s Siri.

This is by far the most expensive and complex method to turn your home into a smart home, but the energy savings, convenience, and superior safety and security provided by directly integrating smart home functions from the start are well worth the investment for many.

Piecemeal Installation Approach

Rather than starting from the ground up by building a smart home, this is a more measured approach that breaks up the expense and work of converting to a smart home over an extended time period.

Some homeowners start by adding smart electrical outlets and configuring home automation to power down devices the first year, then the next year they install a smart thermostat to control their HVAC system and heat and cool their home more efficiently. The year after that they may add a wireless smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector support, and then a wireless home security system or remotely controlled locks and alarms.

Piecemeal installation is generally the most popular approach since it allows homeowners to take advantage of the benefits of a smart home without a massive upfront investment.

Total Conversion Approach

In terms of labor intensity and cost, this can be the most expensive method for building a smart home, but for many, it is well worth the investment to take care of everything in one go. As far as how a homeowner goes about converting their home, this means replacing all electrical outlets, appliances, HVAC controls, fan controls, lighting, and security controls in one go in an existing home. Unless you are willing to shell out the cash for a professional installation, expect to spend significant amounts of time poring over manuals and installation guides for wiring outlets, light switches, fan controls, thermostats and smoke detectors with wireless internet capable modules.

If this doesn’t phase you in the slightest, go for it. Many times you can purchase entire kits or complete home setups at a discounted price for the quantity and quality of the items you purchase. You also stand to benefit from significant energy savings your first year after the installation as well since you will have complete control over what draws electricity in your home even when you are away and forget to turn off lighting or HVAC systems.

Next Steps: Building Your Smart Home System

Once you have decided on how you want to go about creating your smart home, the next step is to choose what system you are looking to install. Here’s the process step by step.

Step 1: Choose a Virtual Assistant

Your virtual voice-controlled assistant will largely determine what hardware you buy and the convenience of operating and programming your smart home. If you can’t find many appliances and devices that function with your virtual assistant of choice, you will find the conversion process to be much more difficult.

No one wants to juggle multiple apps on their smartphone or tablet just to control the smart functions of their home. A virtual assistant centralizes control of your smart home and allows you to simplify your system without complicated commands.

Currently, there are three virtual assistants that are attracting smart home device manufacturer attention: Amazon’s Alexa, Google’s Home Assistant, and Apple’s Siri. Here are some pros and cons for each to help you make an informed decision:

Amazon’s Alexa
Pros

A great device for beginners who are looking to centralize control of their smart home
The Amazon Echo Dot is the most economical option for a virtual voice-activated assistant
Offers the broadest support for third party products and devices

Cons

Programming app for additional functions is poorly designed and awkward to use
Alexa doesn’t always respond effectively to commands for third-party devices and apps
You can’t activate Alexa from your mobile device: it only works if you speak directly to the speaker
Amazon makes you sign a waiver that they are not responsible for what third-party apps and developers do with the private user data that your devices collect and store. Recently, this has led to widespread concern regarding the privacy issue this creates for both developers and end users.

Google’s Home Assistant
Pros

Voice commands work from your Home speaker device or your smartphone
Costs approximately $50 less at suggested retail price than a standard Amazon Echo
AI functions of Assistant are smarter than both Alexa and Siri, and you can ask more questions and give more commands than other virtual command assistant devices.

Cons

The only activation command to summon assistant is “Okay, Google,” and it gets old fast
More third-party apps and devices support Alexa than Google
Google has a disclaimer that they are not responsible for what third-party apps and devices do with your private user data they collect, so it is definitely a caveat emptor (“buyer beware”) deal.

Apple’s Siri
Pros

All voice recognition data and searches are kept private via wireless encryption between all Apple devices, keeping your private user data safe from hackers, identity thieves, and tech-savvy burglars.
If you are already using multiple Apple devices, it is much easier to install and use out of the box.

Cons

Due to the encrypted nature of Apple’s network traffic between Apple devices and third-party devices and appliances, there are fewer smart home devices and appliances that are compatible with Siri
Siri’s voice command interpretation is not much better than either Google or Alexa
Siri only functions on Apple products.

After you pick a voice-controlled digital assistant that suits your budget and your prospective smart home devices, you are ready to move on with the next step.

