ᐅ Difference Between a Dimmer Switch and a Dimmer Push Button?

bwollowb schrieb:

The application in this case is exclusively lighting (ceiling fixtures).

For ceiling fixtures with a screw base, there are bulbs with a step dimmer at 10/40/100%,
we use them like this and they work well.

bwollowb schrieb:

Thanks for your explanation! I’ve come to understand the topic a bit better now. The difference really comes down to rotary dimmers versus push-button dimmers. Are there reasons why one type is installed in one room and the other type in a different room?

The difference depends on the types of lights used.
Above the dining table, there are LED filament bulbs. These are LED lights designed as a kind of retrofit. In other words: LED bulbs that mimic traditional incandescent bulbs. Here, it’s practical to be able to adjust the brightness quickly and smoothly.
In the bathroom, an LED strip light was installed along the cornice and inside the niches around the bathtub and shower. Because the push-button dims or brightens the light relatively slowly, each user can individually “set” their preferred light level (my wife prefers it dimmer, I like it brighter but not too bright).
We wanted it exactly like this and think it’s been very nicely implemented.

If I may summarize my research so far along with your valued answers:

a) Lighting can be adjusted more precisely with rotary dimmers than with touch dimmers.
b) Therefore, it is recommended to use rotary dimmers in rooms like the living room, dining room, and bedroom (please correct me if I’m wrong or add other rooms to the list).
c) In rooms where the priority is to quickly turn the light on rather than fine-tune it, touch dimmers are preferable.
d) So, touch dimmers are more suitable for the kitchen, hallway, and children’s room.

Please correct me if I have misunderstood anything or feel free to add or change the list of rooms (including the reasoning!).

Additionally, I would be interested to know which type of switch is easier to operate when your hands are not free.

Looking forward to your opinions!

bwollowb schrieb:

I would also be interested to know which of the two types of switches is easier to use when your hands are not free.

Switches equipped with voice control, like Alexa lamps or Shelly dimmers, and so on.

Without free hands, all switches are pretty difficult to operate.

bwollowb schrieb:

If I may summarize my previous research and your valued answers:
a) Lighting can be adjusted more precisely with rotary dimmers than with push-button dimmers [...]
Additionally, I would like to know which of the two types of switches is easier to operate when your hands are not free.

Let me summarize that your initial remark—that it’s only about design and electrical work—probably gave the wrong impression. No, you seem to be at a very early stage.
Whether the concept of "integrating a dimmer compactly into each individual lighting circuit’s control element" suits you well, I doubt based on how this discussion is going. I rather see you as a user of a PLC (programmable logic controller). If you’re interested, I can ask my “in-house Daniel Düsentrieb” if he has time to design that for you.
As far as I know, rotary dimmers are usually still analog potentiometers, which can produce an annoying hum at low light levels; I would prefer electronic dimmers. Mixing different control types is bad for the wife acceptance factor. Hands-free is probably only possible with the “three angels for Charlie” (Alexa / Siri / Cortana). If each resident has fixed preferences, it is possible to manage which dim levels are applied when using RFID, without manual input.

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I never claimed to fully understand the electrical system behind this—quite the opposite! That’s why I’m asking questions and trying to get a feel for the topic. Sarcastic replies don’t help me, so please spare yourself the effort and save me the time of reading them.

Are only the rotary dimmers making a humming noise? Couldn’t that be avoided with push-button dimmers? (Maybe I should add that I’m not talking about KNX control or anything similar, if that matters.)

As I mentioned before, I’ve read that rotary dimmers are better suited for certain rooms because they allow finer dimming control. That, of course, gave me something to think about. Would I then have both a rotary dimmer and a push-button dimmer? That would be annoying, right? -> The classic Wife Acceptance Factor issue.

I’m not referring to Alexa, RFID, mind control, or whatever else. The question arises (like many planning issues) from practical considerations: "I’m walking down the hallway and want to do this or that…". In this case, my thought is: "I’m coming from room A to room B carrying a heavy shopping box and want to switch the light on with my elbow. Which is better, a rotary dimmer or a push-button dimmer?"

Thanks for your answers and thoughts!