We shine light into the darkness: overview of smart switch types

With the invention of the light bulb, the era of further innovation began: different types of light switches moved into our homes for the first time. The first solution was the rotary switch, which you could move clockwise, followed by the flush-fitted toggle switch.

Now there are numerous smart switch options. Discover your options and find out which switch types are best for which purposes.

Dimmer switches: brightness tailored to individual requirements

Modern switches have long been capable of more than just on-off control of lighting. Dimmer switches, which allow you to regulate the brightness of the light individually with a rotary control, are used in many living spaces today. You can go one step further with modern touch surfaces:

The Gira System 3000 touch top unit combines classic switching on and off with convenient dimming functions. Not only can you activate or deactivate the function with a quick touch, you can also fine-tune it with a swipe of your finger. This allows you to adjust the lighting according to brightness requirements and desired lighting mood.

Automatic control switch: sensors detect movement for lighting control

Automatic control switches in the form of motion and presence detectors are a practical solution and particularly good at saving energy. These switch on the light from at a certain time of day or to a certain brightness value only in response to sensor-detected activity and switch it off again after a defined time.

They are used both outdoors, so that the driveway or courtyard, for example, is automatically illuminated when you arrive, and indoors, where people generally only spend a short time, such as in the hallway, cellar or garage.

From pushbutton switch to touch panel: light at the touch of a finger

The typical "click" and "clack" of the original switch types is rarely heard today. For quite a long time now, you have also been able to control switches by radio or voice command.

Operating elements such as touch panels are also increasingly taking over the functions of classic switches or enabling remote control of modern Smart Home solutions via a smartphone app.

The new Gira pushbutton sensor 4: "switch" of the future

The new Gira pushbutton sensor 4, offers maximum control over your KNX system, for example. Depending on the version, you can save up to eight individual functions on the right and left of the pushbutton switch and call them up at the touch of a button.

You can then control the lighting, music system, blinds and heating, for example. Thanks to the minimalist design, the smart pushbutton switch fits seamlessly into all living styles and is a real eye-catcher on the wall.

However, switches will not disappear completely from the scene any time soon.

After all, with the right design line, the operating elements on the wall can also be a true aesthetic highlight and stylishly round off the design of your four walls.