The Kwikset Smartkey is not electronic or connected or related to any other thing in any way. The locksets use the same spring-activated pins that are in any keyed cylinder. However, with their "Smartkey," there is an additional little hole that a tool can be inserted to allow you to change to a different key at any time of your choosing, DIY, in about 15 seconds. This avoids taking the cylinder to a locksmith and having the pins sized for a different key.

In order to perform this process though, you need the original key. So that is the built-in safety.

There should be videos on how it works, and there will be many videos on how this is a less-secure system as well. Any lockset can be manipulated at any time though.

IIRC Kwikset was first to market, and may have patents pending. Schlage came out with their own line, and Kwikset sued so Schlage doesn't offer the same system anymore.

If you don't have a need to ever change your keys, then no need for this system. I don't know if Kwikset offers locksets without it. The advantage is if you have 6 different locksets on your house, you can rekey them all to 1 key for the house.

I had the Kwikset (Kevo) in my old house and I hated that thing. Of course the technology was from 2018 when I installed it so it could be much better. You had to have the app on your phone and for it to always be running (it loved to log us all out) and then you touch your finger to the lock. It runs on your Wi-Fi so if it was out you’re out of luck. More trouble than it was “cool” in my opinion. I didn’t like the keypads either which is why I chose this.