Smart home control, provider / experiences?

That the switches cost a lot of money and that a visualization also does, is a myth

Then please give me an example of a really cheap 2-gang switch comparable to conventional switches and a visualization with a web interface and apps for smartphones. I also understand that you don't need them, but that is a requirement of mine.

the ETS itself is also no problem for someone who can operate Windows, the software is super easy and actually practical for beginners

Well, user-friendly is something else, as is speed. Just how long programming components takes is simply horrible for a quick test. Yes, yes, normally you shouldn’t do "playing around". I am, among other things, a software developer and techie, I like to experiment. A change in the LoxoneConfig takes 10 seconds in the system and I can even simulate it in the software.

Any random push button model you want with a 2-gang push button interface for KNX, you’re looking at about 40 euros for both items and can control up to 4 things with it.

So the cheapest I found is from MDT for 60€. But that is still four times what a 2-gang standard push button costs. Yes, it only has half the buttons, but in most places you don’t actually need that many, you rather need push buttons in several places.

For me, it takes 20-30 seconds per device, at least.

As I said, I don't know what version you are using there or how the rest of your setup is... a few changes are done lightning fast in the device...

Then you searched poorly...
MDT BE-02001.01 pushbutton interface, UP 2-gang

Cost 33 Euros...

but in most places you don't need that many, you rather need pushbuttons in several places.

Not with KNX... one place is enough to control many things... that is also the point of a bus installation... not to create as many switching points as possible but rather a well thought-out solution with few pushbuttons...

If you slap pushbuttons everywhere, you might as well stick with conventional wiring...

MDT BE-02001.01 Button interface, flush-mounted 2-gang

Ok, thanks, it will be added to my list. I'm still considering where to use KNX for the buttons. Living area and hallway are fixed, as most functions are needed there. But for the bedrooms, for example, regular buttons because the functions are not needed there.

Not with KNX... one location is enough to control many things... that's also the purpose of a bus installation... not to create as many switching points as possible but a well-thought-out solution with few buttons... If you just slap buttons everywhere, you might as well stick with conventional wiring...

Well, I don't see it that way at all. The technology behind it doesn't really matter, it only affects the space used or the number of button points at one location. But for example, if I come into the hallway from 5 different rooms, I need a light switch within reach. Unfortunately, fingers cannot yet be connected to the KNX bus. Unless you use motion detectors, but those are expensive and it also takes time to set them up correctly if you don't have experience yet. By the way, the version was the current ETS5 (still demo, the Lite will be ordered soon). The only difference could be the IP gateway, which I of course used via Loxone.

But you are just the typical example of someone who really hasn’t understood KNX.

I also had a neighbor who absolutely had to have KNX in his condo - a button on every corner (of course all from GIRA with glass). Not a single sensor, no logic - nothing. They ripped him off for 10,000 EXTRA CHARGE for that... I still chuckle today when I think of that guy

You don’t always have to transfer the entire application... partially is enough after it has been loaded once...

We don’t have any switches in our hallways/guest WC/utility room and have never missed them... and whether I install 2, 3, or 4 switches to cover everything (entrance/exit/stairs) or a presence detector which might even end up being cheaper...

You simply must not think inside the "usual" boxes... what seems functional and correct with conventional electrical systems is often outdated and obstructive with bus systems...

Simply replicating the standard 0815 electrical setup is nonsense, then you might as well stick with it and not spend money on something you don’t actually need...

If you simply look beyond the obvious and put some thought into it, you can save switching points here and there... and so a functional installation then doesn’t cost outrageous sums but often only a little more than conventional... and from a certain number of devices, KNX even becomes cheaper than conventional... there are case studies on this available across the internet...