Looking for a solution to controlling a light fixture in my house. Ideally Matter compatible.
I just started getting into smart home devices, and I've set up a HomeAssistant VM on my server, bought a Matter-capable USB dongle, and have acquired a handful of IKEA Matter compatible devices (some plugs, bulbs and their air quality meter) that I have been super happy with.
The issue I have run into is that my office uses an LED panel for the ceiling fixture, so I can't just swap in smart bulbs. (very similar to this one, but I think an older model) The other issue is the wiring in the home is ancient and none of the switches have neutral wires.
I have looked at the options for no-neutral switches and dimmers, but I am worried the light will never completely turn off because it's a low power LED.
Conveniently, the entire area that I have been installing my smart devices is drop ceiling, so I have access to the wiring into the fixture, and the wiring down to the switch, with a little more effort. With that said, it would be possible for me to run a neutral to the switch box, but I would like to avoid that if possible.
What would be the best solution to controlling that existing fixture through HomeAssistant? Ideally I would like it to be Matter compatible to continue the mesh, but I am open to other options.
(I am aware of the Aqara H2, but they are $65 CAD each right now, and may keep the LED lit even when off. I might go with one anyway, and just return it if it doesn't work for me)
EDIT: I think I am going to go with a SmartSetup Matter switch (because for me they are nearly 1/3 the price of the Aqara H2), and then run a separate neutral from the fixture junction box to the switch box. At least in my current situation, I can run it through the drop ceiling and down into the same hole the existing switch cable goes. If I was in a room with a proper ceiling, I would have to use the no-neutral options.