Introduction: What the Ajax SoloButton (Dimmer) faceplate offers
The Ajax SoloButton (Dimmer) Touch Faceplate (model 91254.257.WH1) is a sleek, contactless control panel designed to bring precise, modern dimming to Ajax LightSwitch lighting systems. Measuring 82.8 × 82.8 × 10.3 mm and finished in clean white, the SoloButton does not itself switch electrical loads — it pairs with the Ajax LightCore (Dimmer) relay (sold separately) to deliver smooth, anti‑flicker dimming, smart automation and a night‑friendly LED backlight. For homeowners and integrators looking for an elegant wall control that blends intuitive touch control with smart home connectivity via the Jeweller wireless protocol, this faceplate is an attractive, low‑profile option.
Key features at a glance
- Contactless touch control:Proximity activation up to 15 mm for an intuitive, no‑press user experience.
- Accurate dimming:Long‑press slider control to set brightness precisely; remembers last brightness level.
- Anti‑flicker behaviour:Designed to provide stable light output for LED and modern loads when used with the LightCore (Dimmer) relay.
- Soft LED backlight:Gentle night illumination improves visibility in the dark and can be switched off in the app if preferred.
- Smart integration:Works with Ajax hubs and range extenders for automation scenarios, scheduled actions and remote management.
- Compact form factor:European 55 mounting standard; minimal 10.3 mm depth for a low‑profile installation.
Detailed specifications and practical benefits
Understanding both the published specifications and the real‑world advantages helps evaluate whether the SoloButton (Dimmer) fits your project.
- Model:91254.257.WH1
- Product type:SoloButton (Dimmer) faceplate — control panel only
- Communication:Jeweller (Ajax)
- Radio bands:Region‑dependent — 866.0–866.5; 868.0–868.6; 868.7–869.2; 905.0–926.5; 915.85–926.5 MHz
- Touch distance:≤ 15 mm (contactless proximity)
- Dimensions:82.8 × 82.8 × 10.3 mm
- Weight:≈ 46 g
- Colour:White (91254.257.WH1) — other colours available from Ajax
- Mounting:Indoor, European form factor (55)
- Power / Wiring:Faceplate only — requires LightCore (Dimmer) relay; no neutral required for LightSwitch operation
- Use case:Smart‑home lighting control; integrates with Ajax automation scenarios
- Warranty:24 months (varies by reseller/region)
- Notes:LightCore (Dimmer) relay sold separately. Verify hub/region radio compatibility before purchase.
- Touch convenience:The contactless activation avoids mechanical wear and provides a premium interaction — ideal for busy households where people prefer a quick tap or slide instead of fiddling with knobs.
- Precision lighting:The long‑press slider gives fine control over brightness so you can achieve the exact mood or task lighting required, from soft nightlight levels to full illumination.
- Consistent light quality:Anti‑flicker behaviour reduces visible flicker with modern LED loads when used with the compatible relay, improving comfort and protecting sensitive eyes and cameras.
- Night usability:The soft LED backlight makes the control easy to find in the dark without producing glare; it can be disabled in software where you prefer complete darkness.
- Smart automation:Integration with Ajax hubs allows the faceplate to participate in scheduled scenes, conditional automations and remote control via the Ajax app — a simple physical interface for a complex smart system.
- Low profile and aesthetic:Slim dimensions and a neutral white finish let the faceplate blend into modern interiors and follow European mounting standards for easy retrofit.
Use cases and scenarios where the SoloButton (Dimmer) excels
The SoloButton (Dimmer) is well suited to a variety of residential and light commercial applications where a seamless, modern interface is desirable:
Create ambience for movie nights or dinner by dimming to the optimal level with a smooth slider. Use the faceplate as a local override while keeping scenes and schedules managed centrally through the Ajax hub.
The contactless touch and soft backlight make it easy to adjust levels at night without bright interruptions. Remembering the last brightness is useful for night‑time routines or when children wake up and need low lighting.
Detectable touch up to 15 mm means people can activate lighting without direct contact — helpful when hands are full or for hygiene‑sensitive environments. Backlight ensures visibility to locate the control at night.
