Retrotouch 2803 Friends of Hue Smart Switch - Black Plain Glass, 86.0 mm*14.0 mm*86.0 mm

I have a hue system and was hoping this would give me four smart buttons. While it looks and functions fine, the buttons can only be assigned one task. This is unfortunate because the hue button is basically the same but the app gives a lot more options for it. I was hoping for smart lighting and to be able to toggle or cycle scenes.No batteries is nice and it paired with the hue hub without issue. It also works fine with HomeAssistant, though it can’t reliably determine if a long or short press was done.

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I wanted something that looked a bit more elegant than the Philips Hue remote controls, which could be mounted over the existing UK light switch back-boxes, and for 2-way control of two sets of Philips Hue lights (so that’s two-off 2-gang switches).Found these Retrotouch “Friends of Hue” switches which seemed to fit the bill. Ordered two, and installed these pretty quickly over the existing back-boxes. The package does contain an adhesive pad to allow the switch to be installed on pretty much any flat surface, but I wanted to hide the old light switch back-box.I also used a small Wago-type electrical connector within each back-box to permanently power the Hue lights; the Retrotouch switches do come with electrical block connectors, but I preferred the Wago-type connector for ease of installation {admittedly you only need to do this once so not really critical to the Retrotouch functionality).Configuration was easy. Within the iOS Hue app, I added each switch individually; under Accessories, these are found in the Friends of Hue switch section, and the Retrotouch switch is listed. Each single-press action is configured, and the long-press is configured. I’ve configured these switches with on/off functionality, and dimming control.Responsiveness was good, pretty much instant response to on/off commands. As these are energy-harvesting devices (not needing batteries or external electrical connections), the buttons need a little bit more force to activate than other traditional buttons, and make a noticeable click noise when pressed. I was expecting this, and have been satisfied with the force required, and the noise generated.In summary, easy to install, configure, and use. And look great too.

I now have about 6 of these installed. When I first got them, it didn't feature as one of the Friends of Hue switch options in the Hue app (had to try others till one worked), but it does now, which makes setup a little easier. Does what it says on the tin, configurable from the Hue app to decide what each button does.Not as configurable as the Hue dimmers (such as multiple presses), but Hue ones are battery-powered so have more intelligence and can get firmware updates etc. However Hue ones don't really account for directly replacing a flush UK switch - and the 3rd-party convertor plates aren't great in my view, having tried a number of them (and they don't come in black).Looks pretty good, though a little boxy. The main thing is that these actually do fit properly to replace an existing single-gang light switch. I tried a Vimar one which said the outer dimensions were the same as a UK switch but didn't account for a step inwards at the back so didn't really cover the old switch area properly and an area without decor was visible.They work well, but because they are mechanical, they have quite a clunk, and one of mine has a somewhat sticky button. Really wish I could find a black or stainless Friends of Hue dimmer that is battery powered and actually fits perfectly in place of a switch!I would recommend these. A bit pricey, but managed to buy mine at times when there was a deal on!

I have had one of these in operation for since last year, stuck next to the existing switch (which I replaced with a matching black cover) rather than installed, which has to be done by a professional.As a switch it was a doddle to set up and has worked flawlessly. I guess you get what you pay for. I watched the prices for a while and bought from Amazon Warehouse. I was so impressed by the first I bought another, again reduced.My only real problem was that after about 3 months, coinciding with a change of season, the 3M sticky pad failed and the switch slid down the wall. Luckily the company provides good support and sent me spare pads which have resolved the issue.