The invasion of toys, gadgets and games is a real struggle for Star Wars fans. And when it comes to lightsabers, there are so many options out there that you barely know what to pick. Whether for Christmas, a birthday or just for no reason at all, choosing a lightsaber has never been more complicated.
The Neopixel lightsaber has become a hit recently, mainly because of its stunning effects and capabilities. It’s great for cosplay, showoff or even combat with friends. But at the same time, the classic RGB lightsaber is not to be overlooked either.
Forget about 3D metal puzzles for adults and other similar modern toys. The real Star Wars battle has just begun. Let’s find out together which lightsaber is better and why.
The blade is one of the most important elements in the lightsaber, especially in a duel. They’re usually made from polycarbonate tubes. They also come in different sizes.
In this particular comparison, you’ll have to choose between middle and heavy grade blades. Both RGB and Neopixel lightsabers have these options. They display some amazing colors and they’re solid and durable.
If the lightsaber is mainly used for dueling, the heavy grade is a must in terms of durability. Heavy grade blades are designed to withstand the rigors of combat, ensuring they can endure intense clashes without breaking or losing functionality.
If you want it for cosplay or just display, the middle grade is better, as it tends to be lighter and easier to handle while still providing an impressive visual effect.
At this point, when it comes to the blade, there’s no clear winner because both options bring in the same high quality standards.
Now, the actual appearance can also make a difference. A real Star Wars fan will want their lightsaber to look like the original.
The Neopixel lightsaber is quite impressive when it comes to brightness. Moreover, it has a bunch of special effects too, not to mention the wide variety of colors. There are also some animations you can come up with. Most of these things aren’t available in the RGB lightsaber.
Other than that, Neopixel’s masterpiece comes with superior LED strips within the blade, hence the brightness. The RGB alternative has LED strips too, but they’re in the hilt. They’re reflected into the blade though, but the effect is just not the same.
For this reason, the Neopixel blade looks full. The same level of brightness is maintained throughout the blade, while light loses intensity as it travels through RGB’s blade.
Both Neopixel and RGB have a high degree of customization. This means that no matter what you need the saber for (cosplay, fights or just display), you have a few options.
Customization, however, is affected by the location of the LED lights. Again, Neopixel wins here because to look realistic, you need the light to travel evenly throughout the blade.
As for the actual customization, Neopixel has slightly more than RGB. There are more effects out there, with the scrolling effect being the most appreciated one. The lightsaber turns on or off with a beautiful effect. As for the RGB alternative, it turns on or off like a regular tube light.
Another nice effect on Neopixel’s lightsaber is the rainbow one. Plus, you can flash LEDs individually, so you can literally design your own unique effect. Once again, Neopixel stands out and wins against RGB.
Generally speaking, both lightsabers share many similarities in terms of design, components and parts. At least the basic elements. You have a hilt, as well as a blade connected to it. Most of the electronics needed for effects are located in the hilt.
The soundboard and battery are located in the same part. Batteries must be recharged on a regular basis, especially before a combat session or perhaps a cosplay photo session.
Neopixel has invested a bit more in complexity though. It looks more realistic, meaning the design is slightly improved. Once again, the special effects also make it look cooler. Based on all these, it costs a bit more to build than a classic RBG saber, so this means it also costs more itself.
Since it has more LEDs, that means the battery drains faster too. Since the first Neopixel release, the battery consumption has improved a little. LED lights are more effective, so you’ll get quite enough time on a single run. However, battery life is still going faster than in a standard RGB.
Whether for cosplay photos or classic dueling, both lightsabers can do a pretty good job. RGB wins here, mainly because Neopixel is just too good looking. With all those LEDs on the inside and numerous effects, this means the strips inside the blade are more likely to get damaged during a clash.
It clearly depends on what kind of clash you get involved in. But at the end of the day, RGB has a simplistic design. There aren’t too many things that could break in there. Sure, it doesn’t look amazing, but it’s more likely to sustain a duel.
It doesn’t mean the Neopixel lightsaber will break down the moment you shake it in the air. Quality standards are quite high in terms of design and durability and it can definitely take a few good duels and combat sessions, but pushing it too hard may cause issues with the LED stripes on the inside.
Based on these components and durability, it looks like there’s no clear winner. Neopixel looks great, but it’s more fragile. This means you’ll need to determine why you want a lightsaber before making a final decision.
Bottom line, choosing between both options ultimately depends on your preferences and intended use. Neopixel lightsabers offer advanced features and dynamic lighting effects which make them ideal for display and cosplay. In contrast, RGB lightsabers provide a simpler, cost-effective option for beginners and those focused on dueling. Both have unique advantages, so consider your needs before deciding.
