MK Logic Plus vs Hager Sollysta - which one should I choose?

[Alla Musica]

Hi all,

I'm soon leaving the UK, and (as an electrical enthusiast) I'm planning to bring back a few UK switches either as souvenirs or to replace worn switches.

Now I'm struggling to decide between MK Logic Plus and Hager Sollysta (only single plate white plastic on/off switches). Could anyone please advise on which is better?

As I know so far, the MK Logic Plus is very popular in the UK, and is manufactured also in this country. The plastic is extremely sturdy and never bents. However, the switching action is not only laborious but also noisy. The slightly curved rocker doesn't fit very well with our fingers - but still more comfortable than none.

The Hager Sollysta, on the other hand, seems to be a better choice so far - the switching action is neither laborious nor noisy. Furthermore, the more curved shape of the rocker fits better with our fingers, which means the Sollysta is more comfortable to fingers. However, I can't find information on where they're manufactured.

While the Sollysta seems to be a better choice so far, are there any caveats? Or all in all, should I go for MK Logic Plus or Hager Sollysta?

Best regards,
Christopher

 

[nicebutdim]

Both are of decent quality.

MK state that over 80% of the products they sell in the UK and Ireland are made in the UK.

I'm of the opinion that Sollysta is more aesthetically pleasing, but that's subjective opinion.

Logic Plus can be purchased pretty much anywhere, wheras Sollysta isn't so widely stocked or used and for that reason it's more difficult to comment on its long term reliability.

 

[Alla Musica]

Both are of decent quality.

MK state that over 80% of the products they sell in the UK and Ireland are made in the UK.

I'm of the opinion that Sollysta is more aesthetically pleasing, but that's subjective opinion.

Logic Plus can be purchased pretty much anywhere, wheras Sollysta isn't so widely stocked or used and for that reason it's more difficult to comment on its long term reliability.

Much appreciated, nicebutdim! Thanks for the suggestion. Apart from the MK Logic Plus, any other brands / series (considered) widely available on the UK market, please?

(Also, I do agree that the Sollysta is more aesthetically pleasing than the Logic Plus, as the faceplate of the latter swells way more than the former.)

Would look forward to your reply

 

[nicebutdim]

I particularly like Legrand Synergy accessories. Very slim profile and slightly flexible, with nice terminal layout, but not widely stocked.

Scolmore Click is manufactured in the UK and similar to Logic Plus in terms of profile and availability.

 

[Alla Musica]

I particularly like Legrand Synergy accessories. Very slim profile and slightly flexible, with nice terminal layout, but not widely stocked.

Scolmore Click is manufactured in the UK and similar to Logic Plus in terms of profile and availability.

What do you mean by "flexible" - is it that the plastic gets easily bent?

The Legrand Synergy looks quite modern indeed - just personally not a fan of the rocker shapes!

Scolmore Click - thanks for the suggestion. It's just so cheap - would they be as durable?

 

[nicebutdim]

What do you mean by "flexible" - is it that the plastic gets easily bent?

The Legrand Synergy looks quite modern indeed - just personally not a fan of the rocker shapes!

Scolmore Click - thanks for the suggestion. It's just so cheap - would they be as durable?

It's forgiving if walls are slightly imperfect.

Tons of Click accessories fitted all over the UK and I don't hear of many problems. MK can be just as cheap, although tends to be sold at a premium perhaps due to brand perception and widespread availability in retail outlets.

 

[Alla Musica]

It's forgiving if walls are slightly imperfect.

Tons of Click accessories fitted all over the UK and I don't hear of many problems. MK can be just as cheap, although tends to be sold at a premium perhaps due to brand perception and widespread availability in retail outlets.

Cheers! In that case I'd get a mix of Sollysta, Logic Plus and Click.

 

[SJD]

I normally use MK Logic Plus for white accessories, but recently used Hager Sollysta for a full house rewire, as a somewhat fussy customer requested them instead.

I was quite impressed, and have considered switching to the Sollysta, what has held me back is that in the UK there are many stockists of the MK parts, but not very many of the Hager parts. Plus the best prices for Sollysta seem to be online suppliers with fairly high minimum order for free shipping, so it gets costly to just buy a few items.

I'd personally avoid mixing several brands unless you are not so fussy about having a slightly different look between different switches/sockets etc. But perhaps I'm a little OCD.

 

[loz2754]

My first choice these days is Scolmore Click for solid reliable quality at a good price. I've lost faith in MK products in general as they have let slide the quality of many of their products.

