Programmable In-Wall Light Switch for 2 Devices

[JDRoberts]

There are two devices community members typically use for this situation.

The first is the Leviton VRCS2 two button switch which is a wired in wall two button switch. It looks like it will be perfect for use cases like this, the problem is that it is an absolute bear to pair correctly so that each button works.

Vizia rf+ VRCS2-MR 2-Button Controller

I just bought this Z-Wave 2-Button Controller/Switch and was able to successfully pair it with my SmartThings hub. However, this is about the extent of what I can do with it. It shows up in ST as a remote but I can’t do anything with it. How would I properly set this up so that I can control the two lights attached to it using the ST app as well as the physical buttons on the device?

The second is the battery operated SmartenIT ZBWS3B 3 toggle switch combined with smart bulbs like the $15 GE link. This can be wall mounted or left flat on a nightstand. Works great, but you may not like the form factor as well.

Battery Operated 3 Toggle Switch for wallmount or table top use (SmartenIT ZBWS3B) [DEPRECATED: STOPPED WORKING IN 2018]

This code stopped working with the 2018 version of the SmartThings app. The device should no longer be considered compatible. Yes, Virginia, there is a battery operated toggle switch that looks like a regular switch and can be used to change modes, run Hello Home Actions, or toggle one or more devices on and off! It does have 3 toggle “buttons” instead of just 1, which some people will see as a negative, but it’s a very nice device. It can be mounted on the wall anywhere, it does not require any wiring. Or it can just lie flat on a table. It’s zigbee, but because SmartThings supports both zigbee and zwave, that doesn’t matter, you can still use it to control any of the devices you control through SmartThings. You can also easily feel the separations between the three toggles, …

A third alternative, although not as popular, is to install the SmartenIT zigbee dual relay in the switch box. This has the advantage of being on the official “works with SmartThings” list. The disadvantage is that it may not fit in the box. And in your case it might need significant rewiring to bring the nightstand circuit to the switch box. So I’d look at the other two first.