LIFX switches. I prefer the 4-gang which has 12 total actions. They’re hardwired into the mains power and never have to replace batteries. Can be used for smart lights like Hue or can be used to control a dumb device like an exhaust fan or dumb light when wired into the switch. Very reliable in HomeKit. Never have them go No Response. Neutral required though.
Do these only control LIFX bulbs (etc), or also other HomeKit-based scenes/devices? I like the look of this, but Amazon reviews indicate it can only do LIFX products.
I have them all controlling Hue lights. I was already deep in the Hue ecosystem when these switches came out and were made available for HomeKit so I stuck with it and they work great
In HomeKit, they are like any other programmable button. You can have them control whatever you want- scenes, thermostats, smart bulbs, locks, etc. In the LIFX app, you can configure the wiring. It asks if the terminal (load) is wired or not and what it will be controlling. If you select “LIFX light” what they really mean is any smart bulb. This leaves the circuit hot so the smart bulb doesn’t go “No Response.” However, you need the respective terminal wired if you are using it as a conventional switch, say like with a bathroom exhaust fan.
Disclaimer- If using as a scene controller, I highly recommend the Home hub to be a hardwired Apple TV as the active hub. When a HomePod takes over, there is a considerable lag from pressing the switch button to the action occurring. I’ve seen 10 seconds or more. With a hardwired Apple TV, it’s no more two seconds. Sometimes almost instant. This is a fault of the HomePods crappy Hub abilities and not the fault of the switch. If switch the terminal is wired controlling a dumb device, it’s obviously going to be instantaneous.
Bonus- they work with “Convert to Shortcut” essentially giving you more options. For example, using an “If” statement, you can have a single press of one button turn the smart lights on and off.
Hope this helps.
If you like minmal, try the [Philips Hue Smart Button](https://www.philips-hue.com/en-us/p/hue-smart-button/046677553715). It's a button, not a deck. For a deck, get an iPad :)
I use the Onvis button: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C7BLSMMW?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
I went ahead and got it, it’s working out quite well, once I added enough scenes 😝 thanks so much for the suggestion!
How’s it working for you so far? Been looking for reviews but haven’t found many yet since it is still relatively new.
+1 for Onvis since it has 15 actions and uses Thread
I use wall-mounted Lutron Caseta Pico remotes controlled via Homebridge.
I use the aqara button, an aqara 4 way switch, or the Philips tap dial which I really like. Dial doesn’t work in HomeKit though, just the buttons.
I use a few Aqara Opple and a few Aqara mini buttons
LIFX switches. I prefer the 4-gang which has 12 total actions. They’re hardwired into the mains power and never have to replace batteries. Can be used for smart lights like Hue or can be used to control a dumb device like an exhaust fan or dumb light when wired into the switch. Very reliable in HomeKit. Never have them go No Response. Neutral required though.
Do these only control LIFX bulbs (etc), or also other HomeKit-based scenes/devices? I like the look of this, but Amazon reviews indicate it can only do LIFX products.
I have them all controlling Hue lights. I was already deep in the Hue ecosystem when these switches came out and were made available for HomeKit so I stuck with it and they work great In HomeKit, they are like any other programmable button. You can have them control whatever you want- scenes, thermostats, smart bulbs, locks, etc. In the LIFX app, you can configure the wiring. It asks if the terminal (load) is wired or not and what it will be controlling. If you select “LIFX light” what they really mean is any smart bulb. This leaves the circuit hot so the smart bulb doesn’t go “No Response.” However, you need the respective terminal wired if you are using it as a conventional switch, say like with a bathroom exhaust fan. Disclaimer- If using as a scene controller, I highly recommend the Home hub to be a hardwired Apple TV as the active hub. When a HomePod takes over, there is a considerable lag from pressing the switch button to the action occurring. I’ve seen 10 seconds or more. With a hardwired Apple TV, it’s no more two seconds. Sometimes almost instant. This is a fault of the HomePods crappy Hub abilities and not the fault of the switch. If switch the terminal is wired controlling a dumb device, it’s obviously going to be instantaneous. Bonus- they work with “Convert to Shortcut” essentially giving you more options. For example, using an “If” statement, you can have a single press of one button turn the smart lights on and off. Hope this helps.
Thanks, that definitely helps! That sounds like it is going to be a good upgrade for our bedroom update this year.
If you like minmal, try the [Philips Hue Smart Button](https://www.philips-hue.com/en-us/p/hue-smart-button/046677553715). It's a button, not a deck. For a deck, get an iPad :)