Looking for addressable LED strips but confused between SK6812 and WS2812B? No worries. I’m here to help you find the best one!
Both SK6812 and WS2812B are addressable RGB LED strips; however, SK6812 is more advanced than WS2812B. Where WS2812B is available only in the RGB variant, SK6812 is found as RGB, RGBW, and WWA. Besides, they have differences in scan frequency rate, brightness, application, voltage, packaging, and more.
Want to know details? I, with my 14 years of expertise in LED strips, have pointed out all the differences between SK6812 and WS2812B to help you pick the right one. So, let’s dive in:
What is the SK6812 LED Light Strip?
SK6812 is an addressable LED strip light with an IC chip, allowing you to control each LED individually. These fixtures are available in three variants- RGB, RGBW, and RGB white+WWA. You can create millions of hues with these color combinations, which make these strips suitable for commercial, decorative, and professional lighting requirements. SK6812 is available in three different packages- 4020, SMD 2020, SMD 3535, and SMD 5050, offering you flexibility in choosing the thickness, brightness, and size of the LEDs. However, these strip lights are expensive compared to WS2812B as they are more advanced.
What Is The Difference Between SK6812 and SK6812mini?
The main difference between SK6812 and SK6812 mini is in their packaging size. Sk6812 is basically the standard size, whereas the SK6812 mini is much smaller and used for applications requiring compact LEDs.
| Criteria | SK6812 | SK6812mini |
| Packaging | 5050 (5mm x 5mm); standard size | 3535 (3.5mm x 3.5mm) |
| Brightness | High brightness | Low compared to SK6812 |
| Density | Chips are bigger in size, so the destiny is lower than SK6812 mini | Denser due to the small size |
| Thermal Management | Better than SK6812mini | Highly sensitive to heat |
| Applications | Large-scale displays, LED strips, and other applications | Compact designs, such as wearable devices, small pixel matrices, etc. |
What is the WS2812B LED Light Strip?
Similar to SK6812, WS2812B is also an addressable LED strip with a built-in IC chip. However, it is available only in RGB variant and 5050 packaging. Due to not having individual white channels like the SK6812 LED strips, they offer you fewer color variations. Nevertheless, WS2812B LED strips are pretty affordable. Besides, they are compatible with various microcontrollers. You can use these LED strips for residential lighting, decorative lighting, and projects on lower budgets.
SK6812 VS WS2812B – The Key Differences
1. Color Variation
SK6812 Color Variation
SK6812 LED strips offer three color variation options; these are:
a. SK6812 RGB
SK6812 RGB is the basic addressable RGB LED strip with red, green, and blue diodes in a chip. Combining these three light colors can bring more than 16 million hues. Based on the LED size, the SK6812 RGB can be of four types:
- SK6812- 2020 LED
- SK6812- 3535 LED
- SK6812- 4020 LED
- SK6812- 5050 LED
| Type Of SK6812 RGB | IC Dimension | Description |
| SK6812- 2020 LED | 2.0 x 2.0 mm | Used in ultra-narrow LED strip lights |
| SK6812- 3535 LED | 3.5 x 3.5 mm | Uses a smaller package, also known as SK6812 mini, and is ideal for denser matrix display |
| SK6812- 4020 LED | 4.0 x 2.0 mm | Side-emitting light strip |
| SK6812- 5050 LED | 5.0 x 5.0 mm | Large in size and is a direct clone of the 5050 WS2812B RGB LED |
b. SK6812 RGBW
SK6812 RGBW LED strips add a separate white channel to the basic RGB version. It brings more color-mixing options, higher brightness, and saturated light color. The white hue in SK6812 RGBW is pure white, unlike the bluish-white that RGB produces. However, based on this white color, SK6812 RGBW can be of three color temperatures:
| Type Of SK6812 RGBW | CCT Of White (W) | Hue Of White |
| RGBWW | RGB+3000K | Warm White |
| RGBNW | RGB+4000K | Natural White |
| RGBCW | RGB+6000K | Cold White |
c. SK6812 White & WWA
If you need addressable white lighting, SK6812 white & WWA LED strips are what you need. The SK6812IC chip of this variant has both white and WWA chips. This allows warm to cool CCT adjustable hues within the LED strip. The WWA offers a CCT ranging from 3000K to 6000K, so you will have enough flexibility to adjust the light color to fit your mood or needs. Besides, this variant is available in three density options- 30, 60, and 144 LED densities. Therefore, if you need accent lighting or lower brightness, go for low-density SK6812 strips. And where you need more uniform and smooth illumination, purchase one with high LED density.
