Plugpacks

As long as the DC voltage is the same and the current rating is the same or higher then they will work just fine.

It is just that the ones marked for led striplights can be half of the cost of the ones not so marked.They can have the same voltage and current.

It would help if you link to the LED strip lights (and how many) and the supplies in question.

The cheaper ones might not be regulated.

Peter

Or the regulator mechanism might be just a tad on the 'simple' side with commensurately limited effectiveness.

Not sure. You could see if the LEDs flicker, and/or measure the ripple with a scope.

Also, I'd generally steer clear of the one dollar plug packs. Look up the many teardowns of chargers that are now on the internet.

There are some reviews (especially for 5V USB chargers) that show the current vs. voltage which is also informative.

Personally I would only buy a reputable brand one (Meanwell, Friwo, etc.) from a distributor that I'd consider unlikely to supply faked brandname products. I don't buy anything mains powered direct from ebay suppliers in China, nor Dealextreme. If I did then I would have to open it to inspect it which would likely break it. Otherwise I would not feel happy leaving it powered when I am not in the room to deal with any possible fire, nor would I be comfortable exposing my family members to the possible risk of electric shock associated with inadequate creepage distances.

High price doesn't guarantee a good product either, I'm sure plenty of people will happily sell the worst of the illegal chargers for more than the proper price of a well made one.