Choosing between two 2-packs of Alps rotary encoders can feel like a coin flip: both come with the same 30-detent, 360-degree shaft and a built-in momentary switch. Both packs include two encoders, so quantity isn't the separator. The real decision is whether the higher listed price buys you clarity you need, or whether the lower-priced pack covers your build just as well. Here's a head-to-head look.
Quick verdict: Pick the higher-price pack if you want the product title to confirm PC board mounting and PC pin termination before you commit. Pick the lower-price pack if you're looking to keep the spend down and don't need those extra details spelled out in the title.
| Pack | Listed Price | Price Bar | What Stands Out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Higher-price Alps 2-pack | USD 9.95 | Explicitly describes PC board mounting and PC pin termination in the title | |
| Lower-price Alps 2-pack | USD 6.50 | Highlights Japan origin, 2-phase output, and vertical orientation in the attributes |
Where each pack wins: The higher-price pack wins when you care about seeing mounting and connection details right in the product title; the 'PC Board' wording removes guesswork. The lower-price pack wins when you're watching your budget and want a solid two-pack without the extra cost. If you're prototyping quickly, the lower-price pack may be all you need.
2 X Alps Rotary Encoder w/ Momentary Switch - 30 Detent / 360 Degrees - PC Board
If your control panel or encoder knob build needs a component whose title clearly states PC board mounting and PC pin termination, this pack answers that need. It provides the same 30-detent, 360-degree endless rotation and momentary push switch as the other pack, so you're not losing any core function. The switch action is momentary N.O. push, and the termination type is PC pin, which helps when wiring directly to a PCB. The base is a compact 12 mm x 12 mm x 4 mm with a 7 mm diameter bushing and a 6 mm split shaft, so it fits the usual Alps-style footprint. The concrete limitation is simply the higher listed price; if you're buying several sets, the extra cost adds up.
Alps Rotary Encoder Momentary Switch 30 Detents 360 Degrees 2 Pack
This pack is the lower-priced of the two, and it still delivers the same core encoder behavior as its higher-priced sibling. It also adds Japan as country of origin, 2-phase output, and vertical orientation in the attributes, which can be useful when you're wiring for incremental quadrature-style signals. The base dimensions are the same 12 mm x 12 mm x 4 mm with a split shaft, so it fits the typical Alps encoder footprint. With two encoders included, you can use one for tuning and keep the second as a spare, or wire both into a front panel. The trade-off is that the title doesn't break out mounting style or termination type the way the higher-price pack does, so you get fewer clues at a glance.
Final choice by use case: For builds where clear product-title documentation matters, choose the $9.95 pack. For a straightforward rotary encoder need at the lower listed price, choose the $6.50 pack. The $3.45 spread between them is the real separator; the core encoder behavior is the same in both two-packs, and the decision comes down to how much title detail you require.
