Pimoroni Unicorn HAT
Best compact LED display for interactive Raspberry Pi hobbyist projects.
This compact LED matrix turns a small computer into a vibrant, interactive display. With over a hundred individually addressable lights and tactile buttons, it is perfect for custom animations, status indicators, or simple game controls. It is a plug-and-play solution for adding visual feedback to any project.
$19.56
at
Newark
Who it's for
- Makers building portable or space-constrained Raspberry Pi projects
- Beginners needing easy-to-use Python libraries for LED projects
- Developers creating mobile, battery-powered light displays
Who should skip it
- Users requiring high-resolution screens for text or detailed graphics
- Project builders needing specific GPIO pins for additional sensors
- Designers seeking soft, diffused lighting effects out of the box
Performance breakdown
Setup Simplicity
Fully assembled design eliminates soldering, making it ready to use instantly.
Visual Impact
The 119 RGB LEDs deliver vibrant, high-contrast animations and text displays.
Interactive Control
Four tactile buttons provide reliable, physical input for your custom projects.
Software Accessibility
Python library support makes programming complex light patterns remarkably straightforward.
Form Factor
Compact mini HAT profile fits perfectly on any 40-pin Raspberry Pi.
Display Resolution
The 17x7 matrix is excellent for icons but limited for text.
Key Specs
LED Count
119
Matrix Layout
17x7
Driver Chip
Holtek HT16D35A (x2)
Form Factor
Mini HAT
Dimensions
65mm x 30mm x 10mm
Compatibility
40-pin Raspberry Pi
Controls
4 tactile buttons
Assembly
Fully-assembled
Operating Voltage
5V
Know before you buy
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