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 :

1. Single press : Standard action (e.g. light on/off)
2. Double press : Secondary function (e.g. activate scene)
3. Triple press : Tertiary function (e.g., all off)
4. 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 : https://wiki.apolloautomation.com/products/btn1/examples/blueprint/
• Complete documentation : https://wiki.apolloautomation.com/products/btn1/
• Getting Started Guide : https://wiki.apolloautomation.com/products/btn1/setup/getting-started/

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 desktop size, modular design

Compatibility with Home Assistant and Homey

Home Assistant : The BTN-1 has excellent native support via ESPHome. Configuration is done via the official Blueprint available on the Apollo Wiki. All 12 action types (3 per button) are immediately available as triggers. OTA firmware updates are fully supported. The RGB LEDs are programmable via Home Assistant automations. ESPHome ensures 100% local processing with no cloud dependency.

Official resources :

• Blueprint: https://wiki.apolloautomation.com/products/btn1/examples/blueprint/
• Wiki: https://wiki.apolloautomation.com/products/btn1/

Homey : The BTN-1 is officially supported through the Apollo Automation app in the Homey App Store. Install the Apollo Automation app on your Homey Pro, and the BTN-1 will be automatically recognized and paired via Wi-Fi. All button functions (single, double, triple, long press) are immediately available as triggers in Homey flows. The RGB LED control and status feedback work natively through the Apollo app.

• Apollo Automation App for Homey

Package contents

• 1x BTN-1 Macro Deck (ESP32 controller)
• 4x Mechanical switches (installed, Cherry MX compatible)
• 4x White keycaps (standard)
• 1x USB-C cable
• Access to Apollo Wiki and Discord community support

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which switches come standard with the BTN-1?

The BTN-1 comes with white mechanical switches that are Cherry MX compatible. You can replace these with any Cherry MX-compatible switch without soldering.

Does the Battery Cap add-on come with a battery?

No , the Battery Cap does n't come with a battery . It's an add-on module that prepares the BTN-1 for battery operation. You'll need to purchase a suitable 3.7V lithium-ion battery with a PH 2.0 connector.

What are the battery specifications if I want to use my own battery?

The BTN-1 uses a PH 2.0 connector for external batteries.
Maximum dimensions: 80mm x 30mm x 8mm .
Recommended specifications: 3.7V, 2800 mAh lithium-ion for optimal battery life (up to 1 year at ~4 presses/day).

How does the sleep function with battery work?

When using battery power, the BTN-1 goes into sleep mode to save energy. It takes approximately 10 seconds before the device wakes up after the first button press. Multi-button functionality (Double/triple press) only works when the device is active. For instant response, use USB-C power.

Can I charge the battery while using the device?

Yes, the BTN-1 has Onboard battery charging via USB-C . You can continue using the device while it charges.

How many actions can I program per button?

Each button supports 4 action types : single press, double press, triple press and long press (hold). With 4 buttons you have 16 unique triggers available for automations.

How do I configure the BTN-1 in Home Assistant?

Use the official Apollo Automation Blueprint: https://wiki.apolloautomation.com/products/btn1/examples/blueprint/ . The Blueprint makes configuration easy without any YAML knowledge.

Does the BTN-1 work without internet?

Yes, thanks to local ESPHome integration, the BTN-1 works completely locally within your network. No cloud connection is required for daily operation.

What expansions are currently available?

Currently, the Battery Cap, Stand, and various Keycap sets are available as official accessories. Future attachments such as E-ink displays and NFC readers are still in development.

How do I update the firmware?

Home Assistant allows you to install OTA (Over-the-Air) firmware updates through the ESPHome integration. No USB connection required.

Can I create custom automations outside of the Blueprint?

Yes, ESPHome supports full YAML configuration for advanced users. The Blueprint is a starting point, but you can customize everything.

✅ slimhuisje.nl – your Apollo Automation specialist! Discover the power of local smart home control with the BTN-1 Macro Deck.

Official documentation : https://wiki.apolloautomation.com/products/btn1/