Ok so would dual button mode allow holding the button in one direction brighten and holding it the other dim?

Yeah so looking at the user guide for dimmer 2

https://kb.shelly.cloud/__attachments/63897613/User%20&%20Application%20Guide?inst-v=dd456c15-eb79-423d-82f6-ed9064a7cc66

I’m guessing I set the relay as an edge switch so any press of the switch will turn it on or off. I see there is “fade rate” which as you stated indicates controls the dimming when the button is held. However what I don’t see is the ability to set it so if you hold the button an “up” position it brightens or if its held in a “down” position it dims.

Unfortunately if I cant replicate that behavior with the switch I wont pass the “wife acceptance test” which means no smart lights.

Last question. Assuming I got the switch above is there any way to press the switch to turn on and off as well as hold in to dim/brighten. Sorry if my question is not clear.

Yes and actually the first review of the the first link states it was used with a shelly dimmer 2. Thanks for your help!

Something like this?

https://www.screwfix.ie/p/varilight-powergrid-10ax-2-way-grid-retractive-switch-white-with-colour-matched-inserts/27120

Or anything in the “touch category”?

https://www.screwfix.ie/c/electrical-lighting/switches/cat7320002?dimmerswitchoperation=touch&switchoperation=dimmer&switchproducttype=light

Right so what’s the key terminology that I need to know when talking to the electrician.

Retractive dimmer switch?

https://store.leviton.com/products/15-amp-120-277-volt-decora-plus-rocker-double-throw-ctr-off-momentary-contact-single-pole-ac-quiet-switch-commercial-spec-grade-self-grounding-back-side-wired-white-5657-2w?variant=42426985283814

Okay thanks for the advice. Unfortunately I’m in Ireland so this product isn’t available to me.

Are their any European equivalents?

I’m not going to weigh on what everyone has said about thread vrs WIFI. However I will point out that if you do go down the thread route you will need a Matter controller AND a thread border router. Not every Matter controller is a thread border router and I’m fairly certain the echo show is not one (I believe the echo dots are).

So if you do go for thread do a quick google and make sure you have thread border router (it doesn’t have to be the same device as the Matter controller, it also doesn’t have to be from the same manufacturer as the controller either).