the ws2801 needs Power data and clock connection,
the ws2811 needs power and data connection,
and the ws2812 is the name of Leds with the ws2811 controller build inside!
the ws2801 is the older version of the protocol and they need a clock line wich makes problems with some controllers
the ws2811 is newer and doesn´t need a clock line but it makes the timing more difficult
so both has there pros and cons
the number of leds/meter is your taste!
i have chosen the ws2811 and i´m using a mix of ws2812 and ws2812b leds
the ws2801 needs Power data and clock connection, the ws2811 needs power and data connection, and the ws2812 is the name of Leds with the ws2811 controller build inside! the ws2801 is the older version of the protocol and they need a clock line wich makes problems with some controllers the ws2811 is newer and doesn´t need a clock line but it makes the timing more difficult so both has there pros and cons the number of leds/meter is your taste! i have chosen the ws2811 and i´m using a mix of ws2812 and ws2812b leds