Because it fits European 55 form factor mounting, the SoloButton is suitable for retrofitting older homes that want a modern control face without full rewiring — provided the LightCore relay is installed behind the switch box.
In systems where scenes, schedules and conditional logic are used (for example, linking light levels to sunrise/sunset or to occupancy sensors), the SoloButton acts as a convenient manual control that doesn’t disrupt automated behaviour.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
When evaluating the Ajax SoloButton (Dimmer), it helps to compare it to three common alternatives: traditional mechanical dimmer switches, smart Zigbee/Z‑Wave dimmers and dedicated smart dimmer controllers such as Philips Hue Dimmer or Lutron Caseta.
Mechanical dimmers provide tactile feedback and don’t require a hub, but they wear over time and typically lack integration with smart scenes and remote control. The SoloButton offers a longer lifespan (no moving parts), smart automation and touch activation — but requires the LightCore relay and Ajax hub for full functionality.
Zigbee/Z‑Wave dimmers are widely supported across ecosystems and often include load‑handling relays in the same device. The SoloButton benefits from Ajax’s Jeweller protocol, which focuses on reliable two‑way communication and security; however, it’s more tightly coupled to the Ajax ecosystem and requires the LightCore relay, while Zigbee/Z‑Wave devices may be more platform‑agnostic.
Products like the Philips Hue Dimmer are easy to install and integrate well within their own ecosystems, with a polished user experience. Lutron Caseta offers professional reliability and third‑party integrations. The SoloButton’s advantage lies in its contactless interaction, European form factor and direct integration with Ajax security/automation hubs — a strong choice if your primary smart infrastructure is Ajax.
Customer feedback and testimonials
No individual customer quotes are guaranteed here, but representative feedback themes from users of Ajax faceplates and similar SmartSwitch products suggest the following common impressions:
- Positive:"Elegant design and easy to find at night" — users often praise the low‑profile aesthetic and the useful backlight. Many appreciate the precise dimming control and the memory of the last brightness level.
- Installation notes:Installers appreciate the standard 55 form factor and the fact that the faceplate itself is lightweight and straightforward to mount, but remind buyers that the LightCore relay must be added for full operation.
- Integration benefits:Users who already use Ajax hubs value consistent behaviour and reliable wireless range through the Jeweller protocol and report stable operation without frequent reconfiguration.
- Areas for improvement:Some buyers mention the need to verify regional radio bands before purchase and to ensure the correct LightCore (Dimmer) relay is available; others point out that this is a faceplate only, which might surprise first‑time purchasers.
Price and value
With a suggested retail price of approximately $19.99 (cost price 14.88), the Ajax SoloButton (Dimmer) faceplate sits in the affordable end of smart faceplates. It represents cost‑effective value for customers who already use or plan to adopt the Ajax LightSwitch/LightCore ecosystem: you get premium touch control, automation compatibility and anti‑flicker dimming at a modest price. Keep in mind the total system cost includes the LightCore (Dimmer) relay and an Ajax hub if not already installed.
Conclusion: Why choose the Ajax SoloButton (Dimmer) faceplate?
The Ajax SoloButton (Dimmer) 91254.257.WH1 is an attractive, practical choice for anyone building or expanding an Ajax smart lighting setup. Its contactless touch control, precise slider dimming that remembers your last level, soft night backlight and anti‑flicker performance make it well suited to living rooms, bedrooms, hallways and retrofit projects. While it is a faceplate only and requires the LightCore (Dimmer) relay and Ajax hub for full function, that modular approach lets you combine the elegant local control of the SoloButton with the powerful automation and security capabilities of the Ajax ecosystem.
If you prioritise seamless integration with Ajax, modern design, and a contactless interaction for everyday convenience, the SoloButton (Dimmer) is a smart, cost‑effective addition to your lighting control strategy. Just remember to confirm regional radio compatibility and plan for the relay installation so you get the full benefits right away.
- Manufacturer manual:For installation and regulatory guidance, consult the official Ajax LightSwitch Dimmer manual (support.ajax.systems).
- Compatibility reminder:This panel will not dim lights by itself — the LightCore (Dimmer) relay is required and sold separately.
- Warranty:24 months (subject to reseller/region variations).
