German smart home company Eve today released their promised Thread-enabled light switch suitable for North America. The new switch doesn’t differ much from previous generations of the switch, with the same capacitive touch control surface, as opposed to a mechanical rocker or momentary button. The switch also features a small LED at the top end of the touch surface, which wasn’t present in the original model.
Of course, the big change is Thread, which equates to faster, more responsive reaction times than with Bluetooth, which the original model used. It also means that, along with all of the company’s other Thread-enabled products, this new light switch is ready for Matter. This will now ensure that once Matter begins to take hold, this and all of Eve’s other products* will be compatible with other ecosystems beyond Apple HomeKit, which includes Google, Amazon, and SmartThings.
* as long as the product category is supported
It’s important to note that the switch requires a neutral wire, so homes that don’t have neutral wires for their switch will, unfortunately, not be able to make use of this product. The upside is that this switch supports single pole 3-way setups, which is a rarity for smart switches.
Finally, like their Eve Motion Smart Blinds, you can create schedules that are stored 0n-device, so you can have the lights turn on or off at specific times, without having to worry whether your smart home automations will successfully be enacted.
The Eve Light Switch is available from Amazon for US$49.95 / CA$79.95, or directly from Eve’s own store.
Specifications
Power
Input: 120 VAC, 50/60 Hz
Min. 3 W
Max. 1800 W / 15 A (resistive)
Max. 600 W / 5 A (incandescent / tungsten)
Wireless Connection
Bluetooth, Thread
Dimensions
4.7 x 2.9 x 1.7 inch
Compatibility
Eve Light Switch requires a neutral wire and replaces a single-pole or 3-way switch. Only for use with copper or copper-clad wire in dry, indoor locations.
In the Box
Eve Light Switch, wall plate, mounting material