These are little PCBs that plug directly into a USB power source either way round, and light up. One type is just a plain light, another is a dark sensing night light and the most complicated has a touch sensor that dims the light in or out.
All the PCBs are about 0.1" thick (2.54mm) and just under half an inch wide (about 12mm). They have gold plated connector fingers on both sides so they can be plugged in either way up, and to prevent the +5V rail from shorting to the screened metal socket they have diodes on both the positive connections.
These little things are neat. They only cost about a dollar/euro/pound or two each including shipping and are available in cold or warm white.
Yes I am drinking diet Pepsi with absinthe in it. Super-aromatic.

16 thoughts on “Random pcb based usb lights from china.”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Joshua Fleitell says:

    for anyone coming here wondering bout the IC, it is most likely SGL8022W – not an AVR. AVR would require coding and programming. the 8022W is RTG IC out of the box. does all that u need to dim LED via touch.

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars coondogtheman1234 says:

    Finally bought some of these along with an SDR radio dongle from amazon. The Lights I have are the touch sensing ones. There were others that I may get as well.

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars LazerLord10 says:

    That dimming one also has a brightness-set function. If you turn it on, and then hold the back, it will dim until you let go. If you hold it again, it will brighten up until you let go. Great for an impromptu night light in a hotel! No more stubbed toes!

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Lee Bartholomew says:

    I'd assume 2 + years later people have realized by now that the touch sensitive one tones down in light and ramps up. Love those. (oh obviously most of them are cool white. Warm White too depressing especially when it's white or wet outside :O

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars ZilinaSK says:

    I recently bought a 5 pack of the USB touch lights and although they look identical to yours their operation is a little different.
    Tap from off = On at full brightness
    Tap and hold from off = Dims up from low brightness until released.
    Tap = Off
    Mine do not remember the last setting used.
    I guess the PIC chips on mine have been programmed with a different variation of the software.

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars unlokia says:

    I very much doubt that the Chinese would choose 2.5mm PCB because it was "the closest they could get" – you're talking about the Chinese, who make/copy/churn out almost EVERYTHING in gargauntuan volumes – they make ALL of it, and making PCB as thick or as thin as they want is a trivial nothingness task to them, and you'd find there'd be a supplier of almost any thickness custom PCB stock you want, in China – the world's electronics manufacturing KING!

    They chose 2.54mm for a reason, I am certain of that. They don't call RS components, they make IT ALL 😛

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Micah Nightwolf says:

    Amazing. Something from China that actually works well!

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars William Meisburger-Iwata says:

    If I wanted to wire two or three together, I should do this in parallel, right?
    Also, I could all power that off of one USB bank?

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars RustyRetroBasement says:

    Thumbs for the absinth 😀

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars The Matsushita Man says:

    Where can I get these?

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars JC ding says:

    Improved Design with Touch Switch Portable Mini USB Light Keychain 4 LEDs Ultra-thin Night Light for Laptop Keyboard Light Power Bank LED Light

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars David Maddison says:

    Nice video. Great gadgets.

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Daniel Kanas says:

    can you stick a bunch of these into a usb hub(non external power)? will all of them light up? (the 6 led? the 3 led?)

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars RodsofGod says:

    You know whats more awesome, the usb light with the six led you could actually ramp the brightness up or down if you keep your finger on the back and take your finger off at your desired light level, Thanks for your videos they are really entertaining. 

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars 1uP says:

    What's the current draw on the one that ramps up and down?

  16. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars coondogtheman1234 says:

    Those lights are cool> I wouldn't mind having a few of these as I have many USB power banks.

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