The Lutron Caséta Diva smart dimmer and Claro smart switch have ditched the distinctive design of the intelligent lighting line. Instead, Lutron Caséta has added two new smart controls to its lineup.
The switches are sported on its existent non-smart “Diva” paddle switch style, providing its distinctive smart switch line a more traditional look.
Lutron Caséta is probably one of the most reliable DIY intelligent lighting systems available today: it uses a proprietary protocol powered by Lutron’s smart hub rather than Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
The current Caséta design has distinctive icons on the switches and multiple buttons, plus a press, and holds a function that can confuse unfamiliar people. The Diva dimmer uses the more traditional paddle design for on-off, plus you can press and hold the paddle to slowly dim it off or use the slider for precise dimming. An LED light bar shows the dimming level, and there’s a preset function to return the light to where it was previously.
Most noteworthy, however, is that both new switches will work with a wired three-way and multi-location switches, something existing Caséta switches don’t do unless you add a wireless Pico remote. So you can replace one wired controller with a Diva smart dimmer or Claro smart switch, and the existing mechanical switch (or switches) will continue to work as expected.
Lutron is also launching an accessory switch later this year for new installs, which will work like a mechanical switch but come with special wiring. It also won’t count as a device on the Lutron system (which has 74 devices). Up to 10 accessory switches can be paired with one Caséta smart switch.
The Diva and Claro work with all existing Caséta products — including the Lutron Pico remote to add a second wireless switch or remote control — and the Claro will also work for on-off control of ceiling fans. In addition, the buttons come in six colors: white, ivory, and black.
The new switches require the $80 Lutron Smart Hub to add connected features such as scenes and schedules using the Lutron app and connect to other innovative home platforms, such as Samsung SmartThings, Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Home.
The new $69.95 Diva smart dimmer is a wired paddle switch having a toggle slider for dimming, and the $59.95 Claro smart switch is a standard wired on-off switch. Both products look like traditional paddle switches, and other than a small LED light, there’s nothing to single them out as “smart.” As with the current Caseta smart dimmer, the new Diva smart dimmer won’t require a neutral wire.
The switches are available today, September 12th, at The Home Depot. Lutron is also marketing a Diva Smart Starter Kit for $119.95, which contains the dimmer, a Lutron Smart Hub, a wireless Pico remote, and a matching faceplate.
The peek into the new devices is more in line with what most of Lutron’s competitors are doing in this space; Eve and Leviton lately launched new switches that stick with a more classic look.
Lutron displays the unique design to fit better into most homes, where paddle switches are standard. “Some folks find the current Caséta aesthetic too contrasting to their existing switches,” Adam Mack, Caséta product manager, told The Verge. “We enjoyed giving homeowners another option,” Mack says. However, Lutron is not discontinuing its current Caséta style and will continue to evolve it.