The Choice: Two 2-Packs of Alps Rotary Encoders
When you need a 30-detent rotary encoder with a built-in momentary push switch and 360-degree endless rotation, two Alps 2-packs look nearly identical on paper. Both are new, both include two encoders, and both use the same 12 mm x 12 mm x 4 mm base with a 7 mm bushing, 6 mm split shaft, five PC leads, and two support tabs on 12 mm centers. The practical difference is the listed price and the amount of specification detail each product page carries, which matters if you want mounting and termination specifics spelled out before purchase.
Quick Verdict
If the listed price is your main decision point, the Alps Rotary Encoder Momentary Switch 30 Detents 360 Degrees 2 Pack is the lower-priced route to the same core encoder experience. If you would rather have a product page that explicitly states PCB mounting style, PC pin termination, and momentary push-button action, the 2 X Alps Rotary Encoder w/ Momentary Switch - 30 Detent / 360 Degrees - PC Board justifies its higher cost with that upfront detail.
Attribute Comparison
| Product | Listed price | Price bar | What stands out |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 X Alps Rotary Encoder w/ Momentary Switch - 30 Detent / 360 Degrees - PC Board | USD 9.95 | Higher listed price; includes PCB mounting style and PC pin termination details | |
| Alps Rotary Encoder Momentary Switch 30 Detents 360 Degrees 2 Pack | USD 6.50 | Lower listed price; includes Japan origin, vertical orientation, and 2-phase operation details |
Both packs share: Alps brand, new condition, 30 detents, 360-degree shaft movement, momentary push switch, 5 PC leads, and 2-encoder count.
Where Each Product Wins
The 2 X Alps Rotary Encoder w/ Momentary Switch - 30 Detent / 360 Degrees - PC Board wins when you want the product page itself to explain how the part mounts and terminates: PCB mount, PC pin termination, momentary switch action, and push-button style are all called out. That clarity has a price.
The Alps Rotary Encoder Momentary Switch 30 Detents 360 Degrees 2 Pack wins on the lower listed price and gives you additional identifying attributes - Japan as the country of origin, model 30 Detent, 2-phase operation, on/off operation method, and vertical orientation - beyond what the pricier page states.
Product Notes
2 X Alps Rotary Encoder w/ Momentary Switch - 30 Detent / 360 Degrees - PC Board
At USD 9.95, this is the higher-priced of the two 2-packs, and what you are paying for is specification clarity: the page states PCB mounting style, PC pin termination, momentary switch action, and push-button switch style directly. You still get two Alps rotary encoders with 30 detents, 360-degree endless rotation, and an integrated momentary push switch, plus five PC leads - three for the encoder and two for the switch. The 12 mm x 12 mm x 4 mm base and split-shaft geometry match the other pack. Choose this listing if you want mounting and termination details visible in the product information before you decide; the trade-off is the USD 3.45 price gap versus the alternative.
Alps Rotary Encoder Momentary Switch 30 Detents 360 Degrees 2 Pack
At USD 6.50, this pack reaches the same 30-detent, 360-degree, momentary-switch functionality at a lower listed price, and it adds identifying details the pricier page does not mention: Japan as the country of origin, model 30 Detent, 2-phase operation, on/off operation method, and vertical orientation. The core hardware picture is consistent with the other listing - 12 mm base, 7 mm bushing, 6 mm split shaft, five PC leads, and support tabs on 12 mm centers. For mounting and termination specifics, the more expensive listing covers that ground directly; this pack is the price-focused route.
Final Choice by Use Case
Pick the Alps Rotary Encoder Momentary Switch 30 Detents 360 Degrees 2 Pack when the lower listed price is the deciding factor and you do not need the product page to spell out every mounting and termination detail - the encoder function is the same.
Pick the 2 X Alps Rotary Encoder w/ Momentary Switch - 30 Detent / 360 Degrees - PC Board when you want the product information to explicitly cover mounting style, termination type, and switch action before you commit to the extra cost.
If your build simply needs two 30-detent Alps encoders with momentary push switches and 360-degree rotation, either pack will deliver; the price difference is the main fork in the road.
