HomeKit Weekly: The Airversa QliQ brings a rechargeable Thread smart button to Apple Home

Source: 9to5Mac

Overview

Smart buttons have become incredibly common in the Apple Home ecosystem, but finding one that checks every single box is still surprisingly challenging at times. 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 coin batteries for a rechargeable one. Let’s take a closer look at what it brings to the table and see if its premium hardware features justify the purchase.

HomeKit Weekly is a series focused on smart home accessories, automation tips and tricks, and everything to do with Apple’s smart home framework.

At its core, the Airversa QliQ is a 3‑button controller that lets you trigger up to nine automations with single, double, and long presses. That 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 the accessibility features surrounding those buttons are what actually make this device worth the cost.

Tech specs

• Battery and power: Built‑in rechargeable battery lasting up to two months on a single charge. USB‑C port at the bottom; a red LED indicator shows when the battery is empty.
• Connectivity: Operates over Thread. Requires a Thread‑enabled Apple Home hub (Apple TV or HomePod mini).
• Design and usability: Three buttons support single‑click, double‑click, and long‑press actions. Provides tactile and audible feedback—each press gives a slight vibration and a beep.
• Mount: Includes a magnetic wall plate for easy attachment to any magnetic surface.

How to onboard

Since this button uses HomeKit over Thread, setup is incredibly straightforward and fast. No third‑party app or new account is required. Simply scan the HomeKit code in the Apple Home app, assign the device to a room, and start programming the buttons. Airversa offers an optional app for customizing features such as disabling the beep or vibration.

Use case ideas

Having nine different triggers on a single remote opens up many possibilities in Apple Home. You can attach the magnetic plate next to your front door and use a long press on the top button to trigger an “Arrive Home” scene, turning on entryway lights and setting the temperature.

I love using these for highly specific environmental controls. For example, the middle button could trigger a reading scene that dims the lamp near a recliner when you sit down to read a book (currently this). You could also place it on a nightstand to activate a Bedtime scene that locks doors, arms the alarm system, turns off all house lights, and lowers the thermostat.

Wrap up on the Airversa QliQ

In my experience over the past few weeks, the Airversa QliQ justifies its place as a great Apple Home remote. Ditching disposable batteries for a rechargeable USB‑C setup is excellent, and Thread connectivity ensures fast automation execution. The feedback and vibrations on the button are also a welcome touch.

You can buy the Airversa QliQ in a single or 2‑pack directly from Amazon.

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