Choosing a rotary control for sensors, encoders, and machine-safety work can come down to a few physical and electrical details that are easy to overlook: shaft format, rotational indexing, pin count, and whether one or two encoders are needed. Both choices pair 360-degree rotary movement with a momentary push switch, but the EC11 and Alps units take different approaches to the control layout.
Quick verdict
Pick the 1 Pc - EC11 360 Degree Rotary Encoder PCB Mount Push Switch D Shaft when the design calls for one encoder, a D shaft, seven pins, and the stated 20 pulses per revolution. Pick the 2 X Alps Rotary Encoder w/ Momentary Switch - 30 Detent / 360 Degrees - PC Board when two encoders and 30 detent points are the priority. The listed-price spread is $7.45, with the EC11 at the lower end and the Alps two-pack at the higher end.
At-a-glance comparison
| Detail | EC11 D-Shaft Encoder | Alps 30-Detent Encoder Pair |
|---|---|---|
| Listed price | USD 2.50 | USD 9.95 |
| Pack count | 1 encoder | 2 encoders |
| Rotation detail | 20 pulses per revolution | 30 detent points over 360 degrees |
| Shaft detail | D shaft, 15 mm shaft length | 6 mm split shaft, 12 mm long |
| Switch | Push-to-actuate momentary switch | Built-in momentary normally open push switch |
| Connection detail | 7 pins, PC pin termination | 5 PC leads, PC pin termination |
Where each product wins
The EC11 wins on a specific single-control format. Its D shaft, 15 mm shaft length, and seven-pin arrangement make it the more clearly defined choice for a build planned around those details. The stated switch-contact rating of 5 V at 10 mA is also a useful electrical specification when that rating matches the circuit requirements.
The Alps pair wins on count and detent specification. The title specifies two encoders, while the description calls out 30 detent points and endless 360-degree shaft movement. It also describes a compact 12 mm by 12 mm by 4 mm base, two support tabs on 12 mm centers, and separate encoder and switch leads.
Product notes
1 Pc - EC11 360 Degree Rotary Encoder PCB Mount Push Switch D Shaft
The EC11 is the direct choice for a single D-shaft encoder with a push-to-actuate switch and the stated 20 pulses per revolution. Its 15 mm shaft length and seven pins give the configuration clear, concrete parameters, while the switch contacts are rated for 5 V at 10 mA. The USD 2.50 listed price places it at the lower end of this comparison. Its main limitation is the one-piece package: the listing includes one encoder, whereas the Alps title specifies two. Choose the EC11 for a design centered on the D shaft, one-unit count, and 20-pulse configuration rather than a requirement for 30 detent points.
2 X Alps Rotary Encoder w/ Momentary Switch - 30 Detent / 360 Degrees - PC Board
The Alps pair centers on two encoders and its stated 30 detent points across 360-degree movement. Each encoder combines rotary input with a built-in momentary normally open push switch. The listed dimensions include a 12 mm by 12 mm by 4 mm base, a 7 mm bushing diameter, and a 6 mm diameter split shaft. Its five PC leads are described as three for the encoder and two for the switch, with two support tabs on 12 mm centers. At USD 9.95, it is the higher-priced option in this comparison. Its constraint is a different physical configuration from the EC11: it uses a split shaft and five leads rather than a D shaft and seven pins.
Final choice by use case
For one rotary control with a D shaft, select the EC11. For a two-encoder package with 30 stated detent points and split shafts, select the Alps pair. If the deciding factor is the listed price, the EC11 is lower; if the deciding factor is receiving two encoders in the package, the Alps option is the relevant match.
