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The Switchbot K10+, the epitome of compact effectivity, boasts the title of the smallest, totally useful robotic vacuum with self-emptying capabilities. It may possibly clear areas {that a} full-sized robotic vacuum can’t.
Whereas different manufacturers have merchandise with monumental base stations, the founders of Switchbot went the opposite path, designing a robotic vacuum with a fraction of the dimension of a full-sized robotic.
There are tradeoffs with downsizing; we’ll decide if these ought to dissuade you from contemplating this product.
Switchbot K10+ Mini Robotic Vacuum Evaluation: Gimmick or Legit?
- Navigation – 93%
- Floor Cleansing – 93.57%
- Deep Cleansing – 55.14%
- High quality – 94%
- Design – 94%
- Worth – 96%
75%
Abstract
The Switchbot K10+ is a completely useful mini robotic vacuum half the scale of a full-sized robotic. Due to its diminutive body, it has apparent benefits, like becoming in areas different manufacturers can’t. As a bonus, it has a self-emptying function with a four-liter bag inside that may maintain filth for as much as 70 days (claimed). Nevertheless, there are limitations with its downsized body like the dearth of suction energy and small dustbin capability. And whereas it could possibly mop flooring, it makes use of disposable wipes, not reusable pads, and doesn’t have a vibrating factor, so it’s not really helpful for cleansing heavy residue buildup.
Execs
- Its small stature will slot in tight areas
- Above-average four-liter bag quantity
- Self-emptying function
- Not as costly as full-sized self-emptying robotic vacuums
- Premium-level app options
- Thorough navigation because it alternates between regular and edge cleansing
- Storage for further bag and wipes inside the bottom station
Cons
- The algorithm is just too aggressive
- Weak airflow
- Poor deep cleansing efficiency
- Struggles with sure particles sorts like pet litter and quinoa
- The disposable wipe comes off if it touches carpets or rugs
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Leap to: Introduction, App Options, Energy, Navigation, Cleansing Efficiency, Mopping, Noise, Specs, The place to Purchase, Is it Value It, Verdict
Introduction to the Switchbot K10+ Mini Robotic Vacuum
Watch this video of my detailed evaluate on YouTube when you want a visible.
Whereas different robotic vacuum producers are growing the scale of robotic vacuum base stations to cram as a lot expertise as attainable for automation, Switchbot zags in one other path, a minimum of with the K10+.
You may see the huge measurement distinction between Switchbot and the Roborock S8 Professional Extremely.
However as with every downsized product, there might be compromises as a result of lack of house.
With the K10+, its base station can solely do one perform – empty the robotic’s dustbin.
Surprisingly, it comes with a beneficiant 4-liter bag with ample house for an additional bag (or two) and a pack of wipes.
One function I don’t like with the bottom station is the vertical port because it’s not as environment friendly as a port on a ramp at emptying filth.
Robotic Vacuum Design
Switchbot makes use of a round-shaped robotic, which is frequent because it’s the perfect at navigating tight areas since there’s much less threat of getting wedged.
The K10+ is round three inches narrower than a full-sized robotic, measuring 9.76 inches in diameter.
Just like the Ecovacs X2 Omni I reviewed not too long ago, the Switchbot K10+ has a completely removable cowl with three magnets.
One distinction is that the K10+ doesn’t come off simply as a result of it doesn’t go to the sides.
Brush Structure (View Beneath)
One other compromise for the K10 is the comb roll placement behind the wheels.
Switchbot did this in order that it may put in a wider brush. One downside with this design is the entrance wheels blocking the comb.
The scale distinction between the K10 and a full-sized robotic isn’t a lot.
Wipes As an alternative Of A Reusable Pad
The Switchbot K10+ makes use of disposable wipes as an alternative of a reusable pad.
In contrast to a fully-sized robotic vacuum hybrid that makes use of a reusable pad, the K10+ makes use of disposable wipes and is available in a pack of 30.
One benefit is you eliminate it after the mopping cycle, as you’d do with a Swiffer.
Nevertheless, there are a number of disadvantages to the design.
Essentially the most important (for me) is the dearth of a pad-lift function, so the wipe will contact the rug or carpet and dislodge it from its place.
One other is it doesn’t cowl a lot floor due to its small measurement.
That is how soiled the wipe will get after one mopping cycle in a small space.
Because the bracket covers the comb roll, it isn’t attainable to hoover and mop concurrently.
It’s extra tedious to make use of because you’ll have to take away or connect the bracket when you want it to mop.
App Options
This robotic is suitable with the Switchbot app developed for this robotic and the opposite merchandise of their ecosystem, much like Xiaomi.
I’ll summarize probably the most useful options of the app under.
Mapping Run
The mapping run is without doubt one of the most useful options for potential homeowners because it cuts the map creation time ten-fold (actually, by quite a bit).
