12 Most Common JST Connector Types: SH, GH, PH, XH, VH & More

Introduction

"JST Connector" refers to connectors manufactured by Japan Solderless Terminal (JST), or compatible wire-to-board connectors of similar design. JST connectors are the most widely used small-pitch connectors in electronics — found in drones, 3D printers, Arduino boards, LiPo batteries, flight controllers, and consumer devices. This guide covers the 12 most popular JST connector series, with full specs, pinouts, and a practical selection guide.

JST Connector Comparison Table

Series	Pitch	Current Rating	Wire AWG	Type	Common Use
SH	1.0mm	1A	28–32	Wire-to-Board (SMD)	Laptops, drones, wearables
GH	1.25mm	1A	28–32	Wire-to-Board (SMD)	Flight controllers, FPV drones, Pixhawk
ZH	1.5mm	1A	26–32	Wire-to-Board (THT)	3D printers, IoT devices
PH	2.0mm	2A	24–32	Wire-to-Board (THT)	LiPo batteries, Arduino, sensors
PA/XA	2.0/2.5mm	3A	22–28	Wire-to-Board	Japanese consumer electronics
EH	2.5mm	3A	22–30	Wire-to-Board (THT)	Slim PCB, space-constrained designs
XH	2.5mm	3A	22–28	Wire-to-Board (THT)	3D printers, RC vehicles, DIY
SM	2.5mm	3A	22–28	Wire-to-Wire	LED strips, lighting
RCY	2.5mm	3A	22–28	Wire-to-Wire	RC battery packs, hobby
VH	3.96mm	10A	18–22	Wire-to-Board (THT)	Power supply, motors, high-current

1. JST SH Connector (1.0mm Pitch)

The JST SH is an ultra-compact SMD connector with a 1.0mm pitch. It is rated at 1A and supports AWG 28–32 wire. Commonly found in laptops, compact drones, wearables, and miniature sensors. Available with side wings to aid disconnection in tight spaces. The SH is the go-to connector when board space is at an absolute premium.

Key specs: Pitch 1.0mm | 1A | AWG 28–32 | SMD mount

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2. JST GH Connector (1.25mm Pitch)

The JST GH features a 1.25mm pitch with a positive latching mechanism for secure connections. Rated at 1A, AWG 28–32. It is the standard connector for Pixhawk autopilot systems, FPV flight controllers, and high-density drone electronics. The GH is often confused with the SH — the key difference is the 0.25mm larger pitch and latch design.

Key specs: Pitch 1.25mm | 1A | AWG 28–32 | SMD mount | Positive latch

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3. JST ZH Connector (1.5mm Pitch)

The JST ZH is one of the smallest through-hole JST connectors at 1.5mm pitch. Rated 1A, AWG 26–32. Widely used in 3D printers (especially for thermistor and endstop connections) and IoT devices. A practical middle ground between the ultra-compact SH/GH and the more common PH series.

Key specs: Pitch 1.5mm | 1A | AWG 26–32 | THT mount

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4. JST PH Connector (2.0mm Pitch)

The JST PH is one of the most popular JST connector series worldwide. With a 2.0mm pitch, 2A rating, and AWG 24–32 support, it is the standard connector for LiPo batteries, Arduino boards, sensors, and small robotics. The Arduino Nano 33 IoT uses a JST PH for its battery input. If you only stock one JST series, PH is the most versatile choice.

Key specs: Pitch 2.0mm | 2A | AWG 24–32 | THT mount

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5. JST XH Connector (2.5mm Pitch)

The JST XH is the dominant connector in 3D printers, RC vehicles, and DIY electronics. At 2.5mm pitch with a 3A rating and AWG 22–28, it offers a good balance of size and current capacity. The XH is the standard for balance connectors on LiPo battery packs and stepper motor wiring in 3D printers like Ender 3 and Prusa.

Key specs: Pitch 2.5mm | 3A | AWG 22–28 | THT mount

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6. JST PA / XA Connector (2.0mm / 2.5mm Pitch)

The JST PA and XA series are similar to PH and XH respectively, but feature a positive latch mechanism for more secure connections. Rated 3A, AWG 22–28. Primarily found in Japanese consumer electronics and appliances. Less common in the hobbyist market but important for OEM replacement applications.

Key specs: Pitch 2.0mm (PA) / 2.5mm (XA) | 3A | AWG 22–28 | Positive latch

7. JST EH Connector (2.5mm Pitch)

The JST EH shares the 2.5mm pitch with XH but is significantly slimmer in profile, making it ideal for space-constrained PCB designs. Rated 3A, AWG 22–30. The EH is often chosen over XH when vertical clearance is limited. It is less common than XH but increasingly used in compact industrial and medical electronics.

