shop/ optical, light & imaging sensors/ apds-9960 gesture + rgb + proximity

Measure Light and Optical Changes with a Compact Sensor

The Gesture and RGB Sensor APDS 9960 is a gesture sensor designed for light logging, optical switching, line tracking, and brightness-aware projects. It is a practical fit for makers, students, and engineers who want reliable sensor data in embedded builds.

Key details include Detecting range: 100mm(3.94"); Operating Voltage: 3.3-5V; Interface: I2C.

Why you’ll love it

  • Interrupt pin x1: Interrupt pin x1
  • Sensing range: 100mm(3.94")
  • Power range: 3.3-5V
  • Compact size: 18.3x16.4mm(0.72x0.65")
  • Easy wiring: I2C
  • Maker-friendly build: Easy to use in prototypes, classroom projects, and custom electronics

Compare with similar products

Product Sensor style Standout
Gesture and RGB Sensor APDS 9960 gesture sensor Current item
Adafruit APDS9960 Proximity, Light, RGB, and Gesture Sensor - STEMMA QT / Qwiic gesture sensor with I2C STEMMA QT connector, Qwiic connector
Color RGB Sensor with IR filter and White LED TCS34725 infrared proximity sensor with digital output model TCS34725
Adafruit LTR390 UV Light Sensor - STEMMA QT / Qwiic light sensor with I2C STEMMA QT connector, Qwiic connector

What you can build

This sensor is a good fit for automatic brightness control, line followers, light meters, UV monitors, flame detection, and optical encoders.

Starter bundles

Pair it with an Arduino-compatible board, ESP32, or Raspberry Pi, plus an I2C cable or jumper wires for quick setup and testing.

Recommended add-ons

Useful add-ons include I2C cables, pull-up friendly boards, OLED displays, and logging modules, depending on how you plan to power, mount, and log the sensor.

Technical specifications

Product Gesture and RGB Sensor APDS 9960
Detecting range 100mm(3.94")
Operating Voltage 3.3-5V
Module size 18.3x16.4mm(0.72x0.65")
Interface I2C
Category optical light imaging photon sensors

Wiring & usage notes

Connect VCC, GND, SDA, and SCL to your controller. Use the correct board voltage and I2C address in your code.

What’s in the box

1 × Gesture and RGB Sensor APDS 9960

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Gesture and RGB Sensor APDS 9960 measure? It is designed to measure hand motion, proximity, or color changes.
Can I use it with Arduino, ESP32, or Raspberry Pi? Yes. It is well suited for common maker and embedded platforms, as long as you power it at the correct voltage and match the signal level to your controller.
How do I connect this I2C sensor? This version uses I2C, so you usually connect VCC, GND, SDA, and SCL.
What affects accuracy? Power quality, wiring, mounting, target material, and the real environment can all affect the reading. It is best to test and calibrate in the final setup.
Is it good for prototyping? Yes. It is a practical choice for learning, proof-of-concept builds, and small automation projects.

Build with this board

// from learn.circuit.rocks

Notes from the bench

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Ask the community

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