Step 2: Decide How Smart You Want Your Smart Home To Be

What specific aspects of a smart home appeal to you the most? You need to come up with a concrete plan for how far you intend to go with your smart home devices before you start buying gear and installing it in your home. Otherwise, it’s easy to install home automation products and smart appliances and devices that simply never get used. To simplify this process, we’ve drawn up a few plans to help you decide on a specific focus for your smart home integration.

Energy Savings
Ecologically conscious homeowners trying to reduce their carbon footprint and go green will love this focus. Adding smart home devices that let you schedule and automate energy usage in your home are first on your shopping list. The Nest Thermostat, Samsung SmartThings energy controls, and light switches and dimmers, and exterior and interior WiFi enabled light bulbs like the Flux are all going to be ideal for your needs if you are trying to cut down on energy usage.

Safety and Security
A smart home enabled security system is ideal for homeowners who have to travel frequently or want their household to be secure day or night. Wifi enabled cameras like the durable and versatile Nest Cam, a Wink front door security panel with the camera, and security lights with LifX bulbs linked into your smart home system all provide you with 24/hour real-time access and control of the secure entry points of your home.

There are also security monitoring and alarm systems that are smart home friendly. Using one of these services means your security system can coexist with your smart home security devices, and they can even work together as a comprehensive home security solution.

Full Integration
Every function of your home from lighting to the pool pump out back can be remotely controlled via your smartphone or your voice-activated virtual assistant device. This is definitely the most expensive proposition, but there is a distinct advantage to adopting this focus over the other two.

With a single system focus, you can purchase devices that are all fully compatible with your selected assistant device. When focusing only on one or two aspects of your smart home system, you can end up with a bunch of different apps for controlling and programming devices individually.

As you expand your smart home devices over time, this makes your home automation processes needlessly complex, and it takes away many of the convenience benefits of a smart home. Installing a complete system of devices from one or two manufacturers is far more convenient, and it is easier to install and configure as well.

Upon establishing a focus for your smart home, you are now ready to start installing and configuring your smart home system.

Step 3: Putting It All Together

The actual installation process is going to vary significantly depending on the floor plan and dimensions of your home, but there are several ideal smart home devices for those looking either to integrate smart home functions piecemeal or all at once. Check these out:

Lighting Control Options
The most common start for people when converting their home to a smart home is to set up a lighting control system. This is easy enough (and inexpensive enough) to accomplish without any specialized skills or tools, and it can save you a bundle on energy costs.

Smart light bulbs like the LifX or the Philips Hue smart bulb systems are two of the most popular lighting options currently available. Both are Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri compatible, and both have well-designed control apps.

The defining difference between these options is LifX bulbs connect directly to your WiFi router, while the Hue system from Philips uses a separate control hub that operates independently of your router. The Hue system can control up to 50 bulbs versus the LifX being limited to how many connected devices your router can handle at one time.

Basically, the Hue is the best smart home lighting control system in terms of reliability, but LifX bulbs don’t require special hardware and cost significantly less per bulb than the Hue bulbs. Hue bulbs also don’t need an internet connection to work around the house, while LifX bulbs can only be accessed configured via the cloud. Assess which option is best for your needs and purchase accordingly.

Appliance and Outlet Control
Even when turned off, many power-hungry devices continue to draw power throughout the day. It is the aspect of energy usage typically called ‘phantom load’ – and it costs you money. One of the reasons many people adopt a smart home system in the first place is to kill “phantom load” remotely or program power availability using their daily schedule.

Two solutions to this problem are the TP-Link smart plug and the iHome SmartPlug. The TP-Link option is Alex and Google Home compatible, and the iHome SmartPlug is ready to go for Siri and Apple devices. All you have to do is plug your device into the smart plug, then plug the smart plug into the wall. A few quick taps later, and they can be connected to your virtual assistant for easy on-off operation.

Smart plugs are a great solution for people who don’t want to mess with requiring their electrical outlets and want to control outlet draw via WiFi. Fans, lamps, window mount air conditioners, game consoles, laptop power cords, and similar devices are all ideal for control via a smart plug to cut down on “phantom load” when they aren’t in use.

