Which Pixel Type Should I Use for Coro Props?

When building pixel coro props, one of the most common questions is:
“Which type of pixel should I use?”

The honest answer is that there is no single best pixel. Pixel types vary in appearance, weight, power usage, and installation effort, and the right choice depends on what you want your display to look like—and how you plan to build it.

To help make that decision easier, this guide compares several popular 12 V pixel types installed side-by-side in the same prop, using a 10 mm white coro, 50-node candy cane.
Same coro, same voltage, same spacing—only the pixel type changes.

From left to right: Bullets · Gumdrops · EVOs · Seeds (Flush) · Seeds (Protruding)
📸 Photo credit: Charles Jason Scheffold

Pixel Types Compared in This Test

From left to right in the photo above:

  1. Standard Bullet Pixels
    Completed prop weight: ~480 g (~1.1lb)

  2. Gumdrop Pixels (NBG / Flat-Back style)
    Completed prop weight: ~350 g (~0.8 lb)

  3. EVO Pixels (3-wire)
    Completed prop weight: ~260 g (~0.6 lb)

  4. Seed Pixels – Flush Mounted (with adapter)
    Completed prop weight: No exact weight available; expected to be comparable to EVO pixels

  5. Seed Pixels – Extended / Protruding (with adapter)
    Completed prop weight: No exact weight available; expected to be comparable to EVO pixels

⚠️ Note on seed pixel weight:
The tester only had 2″ spacing seed pixel rolls available at the time of the test, but 2″ spacing does not provide enough wire length between nodes to prop the seeds and route the wire to the next hole in 10 mm coro. As a result, every other seed pixel was skipped, yielding ~4″ spacing. This does not affect the visual comparison, as the extra pixels were skipped in software. However, the unused pixels remain on the wire, making the setup heavier than a true 4″ spacing seed string, so no weight is listed here.
For 10 mm coro builds, seed pixels should be purchased in native 4″ spacing with proper adapters.

Visual Appearance: How Each Pixel Looks in White Coro

Bullet Pixels

  • Produce a tight, sharp point of light
  • Very defined “dot” appearance
  • Minimal light bleed in coro, preferred by many for crisp outlines
  • Ideal for clean shapes and precise pixel definition

Bullet pixels are a great choice if you want maximum clarity, especially for outlines, text, and props where pixel separation matters.

Note: Square pixels (not shown) produce a similar visual effect but do not fit in 10 mm coro. For mega trees, however, both bullet and square pixels work very well in standard mounting strips.

EVO Pixels

  • Produce a softer, more diffused light than bullets
  • Diffusion is especially noticeable in white coro
  • Retain some definition, but are less “pin-point” than bullets

EVO pixels are a good choice if you want a balanced look—softer than bullets, but not as diffused as gumdrops.

Gumdrop Pixels

  • Produce a more diffused light output than EVOs
  • Create a smooth, even glow in white coro
  • Minimal visible dot definition

Gumdrop pixels are ideal if you prefer a soft, blended appearance rather than clearly defined individual pixels.

Seed Pixels (Flush or Protruding)

  • Can be installed flush with the coro surface or slightly protruding, depending on the adapter
  • Both mounting styles produce a look very similar to bullet pixels
  • Visual differences are subtle and often hard to notice once installed
  • Flush mounting offers a cleaner finish; protruding mounting slightly increases prominence

Thanks to their small size and adapter flexibility, seed pixels are extremely versatile and well suited for many coro prop styles.

Weight Comparison

Weight often matters more than people expect, especially for:

  • Hanging props
  • Roofline mounts
  • Wind exposure
  • Transport and storage

All weights below are approximate and reflect completed props built in the same 10 mm white coro.

Pixel Type Completed Prop Weight
Bullet Pixels ~480 g (~1.1 lb)
Gumdrop Pixels ~350 g (~0.8 lb)
EVO Pixels ~260 g (~0.6 lb)
Seed Pixels No exact weight available; comparable to EVOs


Key Takeaways

  • EVOs and seed pixels are the lightest options
  • Gumdrops sit in the middle
  • Bullet (and square) pixels are the heaviest, but also the most mechanically robust

Power Considerations

All pixel types shown here are 12 V, but they do not behave the same when it comes to power.

Relative Power Consumption

  • Bullet and square pixels are generally the most power-hungry
  • Newer pixel designs—EVOs, gumdrops, and seed pixels—typically use about one-third of the power of bullet-style pixels at full white

This difference becomes more noticeable as prop size increases and directly affects power supply sizing and injection planning.

Wire Gauge & Power Distribution

  • Bullet and seed pixels are commonly available with 18 AWG wire, making them more robust and easier to repair
  • EVO pixels use much thinner wire, contributing to lower weight but making repairs more delicate
  • Due to higher current draw, bullet pixels usually require more frequent power injection

Installation & Build Experience

Installation effort becomes a real factor when building multiple props.

Bullet Pixels

Bullet pixels are the most physically demanding to install. The tighter fit requires more force, which becomes noticeable over longer builds. Once installed, they seat firmly and rarely move. For larger projects, a pixel pusher or pliers can significantly reduce hand fatigue.

EVO & Gumdrop Pixels

EVO and gumdrop pixels are much easier to install than bullets. Both use small retention wings, and a slight twist during installation helps seat them properly. Once learned, installation is quick and repeatable.

Seed Pixels

Seed pixels offer excellent flexibility, but installation is more involved due to adapters. While manageable for smaller props, adapters add handling time and slow down large builds. Seeds are best chosen for size, weight, and versatility, not speed.

Which Pixel Type Should I Choose?

There’s no single “best” pixel type—most experienced builders use different pixels for different applications.

Choose Bullet Pixels if you want:

  • Maximum clarity and crisp outlines
  • Minimal light bleed in white coro
  • Strong mechanical durability

Best for: white coro props, outlines, text, classic low-to-medium density elements

Choose Gumdrop Pixels if you want:

  • A soft, blended glow
  • Easier installation than bullets
  • Moderate weight and lower power draw

Best for: yard props, lower-density elements, black coro

Choose EVO Pixels if you want:

  • Very lightweight props
  • Lower power usage
  • A balance of diffusion and definition

Best for: high-density props, hanging elements, weight-sensitive installs

Choose Seed Pixels if you want:

  • The smallest and lightest pixel option
  • Maximum flexibility through adapters
  • Efficient power usage

Best for: matrices, trees, compact builds

Final Thought

Most displays successfully use multiple pixel types. Understanding the trade-offs —appearance, weight, power, and installation — lets you choose the right pixel for each job, instead of forcing one solution everywhere.

Shop Pixels at Light Show Factory

All pixels listed above are compatible with our pixel controllers and power supplies.

Credits

A huge thanks to Charles Jason Scheffold for putting together the line up and providing his photos to us!