Apollo BTN-1 Macro Deck | Modular Smart Home Control Panel

The Apollo BTN-1 Macro Deck is an open-source, locally operating control panel that combines tactile control with advanced smart home automation. Featuring four hot-swappable mechanical buttons (Cherry MX compatible) and a dual RGB LED system (under each button and indicator LEDs on the front), this device offers unparalleled visual feedback and customizable functionality. The device runs on ESPHome firmware and integrates natively with Home Assistant , allowing you to create up to 12 unique automation triggers (single click, double click, and long press per button). Hot-swappable mechanical switches The BTN-1 supports Cherry MX-compatible switches and requires no soldering to replace switches. The standard configuration comes with mechanical switches and white keycaps. You can easily swap out switches for different tactile experiences without any special tools. Each button has RGB NeoPixel LEDs underneath for backlighting and separate status indicator LEDs on the front for feedback. Modular expansion options (future) The BTN-1 has a modular design with expansion connectors for future expansion. Apollo Automation is currently developing various attachments, including: E-ink displays for status information NFC readers for user-specific automation Extra buttons, rotary dials, OLED screens Sensor modules Please note : These attachments are not yet available —exact features and release timelines are not yet confirmed. Check the Apollo Automation website for updates on future modules. Power and connectivity The BTN-1 is powered by USB-C as standard for reliable wired operation. With the optional Battery Cap (sold separately), you can use the device wirelessly with a rechargeable battery. Thanks to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and the ESP32 processor , the device stays connected to your smart home system without additional hubs or bridges. Battery Specifications (Battery Cap and Battery are not included): Connector type: PH 2.0 Maximum battery dimensions: 80mm x 30mm x 8mm (important when purchasing a battery) Recommended specifications: 3.7V, 2800 mAh Battery life (estimated): Up to 1 year with 4 activations per day Charging: Via USB-C port of BTN-1 (also with battery connected) Standby behavior: ~10 seconds wake-up time after first button press Multi-click: Only works when BTN-1 is active/awake Note on battery usage: The BTN-1 enters sleep mode to conserve battery life. It takes approximately 10 seconds for the device to wake up after the first button press. Multi-click functionality (double/triple presses) only works when the device is already active. For installations where instant response is critical, use USB-C power. 16 programmable actions via ESPHome Each of the four buttons supports four different action types : Single press : Standard action (e.g. light on/off) Double press : Secondary function (e.g. activate scene) Triple press : Tertiary function (e.g., all off) Long press (hold) : Advanced action (e.g. start timer, dim) This results in 16 unique triggers that you can configure in Home Assistant using the official Blueprint . The Blueprint makes configuration easy without any YAML knowledge. Blueprint & documentation : Official Blueprint : Complete documentation : Getting Started Guide : RGB LED feedback system The RGB LED system provides full visual feedback: Individual RGB LEDs under each button (NeoPixels) Front indicator LEDs for status Fully programmable via Home Assistant Customizable colors, brightness and effects Synchronization with automations Applications and user scenarios Smart Home Control : Activate scenes with one touch (movie mode, sleep routine) Control lighting, thermostat and shutters from one point Create complex multi-step automations Streaming & Content Creation : Control OBS, audio mixers, and scene switches during live streams Program macros for frequently used commands Visual feedback via RGB LEDs during recording Office & Productivity : Shortcuts for commonly used workflows Meeting room control (presentation mode, lighting) Focus timer with LED feedback Technical specifications Processor : ESP32-C6-MINI with WiFi 2.4GHz Buttons : 4x hot-swappable mechanical switches (Cherry MX compatible) LEDs : RGB NeoPixels for each button Power : USB-C (5V) or external battery via PH 2.0 connector (Battery Cap required) Recommended battery: 3.7V, 2800 mAh lithium-ion (Not included) Battery life (estimated): Up to 1 year at ~4 presses/day Battery wake-up time: ~10 seconds from sleep mode Battery Charging: Via USB-C port of BTN-1 Connectivity : WiFi 2.4GHz Firmware : ESPHome (open-source) with OTA updates Integration : Native Home Assistant via ESPHome Configuration : Via official Blueprint or custom YAML Expansion ports : Mezzanine connectors for future modules Buzzer : Built-in for audio feedback Housing : Compact