Heating and Cooling Controls
The 800-lb gorilla of the smart home thermostat world is the Nest Learning Thermostat. Currently, in its 3rd generation, the Nest has the most elegant design and best features available compared to any other smart thermostat on the market. What sets smart thermostats apart from regular thermostats isn’t just WiFi connectivity either: these devices are designed to read your home’s energy profile, current weather conditions and many other data points to keep your interior temperature comfortable with minimal energy usage. The chief objection to the Nest Learning Thermostat is the hefty price tag, which makes it less desirable for anyone looking to set up their smart home on the cheap.

The good news is there are several more economical options that can be integrated with your other smart home energy saving devices and your virtual assistant device. For example, Honeywell makes a line of smart WiFi-enabled thermostats featuring 7-day on-device programming and support for Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. It also costs roughly $75 dollars less than the Nest according to a comparison of suggested retail costs.

Ecobee is another smart home thermostat maker that offers WiFi connectivity and supports the “Big Three” of voice-activated virtual assistants. Like the Nest, it is also a learning thermostat and features an independent exterior sensor for real-time temperature and weather data. They boast the average homeowner that upgrades to their products save an average of 23% on their energy bill each year compared to using non-learning thermostats.

Unlike the Honeywell offerings, Ecobee 3rd and 4th generation products cost about as much as the Nest Learning Thermostat. However, they do have the distinct advantage of a highly accurate and internet independent exterior sensor. Conversely, Ecobee thermostats are definitely not as attractive or customization-friendly as the Nest is either.

No matter what you decide, you should be prepared to spend between $150-250 USD on a good quality smart thermostat with learning capabilities. On the upside, you will more than likely save enough on your heating and cooling costs your first year to more than pay for the thermostat upgrade.

Security and Safety Controls

A smart door lock and deadbolt system is everything people love about smart home security. It provides a two-way intercom, wide-angle camera, and remote entry control even when you aren’t home. Do kids forget their house key? They can use an individual keypad code to unlock the door and get into the house. It will even take a photo of the person entering the code and send it to you. Technicians coming to install or repair an appliance or service? Get a ring on your phone and verify their ID and credentials from anywhere right on your smartphone. Upstairs in the master bedroom or “indisposed” in your bathrooms? See who is ringing your doorbell and talk to them directly with a few taps of your touchscreen.

If you get a Wink smart home systems compatible model, you can even add additional sensors for your windows and other doors to alert you on your smartphone 24 hours a day. Best of all, Wink compatible devices also work with Amazon Alexa for voice control. Adding a smart lock you can control from your mobile device or virtual assistant goes a long way to adding protection to your home.

For safety concerns, you can install any number of sensors that integrate with your smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector, and even your hot and cold water. Roost makes a 9-volt battery with integrated WiFi that connects directly to Alexa or an app on your smartphone. It will alert you to activation of your smoke alarm if you are away from home, and can even remind you when it needs to be replaced.

They are a little on the pricey side, but they also last much longer than a traditional 9-volt. Better still, they let you shut the smoke alarm off temporarily should you accidentally burn something in the kitchen or keep your toast down for too long. Having a smart carbon monoxide detector is especially useful if your house uses coal, oil, or natural gas fuel source. When a leak is detected, you are immediately alerted so you can contact emergency services.

Speaking of leaks, Wink makes a water pressure sensor that helps detect if your plumbing has developed a leak anywhere and alerts you via your smart device or virtual assistant. Since water damage only gets worse the longer it goes unchecked, a water system sensor can be a huge cost saver, especially if you have a second property or vacation property requiring remote monitoring.

Consider these options for lighting, appliance/outlet, HVAC, and safety/security systems when converting your home into a smart home. You may find that everything you want is much easier to install yourself than you imagined and costs a lot less than you were expecting.

Final Thoughts on Making the Perfect Smart Home

Overall, it is crucial to start your conversion to a smart home with a clear plan laid out to your most desirable end result: simple to operate a smart home system that works together to save energy, keep your home secure, and provide convenient comfort and safety. Use this guide to create that perfect smart home plan: choose an assistant, pick the focus for your hardware, and then integrate your devices accordingly. In no time at all, you too can enjoy the savings, comfort, and convenience of a well planned and integrated smart home.