Best UPB switch look and feel

[tshephard]

I am going to switch out from X10 to UPB.

I have some of the really cheap X10 push button switches, and two of the decora PCS X10's. The PCS paddles are really solid.

I was looking at a HAI UPB and noticed the paddle switches felt mushy.

So, what is your experience of the best look and feel on the UPB switches?

-Tim

 

[johnboy70_99]

I am going to switch out from X10 to UPB.

I have some of the really cheap X10 push button switches, and two of the decora PCS X10's. The PCS paddles are really solid.

I was looking at a HAI UPB and noticed the paddle switches felt mushy.

So, what is your experience of the best look and feel on the UPB switches?

-Tim

I have a PCS switch and keypad and a handful of SA US240 with top paddle and 4 lower switches.
Similar experience with the PCS - very solid switch feel and the quality is top notch.

The SA switches have performed well but the switch feel seems hit or miss - one of them I have works great, the other has a mushy rocker switch which is sometimes hard to activate.

 

[mustangcoupe]

I have one HAI and the rest SAI. I agree in the fact that I dont like the feel of the HAI switches, they do feel mushy and dont have the resistance they should. But I like the feel of the SAI switches I have, no problems at all, I have not tried PCS stuff.

@Johnboy - have you tried to remove and replace or swap the paddles on your US240 switches? maybe it is not the switch body but the paddle binding? just a thought....

 

[refinished]

To each their own, I guess. I have PCS, SA, and HAI rockers and I like the HAIs the best in terms of feel. I have noted a couple quirks with them in terms of functionality, but I think they have the best tactile feel. The PCS comes second for me with its firmer feel under finger and more audible 'click'. The SA US2-40 has a cheaper feel and a harsh 'click', but has been a rock solid performer and has the ability to reconfigure for a large number of button options (one rocker through to eight buttons). I use the HAI in rooms like the den and living room where form counts. I use the SA in utility areas where function trumps form.

 

[mustangcoupe]

To each their own, I guess. I have PCS, SA, and HAI rockers and I like the HAIs the best in terms of feel. I have noted a couple quirks with them in terms of functionality, but I think they have the best tactile feel. The PCS comes second for me with its firmer feel under finger and more audible 'click'. The SA US2-40 has a cheaper feel and a harsh 'click', but has been a rock solid performer and has the ability to reconfigure for a large number of button options (one rocker through to eight buttons). I use the HAI in rooms like the den and living room where form counts. I use the SA in utility areas where function trumps form.

The harsh click feel is what I like about them, I dont like the softer feel, that is what I was calling mushy... I guess I perfer the harsher click because it clicks more like a normal switch which doesnt return to center after pressing.

 

[ano]

I am going to switch out from X10 to UPB.

I have some of the really cheap X10 push button switches, and two of the decora PCS X10's. The PCS paddles are really solid.

I was looking at a HAI UPB and noticed the paddle switches felt mushy.

So, what is your experience of the best look and feel on the UPB switches?

-Tim

I have all SA. Tried them all and I like these the best. The removable faceplates is also very handy to change the functionality, or even change the color if needed.

 

[drozwood90]

+1 for SAI switches. I've not used them, but apparently the Web Mountain Switches are the same as SAI, but with GEN II software.

Wife also likes the click of the SAI, so I'm sticking with them.

--Dan

 

[batwater]

I'm also starting my X-10 transition to UPB. I just purchased an SA advanced evaluation starter kit (check out their web site) to take the UPB plunge so I don't yet have an opinion. Check out the price if you qualify it's a great deal!
-Ben

 

[Steve]

To each their own, I guess.

That's the answer in a nutshell. I know it's difficult to try all of them of it is truly a very subjective and personal thing. I also have all three and these days the PCS switches are my favorite. One thing I would strongly recommend is don't get SAI switches. If you like the feel and function of the SAI switch, buy the Web Mountains, as mentioned, they are the same but with Gen II firmware. While you may be absolutely fine with Gen I imho you are better served going with Gen II in the event you get noise down the road. They also all look a bit different. SAI/Web Mtn has the biggest LED which is basically a light pipe that doubles as your cut off switch. PCS and SAI are smaller and look more like an actual rectangular LED.