[gbrayut]

I connected an ESP8266 via serial protocol to the extra programming pins on a QMK based keypad (https://www.crowdsupply.com/anavi-technology/anavi-macro-pad...) so that it can have layers that directly trigger actions via Home Assistant API.

Also use the Bee Motion ESP32-S3 (https://www.crowdsupply.com/smart-bee-designs/bee-motion-s3) for their PIR motion sensing and running other sensors around the house.

And I have an old Wemos D1 mini connected to my Arduino based smart garage door that helps automate things like lock/unlocking the front door or triggering other presence based actions.