WS2812B Color Variation
Unlike SK6812, WS2812B has only RGB color variation. Here you won’t find RGBW and WWA options. However, WS2812B can create millions of color variants with RGB, but it’s less so than SK6812. Again, the white lighting produced in WS2812B is not pure white. Here, a white hue is created by mixing the red, green, and blue colors at a higher intensity. As a result, the white in these strips is not pure white; instead, have a bluish tone. But with SK6812 LED strips (RGBW), you won’t have these issues. It has a white channel that brings pure and clear white light.
2. Application Differences
Application of SK6812
SK6812 LED strips are used where you need more complex and color variation options. These are perfect for high-resolution displays, commercial and advertising displays, theater and stage lighting, etc. Besides, the SK6812 white & WWA LED strips are excellent for residential and hospitality lighting.
Application of WS2812B
As WS2812B is cheaper compared to SK6812 LED, you can use them for DIY and lighting projects with a low budget. These fixtures are widely used for home decoration, event and party lighting, low-resolution displays, gaming and computer setup lighting, etc. Besides, if you want addressable lighting in wearable technology like clothes, accessories, etc., WS2812B is the right pick.
3. Programming Complexity
SK6812 Programming Complexity
Libraries support the SK6812 well, yet it is more complex to program than WS2812B due to having additional channels. However, you won’t face issues using the right library and integration.
WS2812B Programming Complexity
WS2812B is simple to program compared to SK6812 LED strips. It only handles the RGB channels with no additional white channels like SK6812 RGBW LED strips. This simplifies the program and makes it simple for beginners. Besides, there is a wider range of libraries and compatible integration available for WS2812B.
4. Power Consumption
SK6812 Power Consumption
The power consumption depends on many factors like LED density and voltage. However, SK6812 RGBW LED strips consume slightly higher power than WS2812B LED strips due to its additional white channel.
WS2812B Power Consumption
WS2812B LED strips consume slightly less power than SK6812 LED strips. This makes them energy-efficient and ideal for projects with battery-powered sources.
5. Brightness
SK6812 Brightness
The luminous intensity of SK6812 ranges from 800-1000 mcd. This is bright enough to use in commercial and lighting needs in public spaces. However, the density and voltage are also crucial considerations that affect the brightness.
WS2812B Brightness
The brightness level of WS2812B ranges from 500-700 mcd, which is less than that of SK6812.
6. Scan Frequency
SK6812 Scan Frequency
The scan frequency determines the refresh or update rate of LEDs per second. SK6812 has a high scan frequency of 1.2KHz. That is it; the LED chips in the SK6812 strip lights are scanned and updated 1200 times every second. This reduces flickering issues and provides smooth animation and high visual effects.
WS2812B Scan Frequency
WS2812B has a scan frequency rate of only 400Hz. Therefore, in every second, the LEDs are updated 400 times. This rating is much less than the frequency of SK6812. So, if you want better performance, WS2812B can’t beat SK6812.
7. Voltage Independence
SK6812 Voltage Independence
SK6812 is available in three voltage options – 5V, 12V, and 24V. Thus, it allows you to pick the one that best matches your installation needs. Nevertheless, the voltage in these LED strips is more stable than WS2812B. They maintain brightness constancy, making SK6812 ideal for longer installation.
WS2812B Voltage Independence
WS2812B doesn’t have multiple voltage options like SK6812. It is designed only for 5V. Besides, it is prone to voltage drop issues, especially during longer runs. Thus, using these fixtures, you might face issues with inconsistent brightness and light output.
8. LED Packaging & Density
SK6812 LED Packaging & Density
The packaging of the LED defines the size and features of the LED chips of the strip light. SK6812 comes in four different packaging variations- SMD 4020, SMD 2020, SMD 3535, and SMD 5050. They have varying brightness levels and chip shapes. For instance, SK6812 with SMD 5050 packaging has a bigger LED chip and gives brighter illumination than other options. Thus, SK6812 gives a greater option of choosing the light output of the fixture. Besides, they come in varying LED densities, such as 30, 60, 72, 120, and 144 LEDs/meter.
WS2812B LED Packaging & Density
WS2812B is available in only one packaging option- SMD 5050. The chip dimension of WS2812B is always 5.0 x 5.0 mm. So you won’t get ultra-thin options like the SK6812 LED strips that can be composed of SMD 2020 packaging with a diameter of 2.0 x 2.0 mm. However, the LED density of WS2812B is similar to SK6812; they are available as 30/60/72/96/144 LEDs/meter.
