When you are shopping for sensors, encoders, and machine-safety components for an automation or machine setup, the component choice matters as much as the wiring plan. The four options here sit at very different price points, so the first question is not which one is best but what the job is asking for. A bare rotary encoder is made to be mounted on a circuit board and turned by a shaft. A digital length meter is made to roll along cloth or tubing and give you a counted distance. Choosing between them early prevents you from paying for features you will never use.
Quick take
The 1 Pc EC11 is a low-priced through-hole encoder with a D shaft, ideal for compact builds. The One 5PIN EC11 is a single-unit split-shaft option often aimed at radio control panel work. The 2/4/6/10PCS Dual Axis Rotary Encoder is the multi-pack choice with green-and-silver metal bodies. The Electronic Digital Length Meter is a different tool altogether: a distance counter with a digital readout for large lengths.
Price comparison
| Product | Listed price | Price bar |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Pc - EC11 360 Degree Rotary Encoder PCB Mount Push Switch D Shaft | USD 2.50 | |
| One 5PIN EC11 30 Position Rotary Encoder With Push Switch Split Shaft | USD 21.00 | |
| 2/4/6/10PCS Dual Axis Rotary Encoder With Switch 30 Positioning Number 15 Pulse | USD 29.99 | |
| Electronic Digital Length Meter Rotary Encoder Rolling Wheel Distance Counter US | USD 94.72 |
Decision matrix
- If you need a single encoder with a push switch for a compact control knob, the 1 Pc EC11 is the direct fit.
- If you need a 30-position rotary for a radio-style panel, the One 5PIN EC11 covers that.
- If you need several encoders at once, the 2/4/6/10PCS option lets you choose a set of two, four, six, or ten pieces, each with a switch and 15 pulses.
- If you need to measure material length with relay outputs, the Electronic Digital Length Meter is the only option here built for that job.
Product notes
1 Pc - EC11 360 Degree Rotary Encoder PCB Mount Push Switch D Shaft
At the lower end of this price spread, the 1 Pc EC11 is a through-hole PCB-mount encoder with a D-shaped shaft and a push-to-actuate momentary switch. The description specifies a 15 mm shaft length, seven pins, and 20 pulses per revolution, which makes it a good fit for a compact control knob that needs both rotation and a click. Its switch contacts are rated for 5 volts at 10 mA, so it suits low-signal circuits rather than power switching. The main limitation is the single-piece quantity: if you need several identical encoders, you have to place separate orders. The product description also includes a California Prop 65 warning, which may matter depending on where you live.
One 5PIN EC11 30 Position Rotary Encoder With Push Switch Split Shaft
The One 5PIN EC11 moves you up to a 30-position detent with a split shaft and a push switch. The description points to a 12.5 mm shaft length and specifically says to confirm the part is correct for your radio, which signals its intended use in radio control panels or similar knob-driven interfaces. It is a single-piece purchase, so the price is noticeably higher than the 1 Pc EC11 but still below the multi-pack and the length meter. The trade-off is that you get exactly one unit. If the 30-position split-shaft feel is what your panel needs, this is a dedicated way to get it.
2/4/6/10PCS Dual Axis Rotary Encoder With Switch 30 Positioning Number 15 Pulse
The 2/4/6/10PCS Dual Axis Rotary Encoder is the quantity-flexible choice. You select a set of two, four, six, or ten encoders, and each unit includes a switch, 30 positioning numbers, and 15 pulses. It has a metal body, an 8 mm base height, and a green and silver color. Because the pack size is optional, the price you pay is for the chosen quantity rather than for a fixed four-pack. The description also warns that different production batches may show slight labeling or color differences, so if panel consistency is essential, that is the limitation to weigh against having spares on hand.
Electronic Digital Length Meter Rotary Encoder Rolling Wheel Distance Counter US
The Electronic Digital Length Meter takes a completely different approach. Instead of mounting on a PCB, it uses a rolling wheel and a digital counter to measure cloth or tubing length, with a range up to 999,999m / 3,280,837ft. It feeds dual relay outputs so it can control two devices, and it supports regular, batch, and total counting modes. The meter includes a US plug, and the materials are plastic, aluminium alloy, and rubber, with a gross weight of 1.2kg. At the top of this price spread, it is the most expensive option here, which makes sense for a complete measuring instrument. The limitation is that you cannot use it as a bare rotary encoder for a control knob; it is built for a different type of measurement.
Final recommendation
For the lowest-priced control-knob encoder, choose the $2.50 1 Pc EC11. For a radio-style panel control, choose the $21.00 One 5PIN EC11. For multiple encoders, choose the $29.99 2/4/6/10PCS pack and pick the quantity you need. For length measurement, choose the $94.72 Electronic Digital Length Meter. Match the tool to the task: rotation-sensing projects can start at $2.50, while large-length measuring projects need the $94.72 rolling-wheel counter.
