ThirdReality is known for its iconic and creative product designs. One of its most innovative products is the Smart Switch MT1, which can be installed directly over existing US-style toggle and rocker light switches.
Now, the company is bringing this clever device to Matter with native Thread support, marking a key step in bringing their innovative Zigbee product lines into the native Matter ecosystem.
I have been testing it for a while and found that it surpassed my expectations. Here’s my full review.
ThirdReality Switch MT1 summary
Pros
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Easy installation
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Flexible enough for major US switch types
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Fast responsiveness and stable connection
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Premium chipset for Matter and Thread
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Supports rechargeable AAA batteries
Cons
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Loud operational noise
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Limited to US-style switches
ThirdReality Smart Switch MT1
A smart, retrofit solution for automating toggle or rocker light switches, offering both mechanical and wireless control via Matter Over Thread.
Snap-on smarts
The package includes the switch and an accessory kit for installation. You get two standard screws, protective films, two thin and two thick spacers, and two fasteners to secure the device to your wall plate.
The standard installation method worked perfectly on my two UL-certified US switches–one rocker and one toggle. To install it, you unscrew and remove your existing decor plate, then place the fasteners between the screws and the plate. This allows the ThirdReality switch to be securely mounted.
For rocker switches, the device simply clips on. For toggle switches, you need to align the switch with the small pusher on the back of the device before fully securing it.
I found the installation to be tight and more robust than it looks, even though it’s held in place by plastic components. The force required to remove it is moderate; when you need to replace the batteries, you can simply pry it off, starting from one of the clips on the side. The battery holder design is also very accessible, and no special tools are required to open it.
Function over fashion
The ThirdReality Smart Switch MT1 has a long, thin body, slightly longer than a standard US switch panel. It features rounded corners and a matte finish to blend in with most plain wall switch designs.
A small compromise is its depth, which is about 1.8 centimeters. You may notice a “bump” on your switch, though it’s less distracting against a white paint and switch plate. The overall build is solid, made of a stiff plastic that is hard to bend, ensuring durability for long-term use.
There’s a large, rounded button in the middle for manually toggling your switch, which is friendly to people with large fingertips. And the press feedback is not bad.
If I had to be picky, my one small complaint is that the Matter setup code is printed in a tiny font and only in numeric. While this meets the standard’s requirements, it’s a setback for the user experience, given that the device has plenty of space for a larger print. If you have a sticker printer, you can print a new one and place it on the side for future reference.
A Thread device that just works
First things first, this is one of the most stable Thread devices in my home. I have a rather complex and messy network setup: over 10 Thread border routers from various vendors on a single network, with interference from all kinds of Zigbee gateways. Because of this, I usually encounter connectivity issues with Thread-based gadgets.
To my surprise, the ThirdReality switch is stable and responsive most of the time. It was also one of the first devices to recover from a “Thread meltdown” when one or more border routers were malfunctioning. A possible reason for this is its solid Nordic chipset and its use of a more recent Matter specification 1.3.
In terms of platform-specific comments, it works slightly better with Home Assistant and Google Home in terms of stability.
Since it takes AAA batteries, I prioritized testing it with rechargeable 1.2V batteries from Ikea. In the past four months, it has used about 50% of its capacity, which suggests a roughly eight-month lifespan on a single charge. This is an ideal battery life in my experience, especially when many vendors are struggling to ensure months of use. I’ve had bad experiences with certain Thread devices at home that require a battery replacement every few weeks or months, which is frustrating.
It uses the Matter On/Off Light Switch device type. So on major smart home platforms, it shows up as a toggle switch or on/off light. These platforms usually allow you to modify the default type to a fan or an outlet if needed.
Quiet, it is not
There are still some minor drawbacks. The first is the operational noise. It is driven by a tiny motor, and the plastic case tends to amplify the sound it produces. The sound lasts for about two seconds with every toggle and measures about 75 dB up close in average. To be fair, it won’t bother you if you only hear it a few times a day, as I don’t let it operate constantly.
Another thing I noticed is that the device’s Matter clusters suggest it supports Matter binding, but this feature doesn’t work as expected. The vendor told me that it is still unsupported. This is a bit of a pity, as it could be a great feature for a three-way switch setup or for creating other basic automations, especially if you’re a Home Assistant user. For instance, you could toggle other Matter lights nearby as a group when you use it to control the main wired light.
Finally, it’s designed for US-standard switches, so it won’t easily fit switches in other regions that use 80 or 86-millimeter formats. And unlike the alternative from SwitchBot, the device is mostly limited to light switches. If you intend to use it elsewhere, you’ll need some creativity and modification.
For renters and the wire-averse
The ThirdReality Switch MT1 has a specific target user. If you live in a region that primarily uses US-standard switches, and you don’t want to do any rewiring to convert your existing decor and lamps to work with smart home platforms, this is a top option at the moment. It is easy to install, compatible with different switch types, and has a long, eco-friendly battery life. The switch also uses a premium Thread chipset from Nordic, similar to Eve products, ensuring robust connectivity most of the time.
However, if you own your home and feel comfortable doing rewiring work, this might not be for you. There are many built-in smart wall switches on the market that offer more integrated aesthetics and functionality, such as ones with displays, multiple programmable keys, or a built-in dimmer.
It is a delight to see vendors like ThirdReality bringing their creative products to the Matter ecosystem, which adds welcome variety to a market full of boring light bulbs, switches, and plugs. The company also plans to upgrade its teardrop-shaped leakage sensor to Matter and Thread with a renewed design, which I spotted at last year’s Hong Kong exhibition. A Matter garage door controller is also on the way.
The ThirdReality Smart Switch MT1 just became available recently on the vendor’s online shop and Amazon, priced at $34.99.
