Do 3-way switches exist that don't "stick" in UP / DOWN position? Is there a name for this concept that would help me search for products?
"Momentary Toggle" looks like the interaction I want, but those don't match standard 3-way switch lighting. (looks like they only make contact temporarily, vs. toggling full contact on/off with each press)
Core issue is that I don't like having a house full of light switches where UP = ON, DOWN = OFF, then a couple 3-way switches that stick in random up/down positions reversed from normal ON/OFF. Ideally I'd like a rocker switch that rests in the neutral position, with UP or DOWN both toggling the light's state before springing back to the neutral position.
It seems this would be easy to create mechanically. It's just swapping a toggle switch for a push-button toggle between the two switch states. Why can't I find something that seems so simple and obvious?
Best Answer
If you're willing to go with Electronic switches you can have what you are looking for.
Insteon is one manufacturer of such switches, and they can be configured in a 3 way mode such that flipping any of the switches in the group toggles the light on and off.
Most of their switches come in the flat "decora" style, but they do have some with a traditional looking toggle. Just like what you've described, these toggle switches stay in the middle neutral position, then you push it up or down to make momentary contact to turn the light on/off. Up is always on and "down" is always off, even when linked in a 3 way switch configuration.
The biggest drawback is the price - each switch costs around $40 - $50. Other drawbacks include that they are much larger than a traditional physical switch, so take up more room in the box, and they require both hot and neutral connections in the box (which may not be present in an older home). Though one nice upside is that they can be controlled remotely from a variety of different controllers.