Connecting to SwitchBot devices via BLE is generally much more efficient than with the their hub and is my preferred method. However, Homey also has the same range limitations as the hub and you might not be able to position Homey as optimally as the hub.
If you are a bit technical:
I also provide code for a cheap ESP32 module (can be purchased from Amazon for around 10 GBP). You use the Arduino IDE to program my code into the ESP32. Once setup you can place one or more of these around the house and they convert the BLE into WiFi directed straight back to Homey. These are the most responsive ways to connect the devices to Homey (even faster than using Homey’s built in BLE).
As a speed guide for status updates: ESP32 around 1 second, Homey BLE around 20 seconds, hub around 1.5 minutes * number of devices.
However, If you just want to control the curtains from Homey, the speed is not really an issue.
