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Visual lighting guide

Smart lighting keypads, side by side

Compare the main Control4 and Lutron styles, see the button layouts clearly, and choose a look that feels right for your home.

Updated August 2, 2026By Denali Tech Team8 min read
Bronze Lux by Control4 engraved keypad installed on a wood wall
Lux by Control4 in a bronze finish with engraved buttons.
Start with the look. Choose the keypad family and finish you want to see on the wall. Then we will match the correct wiring, dimming and programming for each location.

Four real placements to compare with a client

Start here before talking about model numbers. These views show how each family feels in a finished room and how much visual attention it takes on the wall.

White engraved Control4 keypad on a hallway wall
Control4. Familiar shape with readable engraved scenes.
Bronze Lux by Control4 keypad being used
Lux. Premium metal finish with an architectural presence.
White Lutron Sunnata keypad installed in a finished room
Sunnata. Permanent wall control with a clean Lutron profile.
Lutron Pico control in a bedside tabletop pedestal
Pico. Flexible bedside or tabletop control without wall work.

The four main directions

This is the easiest way to begin the conversation. Each direction can be customized after we choose the overall style.

Simple

A familiar paddle for rooms that do not need scene buttons.

Flexible

Control4 Contemporary with engraved buttons for everyday scenes.

Architectural

Lux by Control4 when finish and wall design are a priority.

Lutron

Sunnata for permanent wall control and Pico for flexible extra locations.

White Control4 Contemporary five-button keypad with raise and lower controls
Control4 Contemporary

The flexible everyday choice

Contemporary keypads replace a group of ordinary switches with clear, engraved actions. The buttons can control lighting scenes, shades, music and other Control4 features.

  • Multiple button layouts
  • Backlit custom engraving
  • Several colors and finishes
  • Works well in both finished homes and new construction
Explore Contemporary buttons and colors →
Silver Lux by Control4 engraved five-button keypad installed on a light wall
Lux by Control4

The architectural choice

Lux is designed for spaces where the keypad should feel like part of the interior. Metal finishes, clean edges and engraved buttons make it a strong fit for kitchens, primary suites and formal rooms.

  • Premium metal and designer finishes
  • Clean magnetic faceplates
  • Wired and wireless choices
  • Coordinates with other Lux wall devices
Explore Lux styles and finishes →
Lutron RadioRA 3

Sunnata keypad layouts

The face stays consistent. Choose the number of buttons based on how many actions should be available from that wall.

Explore Sunnata layouts and finishes →
White Lutron Sunnata two-button keypad
2-buttonBest for a simple pair such as Welcome and Away.
White Lutron Sunnata three-button keypad with raise and lower controls
3-button + raise/lowerThree scenes plus easy light-level adjustment.
White Lutron Sunnata four-button keypad
4-buttonFour direct scenes with a clean, balanced layout.

Two useful supporting controls

Not every wall needs a full engraved keypad. These simpler options can make the overall plan cleaner and more practical.

Black Lutron Pico four-button scene control labeled Bright, Entertain, Movie and Off
Lutron Pico

Flexible scene control

Pico can be used on a wall, on a tabletop pedestal or as a handheld control. It is useful when a convenient extra control location is needed.

Explore Pico styles and placement →
White Control4 Essential paddle dimmer
Control4 Essential

Simple paddle control

Essential keeps a familiar switch appearance. It is a good choice for hallways, closets and other rooms that do not need several engraved scenes.

Explore Essential dimmers and switches →

Keep the buttons simple

The best labels describe how the room should feel—not the electrical circuit behind the wall.

Entry

Welcome · Away

Start or finish the day with one clear action.

Kitchen

Bright · Cook · Dinner · Off

Useful scenes for the way the room is actually used.

Family room

Bright · Entertain · Movie · Off

Lighting that follows the activity.

Primary bedside

Reading · Shades · Goodnight

Nighttime control without reaching for a phone.

Before the keypads are ordered

Once the visual direction is selected, we confirm the details that make the finished system work properly.

1

Choose the finish

Compare it with paint, stone, cabinetry and nearby hardware.

2

Choose the actions

Keep the most-used scenes on the wall and leave rare adjustments in the app.

3

Confirm the design

We verify wiring, lighting loads, device type and system compatibility.

One important detail: some models are scene controls only, while others also dim the light connected at that wall. They can look similar from the front, so we confirm the correct version during design.

See the finishes in real rooms

Product details were checked against current Control4 and Lutron documentation. Product availability, finishes and compatible accessories should be confirmed for the final proposal.

Ready to choose the keypad style for your home?

We can compare finishes, select button labels and create a room-by-room lighting-control plan.

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