# gs5-rgb: Creative Sound Blaster GS5 lighting protocol

> gs5-rgb reconstructs the Creative Sound Blaster GS5 lighting protocol from USB captures and implements it as a Linux Python library and CLI. Its protocol notes specify HID report framing, acknowledgments, effects, and status reads; the client controls seven strip segments, brightness, and built-in effects.

- Type: Case study
- Targets: Protocol
- Category: Independent reconstruction cases
- Relationship: Independent reconstruction project
- Sources reviewed: 2026-11-06
- Added to the catalog: 2026-11-08
- Original resource: <https://github.com/JRiley2025/gs5-rgb>
- Primary source: <https://github.com/JRiley2025/gs5-rgb/blob/4319840a103954ddf8a349970704d01caf255467/README.md>
- Catalog page: <https://awesomerea.org/resources/gs5-rgb-case/>
- Record JSON: <https://awesomerea.org/resources/gs5-rgb-case/record.json>
- Chinese version: [简体中文](https://awesomerea.org/zh/resources/gs5-rgb-case/index.md)

## Requirements & limits

- **Prerequisites:** Linux, Python 3.8 or newer, a GS5 connected by USB, and hidraw access through the supplied udev rule.
- **Limits:** The author tested firmware 1.25.251009.1430; other firmware versions, mode 07, and power-cycle persistence remain open questions.
- **License:** MIT license.

## Primary sources

1. <https://github.com/JRiley2025/gs5-rgb/blob/4319840a103954ddf8a349970704d01caf255467/README.md>
2. <https://github.com/JRiley2025/gs5-rgb/blob/4319840a103954ddf8a349970704d01caf255467/PROTOCOL.md>

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## About this entry

The description was reviewed against primary sources.
Original editorial content: MIT. Linked projects, papers and assets retain their own rights and licenses.