Can the NEW SwitchBot Curtain 3 Beat The Aqara E1 Curtain Driver?

Summary

In this review, the new Switchbot Curtain 3 is compared with Acara's E1 Curtain Driver, highlighting their quiet and nearly imperceptible curtain movement. The Curtain 3's 'Quiet Drift' feature outperforms Acara's in terms of subtlety and noise level. The video discusses compatibility, strength, and connectivity, noting Switchbot's Zigbee advantage and Acara's native Apple HomeKit integration. The Curtain 3's solar panel accessory and Acara's light sensor are also compared, along with their respective smart home ecosystem integrations and future Matter compatibility.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Switchbot has released the new Curtain 3, which features an impressive 'Quiet Drift' mode that moves curtains almost imperceptibly.
• 🔍 In comparison, Acara's E1 curtain driver also offers a slow movement feature, but Switchbot's implementation is quieter and smoother.
• 💰 Both products are similarly priced, but Switchbot's Curtain 3 has a broader compatibility with different types of curtain rods out of the box.
• 🛠️ Acara's system may require some adjustments to work with certain rod types, especially telescopic rods with varying diameters.
• 🏋️‍♂️ Switchbot Curtain 3 has improved motor strength, allowing it to handle heavier curtains compared to the previous version and Acara's E1.
• 🔩 The motor technology in Switchbot's Curtain 3 allows for variable speeds, leading to better power efficiency and a longer lifespan compared to Acara's E1.
• 📡 Switchbot uses Bluetooth, which provides a backup control method via smartphone, while Acara relies on Zigbee, which might require a hub and offers less flexibility if the hub fails.
• 🌞 Switchbot offers a solar panel accessory that can be attached to the Curtain 3, potentially eliminating the need for frequent battery changes.
• 🏡 Acara includes a light sensor in its curtain device, enabling light-based automation, a feature that Switchbot's Curtain 3 is expected to add in the future.
• 🔗 Both companies are working on Matter Bridge compatibility, which will allow their products to work seamlessly with a wider range of smart home ecosystems in the future.

Q & A

What is the main feature that differentiates Switchbot's Curtain 3 from Acara's E1 curtain driver?

The main feature that differentiates Switchbot's Curtain 3 is its 'Quiet Drift' technology, which offers nearly imperceptible and quiet curtain movement, making it less noticeable compared to Acara's E1 curtain driver.

How does Switchbot's new Curtain 3 compare to Acara's E1 in terms of compatibility with different curtain rods?

Switchbot's Curtain 3 has more compatibility out of the box with various curtain rods, while Acara's E1 may require some adjustments to work with certain types of rods, especially those with different diameters or telescopic rods.

What are the differences in the power or strength capabilities between Switchbot's Curtain 3 and Acara's E1?

Switchbot's Curtain 3 has improved power capabilities, allowing it to handle heavier curtains compared to the previous version of Switchbot and Acara's E1, due to refinements in motor design.

How does the connectivity of Switchbot's Curtain 3 differ from Acara's E1 in terms of smart home integration?

Switchbot's Curtain 3 uses Bluetooth and may require a hub for full smart home integration, while Acara's E1 uses Zigbee and requires their hub. However, both are working towards Matter Bridge compatibility for broader integration.

What is the expected lifespan of Switchbot's Curtain 3, and how does it compare to its predecessor?

Switchbot's Curtain 3 is expected to last over 10 years, which is a significant increase from the previous generation that offered a lifespan of around 5 years.

Does Acara's E1 curtain driver offer any unique features that Switchbot's Curtain 3 does not have?

Acara's E1 curtain driver has a native integration with Apple HomeKit and a light sensor that can control curtain movement based on ambient light levels, which are features not mentioned for Switchbot's Curtain 3.

What are the key accessories included with Switchbot's Curtain 3 and Acara's E1 curtain driver?

Switchbot's Curtain 3 includes alligator clips, a bead fixer, a magnet sticker, a telescopic rod sticker, a USB-C charging cable, a wet wipe, and a reset tool. Acara's E1 includes alligator clips, a rubber strip for grommet installations, and a USB-C cable.

How does the new solar panel accessory for Switchbot's Curtain 3 improve upon the previous version?

The new solar panel for Switchbot's Curtain 3 has a clip to keep it attached and a stiff arm design with a button, allowing for better orientation and preventing it from swinging when the curtains move, thus optimizing solar charging.

What are the differences in the physical connection method between Switchbot's Curtain 3 and Acara's E1?

Switchbot's Curtain 3 uses a top hat design that provides a more consistent connection to the curtain rod, while Acara's E1 uses a method that may be less compatible with tab-based curtains but does not require additional accessories on the rod.

How do the automation capabilities of Switchbot's Curtain 3 compare to Acara's E1 in terms of smart home management?

Both Switchbot's Curtain 3 and Acara's E1 offer integration with Google and Amazon Voice assistance, but Acara has a slight edge with native Apple HomeKit integration and a more advanced automation engine. However, the gap is closing as both are enhancing their apps and working on Matter Bridge compatibility.