FabianPhilips Hue unveiled several new wall switch modules on Tuesday – unfortunately only in Europe. Three of them are designed to integrate “simple” ceiling lights—without smart connectivity—into the Hue system. But couldn’t you just use a Shelly instead? After all, they’ve been on the market for much longer and cost just under half as much.
I’ve even read online that Shelly’s modules are smaller and therefore easier to install. Let’s take a look at that first. The Shelly Dimmer Gen3 measures about 38 x 42.5 x 16.5 millimeters. The new wired Hue wall switch modules measure 37 x 41 x 17 millimeters. I’d say these dimensions are absolutely comparable.
Only the Shelly 1PM Mini module is slightly more compact at 29 x 34 x 16 millimeters. That said, it’s important to note that it’s completely rectangular and not rounded on one side. And just for comparison: The “old” battery-powered Hue wall switch module is just 10.2 millimeters thick.
The big advantage is integration into the Hue system
The big advantage of the Hue wall switch modules is, without a doubt, their integration into the Hue system. Your “dumb” ceiling light—which might not be all that easy to replace—suddenly appears among your other lights in the Hue app and can be controlled with ease.
You even have the option to use the Hue wall switch module connected to the non-smart ceiling light as a switch for other Hue lights in the same room. And you can do this with the usual simple setup in the Hue app, which anyone can handle.
Sure, a Shelly could do that too—but only through roundabout ways and systems like Home Assistant or Homey. That’s certainly not for the general public, though; it’s a pretty niche solution.
I’ll provide you with more details and answers to any remaining questions—such as how to combine the new modules with a two-way or cross-wiring setup—in the coming days.
Hue Wired wall switch module
€44.99
Hue Wired on/off switch (1-channel)
€49.99
