Electrical – Circuit to bypass switch

Bipolar junction transistors, due to their nature and operation, tend to have a relatively large forward voltage. Field-effect transistors use the depletion or doping zone to pinch the current pathway closed or lever it open and so have a much lower forward voltage. They are much more sensitive to voltage surges such as those caused by static electricity though, so it is advisable to always use static protection when handling them.

From a quick look at the relay board I note the following:

These components provide for a buffered drive circuit of the relay coil. The below schematic is the likely configuration of these components. (LEDs not included).

You should be able to connect your 5V supply between the VCC and GND inputs. Then connect the GPIO signal to the IN1 terminal and also the MCU board ground to the GND pin.

This driver circuit should work with either a 0->3.3V swing or 0->5V swing GPIO. Not knowing just how those two LEDs are connected up it may be that one or the other LED may not work with a 0->3.3V swing of the LEDs are connected into the base circuit of the transistor. On the other hand if the two LEDs are connected up into the collector side of the transistor similar to as follows the the LEDs should work as well. A simple check of the circuit with an ohm meter should be able to confirm how the LEDs are connected.