Quick take
If you are shopping for control components in the sensors, encoders, and machine safety shelf, the practical question is usually about the physical fit and the electrical output. The four rotary encoders here range from a $2.50 EC11 unit to a $29.99 multi-pack dual-axis unit with switch. In between sit an Oak / Grigsby quadrature encoder and a 5-pin EC11 encoder. The biggest differences are shaft shape, pulse count, termination, and whether the part is sold singly or in multiples. Match the shaft and mounting style first, then let the pulse count narrow the field.
Listed price comparison
| Encoder | Listed price | Price bar |
|---|---|---|
| 2/4/6/10PCS Dual Axis Rotary Encoder With Switch | USD 29.99 | |
| Oak / Grigsby Rotary Encoder - 128 Pulse/Rev | USD 16.95 | |
| One 5PIN EC11 30 Position Rotary Encoder With Push Switch | USD 21.00 | |
| 1 Pc - EC11 360 Degree Rotary Encoder PCB Mount Push Switch | USD 2.50 |
Decision matrix
- If pulse resolution is the priority, the Oak / Grigsby 91Q128 delivers 128 pulses per revolution with full quadrature and 512 total state changes.
- If you need a through-hole PCB part with a D shaft and PC-pin termination, the 1 Pc EC11 360 fits the board directly and produces 20 pulses per revolution.
- If the knob uses a split shaft, the One 5PIN EC11 30 Position is the matching option with a push switch built in.
- If you need several encoders or dual-axis control, the 2/4/6/10PCS Dual Axis comes in two-, four-, six-, or ten-piece sets.
Product notes
1 Pc - EC11 360 Degree Rotary Encoder PCB Mount Push Switch D Shaft
The most affordable option in this comparison, this single EC11 is also the most PCB-oriented. It has a D-shaped shaft, a 15 mm shaft length, 7 pins, and PC-pin termination, so it fits a through-hole board layout. The push-to-actuate switch is rated for 5 volts at 10 mA, and the mechanical encoder provides 20 pulses per revolution directionally. The reason to choose it is the combination of through-hole pins and a push-to-actuate switch in one low-cost unit. The main limitation is quantity: this product is supplied as one piece, so a multi-channel panel needs more than one order. It also includes a California Proposition 65 warning, which may matter for some buyers.
One 5PIN EC11 30 Position Rotary Encoder With Push Switch Split Shaft
This split-shaft encoder is aimed at a specific replacement scenario. The shaft is 12.5 mm long, the package has one 5-pin EC11 connector, and a push switch is built in. The 30-position format gives a defined number of steps for a radio-style control knob. The reason to choose it is the split-shaft design, which suits knobs that clamp to a split shaft rather than a D-shaped shaft. The limitation is compatibility: it is intended for radio use, so confirm the component matches your radio before ordering. Because it is a single unit, a multi-channel project requires multiple units. Treat it as a matched replacement rather than a generic prototype part.
Oak / Grigsby Rotary Encoder - 128 Pulse/Rev - 91Q128 - 2 CH Full Quadrature
This encoder is the resolution standout in the group. It delivers 128 pulses per revolution with full quadrature output, which works out to 512 total state changes per revolution. The optical sensing design, sealed enclosure, and TTL-compatible 5 V logic make it a more capable feedback component than the mechanical switch unit in this comparison. Leads terminate in a 4-inch cable with bare wire ends, and a nut and internal-tooth star lock washer are included for mounting. The reason to choose it is the pulse count and quadrature output. The limitation is the bare-wire cable: you need to supply your own connector, and the unit is sold singly, so multi-channel builds require multiple pieces.
2/4/6/10PCS Dual Axis Rotary Encoder With Switch 30 Positioning Number 15 Pulse
The dual-axis option is the multi-channel package. It is sold as a two-, four-, six-, or ten-piece set, with a metal body and a green-and-silver finish. The encoder includes a switch, uses a 30-position design with 15 pulses, and has an 8 mm base height. The reason to choose it is the flexibility of buying several matched units in one purchase, plus the dual-axis format if your control panel needs two inputs in one component. The limitation is the price: it sits at the top of this range, and the text printed on the product may differ from the image due to batch variation. Budget for possible cosmetic differences if appearance matters.
Final recommendation by use case
Start by matching the shaft style, mounting, and termination. For a single control, the 1 Pc EC11 360 is the most direct match. For high-resolution feedback or TTL-compatible logic, the Oak / Grigsby 91Q128 earns the recommendation. For a radio-style knob replacement, the One 5PIN EC11 30 Position is the one to use. And when you need several encoders or dual-axis control, the 2/4/6/10PCS Dual Axis is the multi-piece route. Match the shaft and mounting first, then let the pulse-count needs make the final call.
