Adafruit LED
Best versatile indicator lights for DIY electronics and breadboard prototyping.
These diffused LEDs are the standard-issue workhorses for any electronics bench, offering a soft, even glow that’s far more forgiving than harsh, focused beams. They lack the piercing intensity of clear lenses, but you gain a wide, consistent viewing angle that makes them perfect for status indicators and clean, professional-looking interfaces.
$4.95
at
Electromaker
Who it's for
- Makers creating soft, non-glaring status indicators
- Engineers fitting components into tight, compact enclosures
- Hobbyists needing reliable parts for frequent prototyping
Who should skip it
- Designers requiring high-intensity, focused light beams
- Beginners avoiding extra circuit components like resistors
- Users needing robust leads for frequent breadboarding
Performance breakdown
Breadboard Compatibility
Standard 3mm form factor fits perfectly into any prototyping breadboard.
Diffusion Quality
Soft, even light distribution eliminates harsh hotspots for cleaner indicator visuals.
Daylight Visibility
Bright enough for indoor status indicators, though struggles in direct sunlight.
Batch Consistency
Reliable color temperature uniformity makes these dependable for multi-LED projects.
Power Efficiency
Standard 20mA draw keeps power consumption low for battery-operated electronics.
Environmental Compliance
Full RoHS certification ensures these meet modern safety and environmental standards.
Key Specs
Diameter
3mm
Forward Voltage
3.0-3.4V at 20mA
Luminous Intensity
500+ mcd
Color Temperature
~5000K
Mounting Type
Through Hole
Number of Pins
2
RoHS Compliant
Yes
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