Smart buttons have become incredibly common in the Apple Home ecosystem, but finding one that checks every box is still surprisingly difficult sometimes. The new Airversa QliQ immediately caught my attention because it addresses two of my biggest complaints about most smart switches: it uses a Thread connection instead of Bluetooth, and it ditches disposable button batteries for a rechargeable battery. Let’s take a closer look at what it brings and see if its premium hardware features justify the purchase.
Weekly HomeKit is a series focused on smart home accessories, automation tips and tricks, and everything related to Apple’s smart home framework.
At its core, the Airversa QliQ is a 3-button controller that lets you trigger up to 9 automations with single, double, and long presses. This gives you plenty of flexibility to trigger a simple light toggle or a complex morning scene that opens the curtains, turns on the lights, and starts playing music. However, the connectivity and accessibility features surrounding these buttons are what make this device truly worth it.
Technical specifications
- Battery and power: The Airversa QliQ has a built-in rechargeable battery that lasts up to two months on a single charge. It has a USB-C port at the bottom and a red LED indicator shows when the battery is empty.
- Connectivity: It runs on Thread. You’ll need a Thread-compatible Apple Home hub, like an Apple TV or HomePod mini.
- Design and usability: The 3-button design offers single-click, double-click, and long-press actions. The Airversa QliQ also has built-in tactile and sound feedback. Each press gives you a slight vibration and a beep, which is a fantastic feature.
- To go up: It includes a magnetic wall plate allowing you to snap the Airversa QliQ directly onto any magnetic surface.
How to board
Since this button uses HomeKit over Thread, setup is incredibly quick and easy. You don’t need to download any third-party app or create a new account to make it work. Simply scan the HomeKit code directly in the Apple Home app, assign it to a room, and start programming the buttons. Airversa has an app for customizing features, such as turning off the beep or vibration, but this is completely optional for basic features.
Use Case Ideas
Having nine different triggers on a single remote opens up a lot of possibilities in Apple Home. You can attach the magnetic plate next to your front door and use a long press of the top button to trigger your Arrive Home scene, turn on the entryway lights and adjust the temperature.
I love using them for very specific environmental controls. I could easily dedicate the middle button to triggering a reading scene, dimming the lights of the lamp near my recliner when I finally sit down to read a book (currently this one). You can also keep it on your nightstand to trigger a bedtime scene that locks the doors, turns on your alarm system, turns off all the lights in the house, and lowers the thermostat.
Summary on the Airversa QliQ
Based on my experience over the past few weeks, the Airversa QliQ justifies its place as a superb Apple Home remote. Ditching disposable batteries for a rechargeable USB-C setup is a great thing, and Thread connectivity means your automations work super fast. I also really like the feedback/vibration on the button.
You can buy the Airversa QliQ in a single pack or a 2-pack directly from Amazon.
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