Retrotouch Friends of Hue Smart Switch - White with Chrome Trim, 02800 [Energy Class A]

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!

The media could not be loaded. I’ve had a very extensive Philips Hue system across four houses and with around 80 lamps, bulbs and fixtures, inside and out and on two hubs. I love Hue but their own dimmer switches don’t sit nicely with the normal UK light switches. I sat them next to the regular light switch in our last house but it wasn’t elegant or ideal. I tried all kinds of third party dimmer switch housings but all of them bar none, were ugly and bulky and just looked rubbish. I’ve been looking at friend of hue switches for a while and had a couple of waterproof dimmers outside but only looked again when we moved house recently.I love these switches - they totally replace the existing switch and look great against a flat wall. The only slight downside is that very often, decorators will fill up to the fitted switch (sloppy!) so replacing an existing switch can be a problem as the wall likely isn’t very flat.I bought 38 of these to replace every switch in the house and I’m about 1/3 way through replacing as I gradually add the Hue lamps and fixtures back in. They work flawlessly on the Hue system. I prefer the iConnectHue Pro app for setting switches and dimmers up as there are so many more features. The only small downside to these switches is the clickiness due to the kinetic powered nature of the switch (in itself really good as there are no batteries to replace). So they look high-end but the click makes the switch feel a little cheap in operation. I can live with that though as there are so many other benefits.NOTE: my pictures show a back plate I designed and 3D printed that goes behind the switch rather than re-plaster the worst of the original switch surrounds.Reasonably expensive (I bought a whole bunch of them when they were on offer) but I would HIGHLY recommend them.