Into the Details

“Beyond the dealer feedback that went into updating the entire Cameo keypad line, there were conversations specific to the aesthetic of these flush-mounted keypads,” says Benjamin Slivka, senior product manager at Crestron. “The previous generation of Cameo flush-mount keypads (C2N-CBF-P-W-T) had a set of optional metal faceplates available called ‘Elegance’ to enhance their look.” That option has now become a standard feature. Now the devices ship with the thinnest possible color-matched metal faceplates in four different colors, providing the desired aesthetic right out of the box.

“The thin metal faceplate, smaller profile buttons, and the optional indicators engraved directly into the buttons make these new keypads a significant improvement over current models for those wanting a cleaner aesthetic with a lower profile for their keypads,” he adds.

Other details help make the new keypads an extremely versatile addition to the line. The thicker bezel on the older versions is gone, replaced by a much sleeker and more elegant look — one that fits in nicely with other Cameo — and even Horizon® keypads.

Easing Installation

“These new keypads have been designed to be a more flush version of the Cameo keypad with a smaller footprint,” says Slivka. It also continues the trend of making installations as quick and easy as possible for busy integrators. “It installs with spring clips on the back, partly to eliminate the need for screws on the front surfaces, but also to facilitate a simple installation requiring no more than a rectangular cutout in the sheetrock using a template,” he adds.

The new flush-mount Cameo keypad includes all the features outlined by Slivka above, but this version also offers some additional improvements. Those include:

• Buttons that snap onto the device instead of buttons that sit loosely in the bezel. “Dealers who have installed older Cameo keypads have likely accidentally dropped one or all of these buttons on the floor during install more than once,” says Slivka.
• The new flush-mount keypad uses four large, easily accessible screws from the back side to hold the assembly together. “Removing the bezel to access the buttons on the older flush-mount Cameo keypads was a delicate procedure involving removing and replacing two small screws through openings in the spring clip,” Slivka adds. “Much like the first point, dealers who have installed the older flush-mount Cameo keypad have likely accidentally dropped one of these screws and spent a long time looking for it.”
• The spring clip on the new flush-mount keypads allows for minor rotational adjustments if it seems that the installation’s not perfectly level. “Despite the built-in level on the older BBI-CBF back box, it’s often difficult to get any keypad to look perfectly level to the eye once it’s installed,” Slivka explains.
• Unlike the older flush-mount Cameo keypad, the new flush-mount model can be mounted directly into a single-gang metal backbox with no additional hardware if the cutout is not oversized. A mud ring kit that covers oversized 1-gang cutouts is available, along with a masonry box for flush-mount devices, making for much cleaner retrofits.
• Integration with the Crestron Home® OS is the same for both the Cameo 2 keypad and its flush-mount version.

Easing Customization

In any residential integration — especially those done for design-conscious clients — the ability to customize elements such as keypads and dimmers is a huge plus. That’s one area where Cameo keypads shine.

“Customization is key to how designers shape a cohesive aesthetic,” says Sutton. “Engraving, finish options, and adjustable backlighting allow keypads to function as a considered design detail rather than an afterthought. Because Cameo keypads can control lighting, music, shades, temperature, and more, these customization options ensure each scene or function is intuitive, clearly labeled, and tailored to the room’s purpose. This level of personalization gives designers confidence that the technology will feel intentional, bespoke, and perfectly aligned with the space.”

“The entire Cameo keypad line features fully customizable button configurations and RGBW backlighting of both text and optional indicators that can change functionality based on the light level of the room, time of day, events, or a combination of all of these,” says Slivka. “The Crestron Home OS presents these controls to the installer in an intuitive and graphical way that makes setting up Cameo keypads much easier. It even adds features that you don’t get with the keypads alone, such as circadian backlighting.

“And that’s just the beginning of it. Crestron Home also handles automatic addressing, load control settings, button configuration, engravings, firmware updates, and device replacement all in one place with a simple-to-use graphical interface.”

“Once it’s installed, the new Cameo flush-mount keypad’s look and functionality can elevate any space,” says Sutton. “This ultra-low-profile design isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about harmony.”