9. Reset Time
SK6812 Reset Time
Reset time refers to the duration the LED takes to reset a new data signal. The reset time of SK6812 is 80 microseconds (μs). Though it’s higher than the WS2812B, it doesn’t affect the usual effect of the LED strip. However, it slightly matters in high-speed or timing-critical applications.
WS2812B Reset Time
WS2812B takes less rest time than SK6812. It can process data signals within just 50 µs. Though you might find it impressive, actually, it doesn’t make WS2812B better than SK6812. Because of its low scan frequency, it can only scan 400 times per second. In contrast, even with a longer reset time, SK6812 can scan 1200 times/second. Thus, the short reset time of WS2812B can’t recover the smooth transaction of SK6812.
10. Cost Comparison
SK6812 Cost
SK6812 is more advanced than WS2812B and has better features. This makes them expensive. However, if you want better output and professional-level performance, it is worth the value.
WS2812B Cost
WS2812B is a more affordable and cost-effective solution than SK6812 LED strips. So, if you want addressable LED strips for decorative installment or low-budget projects, go for WS2812B.
Quick Differentiating Chart: SK6812 VS WS2812B
| IC Type | SK6812 | WS2812B |
| Voltage | 5V/12V/24V | 5V |
| Color | RGB+RGBW+White+WWA | RGB |
| LED Density | 30/60/72/120/144 LEDs/m | 30/60/72/96/144 LEDs/m |
| SMD | 4020/2020/3535/5050 | 5050 |
| Brightness | 800-1000 mcd | 500-700 mcd |
| Reset Time | 80 μs | 50 μs |
| Control Options | More advanced | Simple |
| Power Consumption | Slightly less | Bit more than SK6812 |
| PWM Frequency | 1.2KHz | 400Hz |
| Compatibility | Broad | Very Broad |
| Price | Slightly more expensive | Cheap |
Similarities Between SK6812 & WS2812B
| Criteria | SK6812 | WS2812B |
| IC Placement | Built-in | Built-in |
| Color Depth | 24-bit | 24-bit |
| Break Continues | No | No |
| Individually Addressable | Yes | Yes |
| Data Transmission | Single signal | Single signal |
| Data Transfer Rate | 800kbps | 800kbps |
| Output channel | 3 | 3 |
| Wires | Positive + Negative+ Data line | Positive + Negative+ Data line |
| Gray Scale | 256 levels | 256 levels |
| Addressable Range | 256 per channel | 256 per channel |
Which Is Better- SK6812 Vs. WS2812B?
The best option between SK6812 and WS2812B depends on the application and project requirements. If you want more color adjustability and greater control, SK6812 is better. It offers you variable options in choosing type (RGB, RGBW, or WWA), packaging, voltage, etc. However, SK6812 is expensive.
In contrast, WS2812B is simpler and more affordable. You will find more compatible libraries available for these LED strips. However, you won’t get the color variation versatility of SK6812 in WS2812B.
Yet, can’t decide which is best? Here, I’ve listed some positive aspects of both SK6812 and WS2812B to help you pick the best one.
Positive Aspects of SK6812
- More color variation and adjustable features
- Higher brightness range (though it depends on LED density, packaging, voltage, etc.)
- Wide voltage range
- High scan frequency for smooth animation
- Less prone to voltage drop
- Reduced flickering issues
Positive Aspects Of WS2812B
- Consumes slightly less power than the SK6812
- Supports a wide range of libraries and software
- Affordable
How to Set Up SK6812 and WS2812B LED Strip Controllers?
Step 1: Connect the LED strip (SK6812 or WS2812B) to the controller and power supply. Maintain signal direction while connecting them; the signal start-end must be connected to the controller.
Step 2: Take the controller remote and select the IC type. For WS2812B, select WS2812B and for SK6812, select SK6812.
Step 3: Specify the number of pixels on the LED strip on the remote.
Step 4: Select the lighting change mode or pattern in the remote.
For more information, you can check How to Wire LED Strip Lights(Diagram Included).
FAQs
Wrapping UP
Both SK6812 and WS2812B are good, considering specific applications. If you want more color variation, go for SK6812 RGBW LED strips, which have an additional white channel that allows for more color combinations. Besides, the WWA variant of SK6812 is perfect for applications where you need varying CCT of white hues.
However, for basic applications, WS2812B LED strips are great. Though it is only an RGB variant, you can still create more than 16 million hues with it. Above all, they are cheap and simple to configure. Therefore, pick the best one that fits your application, requirements, and budget.
