Wireless lockset with touch activation

A lockset comprising:

• a latch assembly including a bolt movable between an extended position and a retracted position;
• a controller configured to electronically control movement of the bolt between the extended position and the retracted position;
• and
• an exterior assembly including:
• a mechanical lock assembly configured to manually actuate the bolt between the extended position and the retracted position;
• a touch-sensitive cylinder guard cover electrically coupled with the controller;
• and
• a non-touch-sensitive front cover, the front cover made of generally RF transparent material;
• wherein the controller actuates movement of the bolt between the extended position and the retracted position in response to:
• receiving credentials from a user device;
• and
• receiving a touch input at the cylinder guard cover.

A method of operating a lockset, the method comprising:

• receiving a touch input at a touch-sensitive cylinder guard cover;
• receiving credentials from a user device, wherein the credentials received by an antenna positioned behind a non-touch-sensitive, RF-transparent front cover;
• and
• in response to receiving the touch and the credentials, actuating a motor to move a bolt between extended and retracted positions.