It’s one benefit that LIDAR-based robots (or options that use a laser sensor) have over their camera-based counterparts.
This function makes use of LIDAR’s 360 scanning to pinpoint the perimeter to fast-track this course of.
Dwell Map
The following useful function is the dwell map, displaying the robotic’s real-time location.
What I like in regards to the Switchbot app is it permits customers to pick the variety of runs, even within the default setting, which is the “entire home” cleansing.
Map Saving
After the mapping run, customers can save these maps by the app.
I don’t know precisely what number of maps the Switchbot app can save, however it appears to be greater than 4.
Customizations may be made with every stage, like including containment and setting partitions.
Containment
Customers can block the robotic from going into off-limit areas utilizing any containment choices – no-go zones and digital partitions.
The no-go zone allows customers to dam an space, rectangular or sq., excellent when you’ve got youngsters or pets.
An alternative choice is the digital wall that acts like a, you guessed it, a “digital” barrier, blocking the robotic from going previous it.
One distinction with this different is that it could possibly block diagonal areas, one thing unattainable with the no-go zones function, which is superb for extra complicated flooring plans.
Fast Entry Different Choices
Customers can entry completely different choices by tapping on the “extra” button beside the “sturdy” choice (inexperienced button).
How A lot Energy Does the Switchbot K10+ Have?
I take advantage of an anemometer to test how a lot airflow a robotic vacuum has.
This can be a barometer I take advantage of to find out its potential cleansing efficiency.
However different elements are essential, like brush roll design and seal – how properly it picks up filth.
Primarily based on experiments, a high-airflow robotic vacuum tends to have higher filth pickup than low-airflow options.
Sadly, the K10+ wasn’t good within the airflow exams.
- Quiet: 7.56 CFM
- Normal: 9.33 CFM
- Robust: 10.98 CFM
- Max: 12.32 CFM
It maxed at 12.32 CFM, which is below-average, and the cleansing efficiency scores mirror these outcomes, particularly with embedded sand (round 55%).
How Does the Switchbot K10+ Navigate?
Because the Switchbot K10+ makes use of LIDAR, it’s environment friendly on this facet. This robotic resembles a Roborock, which toggles between edge cleansing and the back-and-forth cleansing sample.
One variance is the K10+ can solely do two passes, whereas Roborock merchandise can do as much as three.
The one-pass distinction could also be essential due to this robotic’s small dustbin, and also you’ll see why within the protection take a look at.
Protection Check
For the protection take a look at, I scattered Quaker oats inside my small room and timed the robotic to see how lengthy it took to finish a two-pass run.
The sub-22-minute consequence was first rate, however the problem is it didn’t choose up every part because the dustbin is tiny.
Because it doesn’t have a full bin sensor, it received’t dock and empty the dustbin when it’s full.
Shoppers can solely use a time-based system for the self-emptying cycle.
Cleansing Efficiency
One concern I had earlier than testing this product was its cleansing effectivity with its low airflow and energy.
The Switchbot K10+ was a blended bag. It had enough cleansing efficiency in most experiments however struggled with sure particles sorts.
First, let’s have a look at the outcomes.
- Total: 83.96%
- Exhausting Flooring: 85.23%
- Sand on Exhausting Flooring: 98.45%
- Carpet: 97.04%
- Deep Cleansing: 55.14%
Exhausting Flooring Outcomes
- Quaker oats: 98.8%
- Espresso grounds: 99.3%
- Quinoa: 53.28%
- Pet Litter: 89.56%
The Switchbot K10+ struggled to scrub quinoa, scattering an enormous chunk round.
I’m unsure if it’s the fast-spinning aspect brush or the dearth of agitation from the comb, however it was unhealthy.
Fortuitously, particles pick-up wasn’t a problem with Quaker oats and low grounds, getting a excessive 90s rating.
Not surprisingly, it (considerably) struggled with pet litter, solely getting an 89.56% rating.
Sand on Exhausting Flooring
Regardless of the low energy output and airflow, this robotic picked up a excessive proportion of sand, getting a mean of 98.45% in two exams.
It’s not unhealthy for a robotic vacuum with lower than 13 CFM of airflow and is at par with dearer low airflow choices just like the Roborock S8 Professional Extremely (98.6%).
Hair Wrap
Sadly, the low airflow hampers its hair-cleaning talents.
I examined the Switchbot K10+ on 5 and seven-inch strands, and it barely picked up something.
There was barely any hair contained in the dustbin.
It bought lower than 5 % on each exams.
- 5-inch strands: 4%
- 7-inch strands: 3%
Edge Cleansing
One shock in the course of the testing section was the K10+’s edge cleansing, contemplating its low airflow output.
The earlier than and after pictures above reveal how a lot filth it picked up, leaving nearly nothing on the sides.
