When it comes to building a smart home, even the smallest decisions can make a big impact. One such decision is choosing between momentary switches (also known as Bell Press) and standard rocker switches (Toggle).
Although they may seem similar at first glance, the differences between these switches can significantly affect how you interact with your smart lighting and other smart home devices.
The Flexibility of Momentary Switches
Momentary switches are designed to return to their original position after being pressed. This simple feature offers a lot of flexibility, especially in smart home setups. For instance, with devices like Shelly and Fibaro, you can configure the switch input type in the settings to work with either momentary or toggle switches. This means you can customize your setup to match your preferences.
Dimming Made Easy
One of the main reasons people opt for momentary switches is their compatibility with dimmers. Imagine walking into a room and having the ability to not just turn the lights on or off, but also adjust the brightness directly at the switch. With a momentary switch, this is as simple as a single press for on/off or a press-and-hold action to dim the lights.
On the other hand, standard toggle switches don't offer this level of control. With a toggle switch, dimming is typically only possible through a smartphone app or pre-set schedules. If you want the convenience of adjusting the brightness at the switch, a momentary switch is the clear winner.
Avoiding the Annoyance of Switch Position
Another common issue with toggle switches is their fixed position. For example, if you turn on a light using a toggle switch, the switch stays in the down position. However, if you then turn off the light using your smart home app, the switch remains down, even though the light is off. This can be confusing and annoying but this alreay existing in your 2 way switching setup like for hallways.
Momentary switches eliminate this issue entirely. Since they always return to the neutral position after being pressed, there's no need to worry about whether the switch is up or down—your lights will respond as expected regardless of the switch's physical position.
Choosing the Right Switch for Oz Smart Zigbee Pucks
At Oz Smart Things, we offer Zigbee pucks with two different versions—one for momentary switches and one for toggle switches. Unlike Shelly and Fibaro devices, which allow you to change the switch input type in the settings, you need to choose the correct version of the Zigbee puck when you place your order.
However, if you're using the Azoula Homekit Matter Hub, you're in luck! This hub allows you to configure these settings on the Oz Smart Zigbee and Relay pucks, giving you the flexibility to switch between momentary and toggle inputs as needed.
The Shelly Advantage
For those who use Shelly devices, there's no need to worry about which switch type to choose. Shelly devices are versatile and work seamlessly with both momentary and toggle switches. You can easily change the switch input type in the settings, allowing you to experiment with different setups until you find the one that works best for you.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're new to smart home automation or a seasoned pro, choosing the right type of switch is crucial for maximizing the functionality and convenience of your setup. Momentary switches offer unmatched flexibility, especially when it comes to dimming and avoiding the confusion of switch positions. And with the options available at Oz Smart Things, you can easily find the perfect solution to suit your needs.