 

[Alla Musica]

I normally use MK Logic Plus for white accessories, but recently used Hager Sollysta for a full house rewire, as a somewhat fussy customer requested them instead.

I was quite impressed, and have considered switching to the Sollysta, what has held be back is that in the UK there are many stockists of the MK parts, but not very many of the Hager parts. Plus the best prices for Sollysta seem to be online suppliers with fairly high minimum order for free shipping, so it gets costly to just buy a few items.

I'd personally avoid mixing several brands unless you are not so fussy about having a slightly different look between different switches/sockets etc. But perhaps I'm a little OCD.

Thanks for sharing these stories - interesting experience indeed!

Whilst I'm currently in the UK, I'll soon graduate and return to China (my home country). As an electrical enthusiast, I'm keeping a few UK switches as souvenirs. Now Chinese households generally use wide rocker switches (e.g. Schneider S-Adora, Chinese: 施耐德 如意), and recent years also see the emergence of frameless wide rockers.

(Schneider S-Adora)

Thus the British small rockers would be such an "exotic" wonder! At the meantime, British single plates would fit perfectly into Chinese backboxes and this has enabled me to install plenty of Varilight V-Pro dimmers at home in China.

But even for installation, I personally don't mind using different series / brands, provided that either they are far apart from each other to be visible at the same time, or if it's impossible not to do so (e.g. combining Varilight dimmers with 5-gang switches, as in my profile picture).

Cheers!

 

[Alla Musica]

My first choice these days is Scolmore Click for solid reliable quality at a good price. I've lost faith in MK products in general as they have let slide the quality of many of their products.

Agreed - I watched John Ward's YouTube video "MK Essentials vs MK Logic Plus" the other day, which reveals significant quality distinction between the "budget" and "premium" ranges!!! Hopefully, the MK Logic Plus is still reliable in the present day...??? (What do you think?)

 

[pc1966]

I only do a small amount of work and it hardly ever involves style matching / interior design aspects, but would agree with the above as my choice is usually the MK Logic Plus range (widely stocked) or the Scolmore Click (our local wholesale place does them).

 

[pc1966]

Whilst I'm currently in the UK, I'll soon graduate and return to China (my home country). As an electrical enthusiast, I'm keeping a few UK switches as souvenirs.

I would imagine that our switched sockets & fused plugs would be more of a novelty!

How standardised are socket outlets in China? (i.e. is there one type that is used most places)

 

[Alla Musica]

I only do a small amount of work and it hardly ever involves style matching / interior design aspects, but would agree with the above as my choice is usually the MK Logic Plus range (widely stocked) or the Scolmore Click (our local wholesale place does them).

Cheers! (Now it turns out that Logic Plus and Click are among the top choices in the UK...

 

[pc1966]

Cheers! (Now it turns out that Logic Plus and Click are among the top choices in the UK...

If you ask the public you will get a different answer!

• Most folks on this forum will go for better quality (so less call-backs to fix things), coupled with a reasonable cost.
• Most non-electrical friends of mine chose solely on looks!

 

[Alla Musica]

If you ask the public you will get a different answer!

• Most folks on this forum will go for better quality (so less call-backs to fix things), coupled with a reasonable cost.
• Most non-electrical friends of mine chose solely on looks!

Same - I'm also aiming for better quality (rather than look) and that's why I keep asking about durability / reliability.

As a foreigner in the UK, I do find the qualities of British wiring accessories truly amazing (despite its slightly archaic look - I do like the look though!). Back home in China, I'm already using 13 Varilight V-Pro white plastic dimmers (I brought all of which with me on returning to China). The oldest one has been in service for over 4 years, and not even one scratch on the faceplate!!! The newest ones are in my profile pic, installed a year ago.

 

[pc1966]

Back home in China, I'm already using 13 Varilight V-Pro white plastic dimmers (I brought all of which with me on returning to China).

Wow - that is a lot of light-controlled rooms/areas!

The oldest one has been in service for over 4 years, and not even one scratch on the faceplate!!! The newest ones are in my profile pic, installed a year ago.

The Varilight V-Pro is also my go-to choice for dimmers, as much due to the (relatively) good behaviour with LED lamps.

 

[Alla Musica]

I would imagine that our switched sockets & fused plugs would be more of a novelty!

How standardised are socket outlets in China? (i.e. is there one type that is used most places)

Yes - fused double- / triple-pole switches would be truly a novelty! I've also thought of USA switches - unfortunately the faceplates don't match in size, and the switches aren't designed for our voltage (220V)!

