USB HID remote control device

[eriksl]

Hi,

I am planning to replace my remote controlled dimmable lights with something of my own, using ESP32. I think this will be very well possible, there is just one thing.

I need a remote control device (not a board, which a google search will present) that can connect using an open Bluetooth subprotocol, preferably HID. I am not sure BTW whether there is an LE version of HID now I think of it. As the ESP32-S3 only understands LE.

Anyone has hints and tips here? Something small and let's say 4 buttons / channels will be perfect.

Thanks!

[ahsrabrifat]

If you want to control your ESP32-S3 dimmable lights with a simple handheld device, the best option is to use a small Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) remote that supports the HID over GATT Profile (HOGP). These remotes act like a keyboard or media button, sending standardized button press signals that the ESP32-S3 can interpret directly. Common examples include Bluetooth camera shutter remotes, media control buttons, or presentation clickers that use BLE instead of 2.4 GHz dongles. They’re compact, battery-powered, and often have 2–4 buttons, making them a perfect fit for your use case without needing any firmware modification. When shopping, make sure the remote specifically lists Bluetooth 4.0+ BLE and HID support, otherwise it might use a proprietary RF link that won’t connect to the ESP32-S3.

Another approach, if you want something more customizable, is to consider small BLE HID modules or DIY solutions that already implement HID and just need button hardware around them. For example, this UART USB HID module ( https://www.pcbway.com/project/sharepro ... c9b95.html )
demonstrates how an existing HID device can be interfaced in a compact form factor. By studying or adapting modules like these, you can build a tailored remote with exactly the number of buttons or functions you want, while still relying on the standardized BLE HID profile for communication. This way, you get both the flexibility of DIY and the reliability of a protocol that the ESP32-S3 already understands.

[eriksl]

That's what I thought (first option), but I can't find any. Most search results include remote control receivers while I need a sender. When I specify "bluetooth low energy" no results remain.

[eriksl]

That's what I thought (first option), but I can't find any. Most search results include remote control receivers while I need a sender. When I specify "bluetooth low energy" no results remain.