Nevertheless, it didn’t choose up something on the crevice – not stunning given its low airflow.
Carpet Outcomes
One other constructive facet of the Switchbot K10+ was its first rate carpet cleansing efficiency.
It’s inferior to high-airflow options just like the Roomba S9+, however it was above common for a low-airflow robotic.
Low Pile Outcomes
- Quaker oats: 96.96%
- Espresso grounds: 94.66%
- Quinoa: 100%
- Pet Litter: 96.56%
The outcomes on this floor have been higher than on onerous flooring.
One notable enchancment is the quinoa experiment, which scored 100% on this floor versus the sub-60% on hair flooring.
So, this robotic is first rate on this floor.
Mid Pile Carpet
- Quaker oats: 96.93%
- Espresso grounds: 94.8%
- Quinoa: 99.92%
- Pet Litter: 96.56%
There’s nearly no distinction between the floor and low-pile carpet outcomes.
Once more, these numbers are glorious (a minimum of for floor filth) for a low-airflow robotic vacuum.
It’s a viable choice, a minimum of inside small properties with low or mid-pile rugs or carpets.
Mopping Outcomes
Subsequent, we’ll look at how properly the Switchbot K10+ mops, notably juice and purple wine stains.
I take advantage of these stains to test how properly a robotic mops and if there are potential points, which was the case for the K10+.
It isn’t as securely fixed because it makes use of a disposable wipe and never a reusable pad.
One other limitation is the dearth of an agitation factor, so it struggles even with purple wine stains.
It’s (perhaps) a byproduct of a smaller wheel motor, however I believe the larger issue is the dearth of agitation.
I wouldn’t advocate this robotic for cleansing any heavy stains. Just like the Swiffer, it’s meant for gentle mopping.
How Noisy is the Switchbot K10+
One good thing about utilizing a weak motor is the decrease noise ranges; this robotic is quiet in decrease settings.
- Quiet: 57.5 dB
- Normal: 61.5 dB
- Robust: 64.1 dB
- Max: 66.5 dB
- Self-emptying cycle: 69.2 dB
It was within the low to mid-60 decibel vary within the two center settings and simply over 66 dB within the max setting, which isn’t very noisy.
One other plus is that it wasn’t noisy in the course of the self-emptying cycle – just under 70 decibels.
Product Specs
The place Can I Buy the Switchbot K10+?
You should purchase this mini robotic vacuum in on-line shops like Amazon. Test the hyperlink under for the newest pricing info.
Disclaimer: I’ll earn a fee when you click on on any of the hyperlinks above, however at no further price, so it’s a win-win for us!
Is the Switchbot K10+ Value Contemplating?
Regardless of its flaws, there’s a lot to love in regards to the Switchbot K10+. It’s low cost, tiny, and has first rate cleansing efficiency.
This mini robotic vacuum feels most at residence in a tiny house, the place its miniature body will slot in areas a full-sized robotic can’t.
Don’t anticipate premium-level efficiency with its energy limitations, however it has satisfactory pick-up for on a regular basis duties.
5 Causes to Think about the Switchbot K10+
- Tiny body: The K10+ is round three inches smaller (in diameter) than a full-sized robotic, which means it could possibly match cramped areas higher.
- Respectable-sized bag: The 4-liter bag capability is above common, even in comparison with a full-sized self-emptying robotic vacuum.
- Adequate choose up: It received’t wow you with cleansing efficiency, however it’s enough for every day cleansing duties.
- Environment friendly navigation: Switchbot’s LIDAR sensor and algorithm are exact and proficient.
- Mapping run: This function allows this robotic to create maps in a fraction of the time in comparison with a normal run.
The Verdict: Wonderful for Small Areas, However with Limitations
The Switchbot K10+ is superb inside tiny properties the place house is a premium.
Its miniature body will enable it to suit inside small areas a full-sized robotic can’t enter.
Regardless of the low airflow, it has first rate pick-up however struggles with sure particles sorts, particularly pet litter and quinoa on onerous flooring.
Except you’ll want to scrub these usually, it was first rate within the different experiments.
Anticipate a low airflow Roomba stage pick-up, a minimum of with floor particles.
Nevertheless, the dearth of airflow hampers its efficiency on embedded filth.
Additionally, it struggles with mopping, even purple wine stains, the place it stalled badly.
For those who don’t thoughts these limitations, the Switchbot K10+ is an honest, low price, mini robotic vacuum choice.
Garrick, the visionary behind Cordless Vacuum Information, brings over a decade of hands-on experience in cordless vacuum testing to his insightful opinions showcased on this platform. Past his ardour for empowering customers with knowledgeable selections, he cherishes treasured moments together with his household, exploring world cuisines and exploring completely different horizons together with his beloved spouse and son. Observe him on Youtube, Tiktok, Fb, and Instagram.