Unfortunately, Chinese and British plugs / outlets are not interchangeable so I'm less interested in switched outlets so far.

In China, a standard outlet would look like below:

Bi-pin at the top, and tri-pin at the bottom.

The bi-pin at the top suits both flat pins (Chinese standard) and round pins (EU unearthed bi-pin).

However, there seems to be no exact standard on how far apart these two should be apart.

 

[Alla Musica]

Wow - that is a lot of light-controlled rooms/areas!

The Varilight V-Pro is also my go-to choice for dimmers, as much due to the (relatively) good behaviour with LED lamps.

I'm a bit OCD so I'm having all the lights in the bedrooms dimmable. So I started with 3 in the master bedroom, one in the second bedroom in 2019.

As you said they worked really well with dimmable LEDs, and so in the same year I added another 2 in the master bedroom.

In 2020 on return following the COVID I added another 2 in the second bedroom.

In 2022 I added 3 to the living room as I wanted a bit of ambience there! Too many gangs within just four backboxes meant it was impossible to give each gang one independent dimmer so I grouped them by their purpose (general lighting, or, decorative), i.e. collective dimming + independent on/off.

Been enjoying it!

 

[nicebutdim]

My first choice these days is Scolmore Click for solid reliable quality at a good price. I've lost faith in MK products in general as they have let slide the quality of many of their products.

I'm not a fan of MK distribution, which are no longer MK/Honeywell products, but can't fault their standard accessories.

 

[Alla Musica]

I'm not a fan of MK distribution, which are no longer MK/Honeywell products, but can't fault their standard accessories.

Ah, no wonder I don't see MK consumer units anywhere..

 

[nicebutdim]

Ah, no wonder I don't see MK consumer units anywhere..

There are plenty around and they're still made under license with MK name attached.

They have a few traits which make them less than popular with installers, but nothing that would affect function. At one time MK boards would have been quite popular, but many other brands are on offer that perhaps serve different target markets better. Some brands offer better quality, price or ease of installation, while a few brands manage to hit more than one of these objectives.

MK distribution has kept up to date with all technological advances, but competing brands would be more likely to appeal to installers.

 

[baldelectrician]

I used to use MK about 20 years ago but switched to Hager over 15 years ago

The quality is good, I also like that they now do dimmer frames that let you put other dimmer modules inside- that way you can have a Varilight or Bell dimmer inside with the Hager frame- nice touch.

I find the quality of the sockets particuarly good- the safety shutters require equal pressure on all 3 terminals to allow them to open, the neons on the DP switches are actually LED's and are also internally wired

The acessories have all the terminals facing up for ease of wiring, all in better design and higher quality.

 

[Alla Musica]

I used to use MK about 20 years ago but switched to Hager over 15 years ago

The quality is good, I also like that they now do dimmer frames that let you put other dimmer modules inside- that way you can have a Varilight or Bell dimmer inside with the Hager frame- nice touch.

View attachment 111063

I find the quality of the sockets particuarly good- the safety shutters require equal pressure on all 3 terminals to allow them to open, the neons on the DP switches are actually LED's and are also internally wired

The acessories have all the terminals facing up for ease of wiring, all in better design and higher quality.

Wow, thanks for sharing the DIY dimmer parts!

With regards to your switch to Hager - was it the Sollysta series that you switched to?
Before that, was it the Logic Plus that you used to have? (Sorry I'm simply curious, especially when these things date back to.)

 

[baldelectrician]

Wow, thanks for sharing the DIY dimmer parts!

With regards to your switch to Hager - was it the Sollysta series that you switched to?
Before that, was it the Logic Plus that you used to have? (Sorry I'm simply curious, especially when these things date back to.)

I used to use GET acessories, now defunct.
I kept away from MK as they were relying on their name.
I used MK consumer units for a couple of years and left them when they moved the manufacture from UK / Europe to the far east- went from NO faulty MCB's to 2 a month (less than 0.25% to 12.5%)

I use Sollysta acessories

 

[Alla Musica]

I used to use GET acessories, now defunct.
I kept away from MK as they were relying on their name.
I used MK consumer units for a couple of years and left them when they moved the manufacture from UK / Europe to the far east- went from NO faulty MCB's to 2 a month (less than 0.25% to 12.5%)

I use Sollysta acessories

Sorry for the late reply.

Do the terminal screws in the Sollysta series hold the wires tight? Unfortunately Amazon reviews keeps failing the MK Logic Plus series for their terminals...

