Adafruit RGB Full Color Backlight Display - 12mm x 40mm

These plastic diffused backlights, commonly found in LCD displays, have been upgraded to an RGB LED version encased in a 3.3mm thick strip of acrylic. This special acrylic effectively diffuses light, offering near-uniform lighting with just a single LED. A reflector on the flat side ensures maximum brightness from the top, preventing unnecessary loss of light.

You can use this backlight like a traditional RGB LED: connect the longest pin (anode) to 3~5VDC, and join the red, green, and blue pins through resistors to ground, with each drawing no more than 20mA. The strip allows for creative applications like masking with vinyl or drawing with markers, making it ideal for crafting innovative designs.

Boasting a brightness level superior to EL displays, these backlights are perfect for wearables and other battery-powered applications without requiring inverters. However, they are rigid and not flexible. The backlight offers a 0.4" by 1.5" (12mm x 38.7mm) illuminated area, providing ample space for creative endeavors.