Good experience with KNX wall switches?

[Joakim Arfvidsson]

I'm tentatively planning to use Loxone Pure Touch Tree. But I'm a little curious about the wealth of KNX switches out there. Here are some nice ones:

http://knxshoponline.co.uk/knx-design-tableaus-serie-piazza-8/

http://knxshoponline.co.uk/hdl-m-p0x-2-48-new-generation-smart-wall-switch-panel-eu/

The design of these feels a little dated, but fairly timeless. And very practical – you can make sure the buttons are labeled, you have nice tactile feedback.

I don't know how well these work in practice in Loxone config – will they show up as X digital inputs (one for each button)?

[Duncan]

knx buttons as simple dumb inputs to loxone work extremely well, and as you say there is a wealth of choice, and almost all are better looking than loxones own touch buttons.

take a look at the mdt glass buttons too, particularly including the glass button II / smart, which is more like a wall mounted ipod touch than simple buttons

[Faradite Ltd]

Hi Joakim,

We offer an alternative to the Loxone Pure Touch called the TAP-5, you can see more details on our website www.faradite.com.
The TAP-5 has a built in temperature sensor & haptic feedback, it connects to Loxone via digital inputs and 1-wire.
Please don't hesitate to get in contact if you require any further information.

Thanks
Faradite

[David]

I have one of these (Faradite) and they look great and work really well. 

Easy to fit and also work well with UK back boxes (Loxone products tend to be floppy in UK boxes).

The 5 zoned areas are much easier for users to understand than the Loxone switch which looks nice but users struggle where to push.

You do have run a cat cable to the switch but that then gives you full flexibility. 

Works for single tap and double tap but not long press.

Overall very pleased with it - and it is always admired for its looks.

Cheers David

[Faradite Ltd]

Hi David,

Thanks for your feedback, great to hear that you like the TAP-5.

The TAP-5 will also work for a long press, short press, triple / quad click etc (we only stated the commonly used functions on the website).

Thanks
Faradite Customer Support

[Peter]

Don't use UK back boxes 😀

[Rob_in]

This is good to hear.

I do like the idea of the Loxone Tree switches but for aesthetic reasons would like all our switches ('dumb' and electronic) to match, and also match the design of sockets, etc.

I didn't look in the UK, but in France it actually seems that KNX switches are available from most major electrical brands to match their other range of products (240v sockets & other swtiches).

Interestingly these products from the majors actually appear to be some of the better value items around. Eg:

- Legrand Celiane KNX 4 way switch is €66.22 plus another €12 or so for the faceplate. This has 4 individual LEDs for feedback which is nice.

- Hager Essensya 4 way switch is €62.95 or €81.98 if you want LEDs for feedback and they also do 6 way for €79.05 or €106.00.

- Schneider Electric have 4 way (€61.04 plus little extra for faceplate) to 8 way (€144.83 inc. faceplate), all with LEDs for feedback.

From what I have seen, if you want to use a German standard box/faceplate then there are many more options (but also mostly more costly).

Hope that helps,

Robin

[DavidL]

I did write a reply a couple of days ago, but it looks like it got deleted, or marked as spam.

Anyway, KNX switches are quite straight forward to implement.
Once added to Loxone, you simply use the actuators or sensors in your programming like you would a normal digital input/output.

If you buy from Filip, then he'll very kindly do the programming bit via ETS for you.

David

[Stephen Evans]

Duncan,

Where can you get hold of the MDT Glass II smart switches from? and what sort of price are they?  I find the Loxone ones pretty basic for what they cost,

Many thanks

Stephen

[Duncan]

its much cheaper to buy direct from german suppliers such as voltus

the glass button v 1 were about £90-100 for the 4 button version, and around £130 for the 8 button version
the glass button v2 has upto 12 buttons, text feedback, colour icons etc and fits a uk backbox and is around £130-135 so much better value

https://www.voltus.de/hausautomation/knx-eib/sensoren/tastsensoren/mdt/mdt-be-gt2tw-01-glastaster-mit-6-sensorflaechen-weiss.html
http://www.idealo.de/preisvergleich/OffersOfProduct/5191262_-glastaster-ii-smart-6-fach-weiss-be-gt2tw-01-mdt.html

[vampiris]

Hello guys,

For all of you that looking for KNX switches, i would like to add the following link of a Spanish company with the name Dinuy. The product is new, there is no documentation, price list, further informations, images etc. But if you planning a new installation and you like the design of the switches, another alternative solution may be useful.

http://dinuy.com/en/knx-devices/switches

[HA Retrofit]

Hi Duncan,
You mention the MDT Glass push button V2 fit a UK back box.
(I'm interested in the 6 way BE-GT2TW.01 (has the temperature sensor) if you have any experience with them).

I've looked on the MDT site and can't find anything on how to mount them.
In the installation instructions all it says is, 'screw the support ring into the outlet socket'.

Do you need an adapter (like the BS adapter ring for Gira 55 push buttons)? or do they fit directly into the back box as is?
(I'm hoping to be able to install into a 'standard' 35mm box)

Thanks,
Gary

[Duncan]

it comes with a plastic push-fit adapter plate that screws onto a uk back box, so will fit onto a 35mm standard box without problems

[HA Retrofit]

Phew! Thanks Duncan.
Much appreciated.