 

[baldelectrician]

Sorry for the late reply.

Do the terminal screws in the Sollysta series hold the wires tight? Unfortunately Amazon reviews keeps failing the MK Logic Plus series for their terminals...

Yes, the terminal screws are also captive so they don't fall out

 

[pc1966]

Unfortunately Amazon reviews keeps failing the MK Logic Plus series for their terminals...

Recently some of the screws seem overly tight - maybe partly intentional so they don't shake loose during transport but they seem to have gone too far the other way. You need a properly sized screwdriver to avoid chewing any tight ones, ideally 4.5mm but 4mm blade is OK.

And yes, you should not need to have a perfect driver for a terminal!

 

[Risteard]

Both are of decent quality.

MK state that over 80% of the products they sell in the UK and Ireland are made in the UK.

I'm of the opinion that Sollysta is more aesthetically pleasing, but that's subjective opinion.

Logic Plus can be purchased pretty much anywhere, wheras Sollysta isn't so widely stocked or used and for that reason it's more difficult to comment on its long term reliability.

Definitely a vote for Hager Sollysta for me. Use lots of it. Don't rate MK at all.

 

[loz2754]

Sorry for the late reply.

Do the terminal screws in the Sollysta series hold the wires tight? Unfortunately Amazon reviews keeps failing the MK Logic Plus series for their terminals...

The terminal screws in MK Logic Plus have always been hard to turn in my experience.
Scolmore Click accessories hold the wires very well with minimal tightening of the screws.

 

[nicebutdim]

Definitely a vote for Hager Sollysta for me. Use lots of it. Don't rate MK at all.

Are you buying it locally?

 

[lozarus]

For what its worth (probably not a lot) it's Hager for me. I dont rate their boards but do rate their accessories.

MK is still a staple in schools and hospitals - so seeing them in a house just makes me think of that

MK seem to use excessively rebated terminal screws of 4mm and a bit - its always a pig to get my screwdriver in i find . I also feel the terminal screws are a tad soft. Also some MK accessories only seem to feature one CPC. They also charge a premium for a non premium product.

Hager dont recess the terminals so far and the terminal scrws are a good healthy 5mm or so with good torque resisting abilities. They also seem aesthetically nicer (bear in min MK Logic+ hasnt changed since 1997 so its looking a bit dated) and they dont quite charge the MK premium and always provide 2 CPC terminals on a double socket as standard.

 

[Risteard]

Are you buying it locally?

This is where it gets strange. For work in the north CEF in Derry stock Click Mode and predominantly that's what I use. But for work in the south CEF in Letterkenny stock Hager Sollysta so I use it there, which would be the predominant part of my work.

Hager Sollysta's really nice to use, but oddly doesn't seem to be popular/stocked in the north.

 

[Mike Johnson]

Shouldn't all the terminal screws be tightened to the correct torque in accordance with the manufacturers instructions using the correct bladed terminal screwdriver?

 

[nicebutdim]

This is where it gets strange. For work in the north CEF in Derry stock Click Mode and predominantly that's what I use. But for work in the south CEF in Letterkenny stock Hager Sollysta so I use it there, which would be the predominant part of my work.

Hager Sollysta's really nice to use, but oddly doesn't seem to be popular/stocked in the north.

I've struggled to find anyone who stocks ilocally.

A local cef rep stopped me the other day and we had a frank chat about pricing. Might be worth submitting a list for quotation...

 

[pc1966]

MK is still a staple in schools and hospitals - so seeing them in a house just makes me think of that

There is a good reason for that:

"Logic Plus and MK Base are manufactured from urea formaldehyde which has inherent antibacterial and antiviral properties within the compound. Thanks to high quality mould tools the products are also scratch-free, minimising surfaces for pathogens to hide, providing another way to help stop the spread of infections. Both ranges have been tested by an independently accredited laboratory to the latest standard ISO 22196:2011."

Aesthetics are very much down to the person living with it, I find the Logic Plus is innocuous and generally pleasant to use, so few folks complain (also it is usually for free with family & friends so they better not!).

 

[Alla Musica]

Recently some of the screws seem overly tight

Agreed. I ended up buying quite a few MK Logic Plus - and the same problem occurs to my switches.

Not really too much of a problem in practice I'd guess - as long as they hold the wires tight. Better safe than sorry!

 

[Alla Musica]

Definitely a vote for Hager Sollysta for me. Use lots of it. Don't rate MK at all.

Indeed, Hager Sollysta comes with rockers that fit better onto our fingers than MK Logic Plus.

