Lutron Caseta vs native Z-wave switches/dimmers (Leviton)

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I'm a long-time Hubitat (and Vera before that) user and the networks in both of my homes are almost exclusively populated with Leviton dimmers & switches (I do have a few Zooz multi-button switches/controllers in the mix - they work great).

I'm also very focused on design - functionality & reliability of my smart home devices is important, but they all need to look like they belong - good, consistent design. For example, even in banks of switches that are a mix of z-wave and non-z-wave, I still only use Leviton dimmers/switches, I don't mix Lutron & Leviton. Overall, I've been satisfied with the Leviton devices - they are reliable. However, in my opinion, they're starting to look dated and, from what I've gleaned from some limited research, it doesn't look like Leviton (or any other manufacturer) is updating their z-wave products much (aesthetically). For example, I look at a [non- z-wave] dimmer like the Lutron Sunata and think...wouldn't it be nice if Leviton came out with an updated z-wave dimmer that's just nicer looking/sleeker like the Sunata.

I do like the (IMHO) more modern look of the Lutron Caseta switches/dimmers and have been considering a full-scale swap out of all my Leviton switches & dimmers with Caseta products instead. I realize I would need to get a SmartBridge and configure the integration in Habitat - I'm not concerned about that. But I do have a few questions and would appreciate any/all input...

  1. Is anyone aware of any developments/innovation in the z-wave switch/dimmer market with some new, more modern (looking) products?
  2. In terms of reliability and general z-wave "good practices," is this idea just not a good idea? Is sticking with z-wave devices (as the majority) in my network a better choice for reliability/performance, vs introducing another protocol (& integration) for such a large number of devices in my network?
  3. Any other general opinions on my consideration?

I realize that in the overall market Leviton serves, z-wave is probably a tiny fraction. So, the chances of any significant investment in innovation for that line of products is unlikely (other than the occasional chip upgrade). But I'm just getting bored of the Decora switch look and am interested in something newer/fresher.

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Look at iNovelli’s offerings.

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Can you elaborate on what design elements you consider to be "modern" WRT a basic Decora design? FWIW, Lutron Sunnata =/= Lutron Caseta.

Inovelli's Red (z-wave) series may be an option if LED bars are part of what you'd consider to be a more modern look. They also have Blue (zigbee) and White (thread).

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Thanks for the replies @hydro311 and @aaiyar . I have looked at iNovelli. To clarify, I consider the Decora switch style somewhat un-modern/dated. And when I referred to the Lutron Sunata, I was simply commenting on at least some level of innovation against the traditional "Decora" style (i.e. the touch dimmer light bar on the switch itself rather than the separate dim level bar on the Levitons). I realize the Sunata is not a Caseta. I appreciate I'm not doing a good job at articulating exactly what a more modern design might be. I like switches that are sleek and don't necessarily look like switches, like the Lutron Maestro, for example.

I guess my intent with this post was to simply validate I hadn't missed some new offering in z-wave switches/dimmers (with a new design). Sounds like I haven't and that I'll need to stick with the Decora style switches for the foreseeable future, whether they're Leviton or iNovelli.

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So, you wouldn't be a fan of the toggle style? :slight_smile:

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:thinking: