Airversa’a news QliQ Smart Button, a Thread-enabled controller designed specifically for the Apple Home ecosystem, lets you launch up to nine automations through its three buttons, according to the company.
Airversa QliQ Smart Button controller
Known for smart air purifiers, Airversa now adds a sleek new AQliQ Smart Button controller accessory that operates exclusively through Home over Thread networking, lacking support for the Matter smart-home standard at launch. So the device sits squarely within Apple’s smart-home framework. It requires users to invest in the company’s ecosystem centered on the Apple Home app.
You can complete setup entirely through the Home app. However, Airversa’s companion Sleekpoint app offers additional customization options for users who want more granular control over the device’s behavior.
Three buttons, nine automation possibilities
The controller features three physical buttons. Each supports single-press, double-press and long-press actions. This configuration allows users to trigger up to nine separate automations or scenes from a single device.
When activated, the device provides multi-sensory feedback. That includes a brief green LED flash, an audible beep and haptic vibration. You can customize or disable these feedback mechanisms. That gives you flexibility in how conspicuous you want the device to be during everyday use.
Rechargeable design with versatile mounting
Unlike many competing smart buttons that rely on disposable coin cell batteries, QliQ incorporates an internal rechargeable battery charged via USB-C. This eliminates ongoing battery replacement costs. But it does require periodic recharging. Airversa includes a short USB-C to USB-A cable in the box, along with a magnetic mounting plate with adhesive backing.
The magnetic system allows the button to attach to walls or metal surfaces like refrigerator doors, though the device is sized to North American wall plate dimensions without including switch box mounting hardware.
Market positioning and availability
QliQ enters a competitive market at $29.99 for a single unit or $54.99 for a two-pack. Currently, you can buy the device only at Amazon.
QliQ’s competitive position faces immediate challenges from established alternatives. Ikea’s recently launched Bilresa smart button, for example, undercuts QliQ on price. Whether Airversa’s feature set and build quality justify the premium over budget alternatives remains to be seen.
This three-button smart switch qorks with Apple Home over Thread networking (Home hub needed). You can run up to nine different animations.
David Snow, an expert on Apple hardware and software, writes on a variety of technological and cultural topics for Cult of Mac. They include Apple news, technology buying guides, and features about computer setups and Apple TV shows and movies.
With 30 years of experience covering technology and other subjects, he has written and edited for numerous print and online publications, including CMP Media, TechTV.com, CNET, Wired News, Red Herring magazine, Law.com, The National Law Journal and Law Technology News magazine. Among other roles, he served as executive editor of the Law.com network of websites and editorial director, technology, for ALM Media.
Snow graduated with a B.A. from Syracuse University with majors in magazine journalism and psychology. While there, he worked as a reporter for The Daily Orange newspaper and associate editor of Equal Time magazine.
Founder of the blog At the Waterline, he can be reached on X (formerly Twitter) via @atthewaterline and on Mastodon via @dsnow.
