When you decide to make your switches smart, you hit a fork: a modular touch switch that replaces the switch on the wall with a sleek glass touch panel, or a retrofit smart switch that hides behind your existing board and leaves the wall untouched. Both give you app, voice and schedule control. The difference is in look, cost and installation. Here's how to choose.
What Each One Is
- Modular touch switch: a smart glass-touch module that drops into your existing modular plate, replacing the old rocker switch. You see and touch it. Example: the 4 Gang Touch Switch or the 1 Fan Regulator Touch Switch.
- Retrofit smart switch: a hidden module wired behind the board; your existing switches keep working and nothing visible changes. Example: the 4 Node Smart Switch.
Side-by-Side
| Modular touch switch | Retrofit smart switch | |
|---|---|---|
| Look on the wall | Premium glass touch | Unchanged (hidden) |
| Keeps your existing switches | No — replaces them | Yes |
| Installation | Swap modules in the plate | Wire module behind board |
| Cost | Higher per switch | Lower per load |
| Fan speed control | Touch fan regulator | Fan-capable module |
| Renter-friendly | Less (visible change) | Yes (reversible) |
| Best for | Renovations, premium look | Budget, renters, existing decor |
Choose a Modular Touch Switch If…
- You're renovating or building and want a premium, modern look.
- You want the touch feel and backlit buttons on the wall.
- Your plates are a compatible modular size (most Indian plates are).
Choose a Retrofit Smart Switch If…
- You like your current switches and decor.
- You rent, or want something reversible.
- You want the lowest cost per light or fan.
- You need to automate many loads on one board (8 Node covers a whole room).
Deep-dive on the hidden option in our smart switch module guide.
Can You Mix Both?
Yes — and many homes do. Touch switches in the living room for the showpiece look; retrofit modules in bedrooms and utility areas for value. Both run in the same app with the same voice control.
The Third Option: A Full Touch Panel
For a complete redesign there's also the full smart panel that replaces the whole plate — compared in 3 ways to make any switch board smart. Still unsure? Our buying guide and the which AZIOT switch is right for you quick guide will settle it.
Pick your style: browse AZIOT modular touch switches and retrofit smart switches.