Also, while Logic Plus is known to be promising quality-wise, I can't fault Sollysta in any way.

 

[Alla Musica]

The terminal screws in MK Logic Plus have always been hard to turn in my experience.
Scolmore Click accessories hold the wires very well with minimal tightening of the screws.

I'm still waiting for my Click Mode 2 Gang to arrive. Can't wait to see what it's like!

 

[ipf]

I used to use a lot of GET/ Schneider Ultimate Screwless. A bit pricey but class stuff.

 

[Alla Musica]

Agreed. I ended up buying quite a few MK Logic Plus - and the same problem occurs to my switches.

Not really too much of a problem in practice I'd guess - as long as they hold the wires tight. Better safe than sorry!

UPDATED: I've tried, and the screws on MK Logic Plus melt tooooooooo easily because they get stuck (overtighten) halfway and the torque required to move the screws wears them off...

Nonetheless, MK Logic Plus remains tempting for the plastic faceplate is extremely sturdy - does not bend even when I torture it with my hand. On the other hand, Click bends slightly to force.

 

[nicebutdim]

I'm liking how this comparison is progressing

 

[Alla Musica]

I'm liking how this comparison is progressing

Agreed.

I received my Click Mode yesterday. Nice as folks describe, and the rockers take little force to operate (unlike Logic Plus / Sollysta etc.).

My only complaints would be their sharp clicking noise, and sharp edges around rockers. For 2 gang small rockers, I would prefer the gangs to be slightly spaced out, e.g. BG, Hager Sollysta, MK Logic Plus.

Also the plastic plate is thinner than the Logic Plus but I do believe this isn't a problem.

 

[loz2754]

Another major advantage of the Click switches is the fact that they're part of their mini grid system.
So you can swap out individual switch modules for a different type of module. Meaning you can have a 2 way switch and an intermediate switch on the same plate easily. Or a fuse module etc.

 

[Alla Musica]

Another major advantage of the Click switches is the fact that they're part of their mini grid system.
So you can swap out individual switch modules for a different type of module. Meaning you can have a 2 way switch and an intermediate switch on the same plate easily. Or a fuse module etc.

Oh yes, exactly!!! Totally agree on this, and waaaaayyyyyy cheaper than the MK Grid system.

 

[Alla Musica]

I'm liking how this comparison is progressing

Now I'm ruling MK out for its notoriously flimsy terminal screws, leaving Hager Sollysta and Click Mode to choose from.

Hager Sollysta - Merits

• Smooth edge on rockers
• Rocker shape fits finger very well

Hager Sollysta - Disdvantages

• Non-modular - no DIY retrofit potential
• Brand carved on the faceplate (given my OCD)

Click Mode - Merits

• Modularity - potential for DIY retrofitting
• Requires little force to operate

Click Mode - Disadvantages

• Sharp noise when operated
• Sharp edges unpleasant to hands

 

[ipf]

Are you doing a report for 'Which?' ?

Click Mode - Disadvantages

• Sharp noise when operated
• Sharp edges unpleasant to hands

If that noise isn't deafening, what's the problem with an incisive 'click' for certainty of operation?
Wear some oven gloves if you're worried about hand damage.

 

[Alla Musica]

Are you doing a report for 'Which?' ?



If that noise isn't deafening, what's the problem with an incisive 'click' for certainty of operation?
Wear some oven gloves if you're worried about hand damage.

Sorry, I'm just trying to express I'm having difficulty deciding, which I didn't make clear of.

Also, Sollysta and Logic+ ain't as noisy as Click. But certainly, noise is not an important factor to consider. Hand comfortability - also unimportant but weighs more.

 

[Alla Musica]

Now I'm ruling MK out for its notoriously flimsy terminal screws, leaving Hager Sollysta and Click Mode to choose from.

Hager Sollysta - Merits

• Smooth edge on rockers
• Rocker shape fits finger very well

Hager Sollysta - Disdvantages

• Non-modular - no DIY retrofit potential
• Brand carved on the faceplate (given my OCD)

Click Mode - Merits

• Modularity - potential for DIY retrofitting
• Requires little force to operate

Click Mode - Disadvantages

• Sharp noise when operated
• Sharp edges unpleasant to hands

To clarify, I'm just expressing I'm still having difficulty deciding. If anyone could help me add to the list of merits and disadvantages, please do so and much appreciated.

 

[ipf]

Five days and 50 posts already, mate.

You seem to have tried a few, so it may be 'make your mind up time'.