The presence of an LED profile can indeed influence the perceived brightness of LED strips, primarily due to two factors: the material and finish of the diffuser, and the heat dissipation provided by the profile.
- Diffuser Material and Finish: LED profiles typically come with a diffuser, which is a cover that spreads the light from the LEDs more evenly. The material and finish of the diffuser can impact the light transmission and therefore the perceived brightness. A clear diffuser will transmit more light and thus the LED strip will appear brighter, while a frosted or opal diffuser will scatter the light more, creating a softer and more diffused light effect. While this might reduce the perceived brightness, it also eliminates "hot spots" or visible points of light, resulting in a more uniform light distribution.
- Heat Dissipation: Heat has a significant impact on LED performance. If LEDs get too hot, their brightness can decrease. LED profiles, especially those made from aluminum, can help dissipate heat from the LEDs, keeping them cooler and helping to maintain their brightness over time.
Therefore, while an LED profile might change the perceived brightness of the LED strip due to the diffuser, it can also help to maintain the actual brightness of the LEDs by keeping them cooler.
As a note, the overall brightness of an LED strip will also depend on other factors like the power of the LEDs themselves (measured in lumens), the color of the LEDs, the density of the LEDs on the strip, and the power supply voltage.