Choosing between a free-spinning rotary encoder and a detented encoder usually comes down to how your controls should feel. In the sensors, encoders, and machine-safety side of a build, the rotary encoder is the part that turns hand motion into signals your controller can read. Two options lay out that choice plainly: the Precision 360° Rotary Encoder Pack of 4 - Ideal for Stepper and Servo Motors at USD 12.99, and the One 5PIN EC11 30 Position Rotary Encoder With Push Switch Split Shaft at USD 21.00.
The main question is whether you want a knob that spins continuously or one that moves through fixed steps and can be pressed like a button. The 4-pack is built for endless rotation and multi-control panels. The EC11, by contrast, gives you a defined position per step with a push switch integrated in the same housing.
Quick verdict
Choose the 4-pack if you need multiple rotary inputs and free-spinning adjustment. Choose the EC11 if you need a single, tactile 30-position control with a push-to-select action.
At a glance
| Feature | Precision 360° Rotary Encoder Pack of 4 | One 5PIN EC11 30 Position Rotary Encoder With Push Switch Split Shaft |
|---|---|---|
| List price | USD 12.99 | USD 21.00 |
| Quantity | Pack of 4 | One |
| Rotation | 360° continuous, 20 pulses per rotation | 30-position rotary action |
| Shaft | Shaft actuator | Split shaft, 12.5 mm |
Where each product wins
- The Precision 360° Rotary Encoder Pack of 4 wins when your panel has several knobs and you want continuous rotation. Four modules in one order makes it easy to populate a multi-axis or multi-channel control setup.
- The One 5PIN EC11 30 Position Rotary Encoder With Push Switch Split Shaft wins when each control needs a definite step position and a separate push action. The push switch is part of the same component, so one encoder covers rotation and selection.
Product notes
Precision 360° Rotary Encoder Pack of 4 - Ideal for Stepper and Servo Motors
If you need multiple rotary controls, this four-module kit is a practical starting point. Each module is an incremental encoder with a shaft actuator and through-hole mounting, working at 5V and delivering 20 pulses per rotation. It counts in both directions and supports unlimited rotation, which makes the pack well suited to stepper and servo motor adjustments, digital potentiometer settings, or other endless-turn tasks. Knob caps are included, so you can mount them into a panel and start turning right away. The main limitation is the rotation style: it is a free-spinning continuous encoder, not a 30-position step switch, so each knob will not offer fixed detent stops. If your interface relies on discrete clicks and push-to-confirm actions, this four-pack is better paired with a separate switch or a different encoder entirely.
One 5PIN EC11 30 Position Rotary Encoder With Push Switch Split Shaft
This EC11 encoder is a single, self-contained input component. It has a 30-position rotary action and an integrated push switch, so a single turn-and-press control can handle scrolling, selection, and confirmation without extra parts. The split shaft is 12.5 mm long, and the five-pin layout keeps the hookup straightforward. The limitation is the unit count: the order contains one encoder, so a multi-knob project will need additional units and the total cost will rise with each extra position. It is also a 30-position control rather than a free-spinning dial, so it is not meant for endless rotation. If you need one tactile rotary switch with a press function, this is the more complete pick.
Final choice by use case
For a stepper or servo motor rig with several continuous-turn knobs, start with the Precision 360° Rotary Encoder Pack of 4. For a menu-select, mode-select, or any control that needs a defined position plus push-to-confirm, go with the One 5PIN EC11 30 Position Rotary Encoder With Push Switch Split Shaft.