Key specs: Pitch 2.5mm | 3A | AWG 22–30 | THT mount | Slim profile

8. JST SM Connector (2.5mm Pitch)

The JST SM is a wire-to-wire connector (not wire-to-board) at 2.5mm pitch, rated 3A, AWG 22–28. It is the de facto standard for LED strip connections and lighting applications. The SM features a snap-lock housing that prevents accidental disconnection. If you work with LED strips or addressable lighting (WS2812, APA102), you will encounter JST SM connectors constantly.

Key specs: Pitch 2.5mm | 3A | AWG 22–28 | Wire-to-wire | Snap-lock

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9. JST RCY Connector (2.5mm Pitch)

The JST RCY is a compact 2-position wire-to-wire connector at 2.5mm pitch, rated 3A, AWG 22–28. It is the standard battery connector for small RC cars, micro helicopters, and hobby battery packs. The RCY is sometimes called the "JST battery connector" in the RC hobby community. Note: it is not compatible with JST SM despite sharing the same pitch.

Key specs: Pitch 2.5mm | 3A | AWG 22–28 | Wire-to-wire | 2-pin only

10. JST VH Connector (3.96mm Pitch)

The JST VH is the largest and highest-current common JST series. At 3.96mm pitch with a 10A rating and AWG 18–22, it is designed for power supply connections, motor wiring, and high-current applications. The VH features a robust positive latch and is rated for repeated mating cycles. It is the correct choice whenever current exceeds 3A in a JST-style connector.

Key specs: Pitch 3.96mm | 10A | AWG 18–22 | THT mount | Positive latch

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How to Choose the Right JST Connector

Use this decision guide to select the correct JST series for your application:

• Ultra-compact / SMD board space: → JST SH (1.0mm)
• Flight controllers / FPV drones / Pixhawk: → JST GH (1.25mm)
• 3D printers (thermistors, endstops) / IoT: → JST ZH (1.5mm)
• LiPo batteries / Arduino / sensors: → JST PH (2.0mm)
• 3D printers (steppers, fans) / RC balance plugs: → JST XH (2.5mm)
• LED strips / addressable lighting: → JST SM (2.5mm)
• RC hobby battery packs: → JST RCY (2.5mm)
• Slim PCB / space-constrained: → JST EH (2.5mm)
• High current (>3A) / power supply / motors: → JST VH (3.96mm)

JST SH vs GH vs ZH vs PH vs XH: Key Differences

The most common source of confusion is choosing between SH, GH, ZH, PH, and XH. Here is a direct comparison:

• SH vs GH: Both are SMD, both rated 1A. SH is 1.0mm pitch (smaller); GH is 1.25mm with a positive latch. GH is standard for Pixhawk/drones; SH for ultra-compact devices.
• GH vs ZH: GH is SMD (1.25mm); ZH is THT (1.5mm). ZH is more common in 3D printers; GH in flight controllers.
• PH vs XH: PH is 2.0mm / 2A; XH is 2.5mm / 3A. PH for batteries and Arduino; XH for 3D printer wiring and RC balance plugs.
• EH vs XH: Same 2.5mm pitch and 3A rating, but EH has a slimmer housing profile. Choose EH when vertical space is limited.

Shop All JST Connectors

Keszoox stocks the full range of JST connector series — housings, terminals, PCB headers, and pre-crimped cable assemblies. All products are in stock and ship worldwide.

🛒 Browse All JST Connectors at Keszoox →

Related JST Connector Guides

• 📌 JST VH Connector: Complete Guide to Types, Pinout & Specs
• 📌 JST Connector Models Explained: SH, GH, ZH, PH, XH & More

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different types of JST connectors?

The most common JST connector types are SH (1.0mm), GH (1.25mm), ZH (1.5mm), PH (2.0mm), XH (2.5mm), EH (2.5mm), SM (2.5mm), RCY (2.5mm), and VH (3.96mm). Each series has a different pitch, current rating, and application. See the comparison table above for full specs.

Are JST connectors from different series compatible?

No. Different JST series have different pitches and housing designs and are not interchangeable. Always match the series exactly — PH to PH, XH to XH, GH to GH, etc. Mixing series will result in physical incompatibility or electrical damage.

What is the most popular JST connector?

JST PH (2.0mm) and JST XH (2.5mm) are the most widely used in hobbyist electronics, Arduino projects, and 3D printers. JST GH (1.25mm) is the most popular in drone and flight controller applications.

What JST connector does Arduino use?

Most Arduino boards use JST PH (2.0mm) for battery connections. The Arduino Nano 33 IoT uses JST SH (1.0mm) for the ESLOV I2C connector. The Arduino MKR series also uses JST PH for LiPo battery input.

What JST connector is used in 3D printers?

3D printers commonly use JST XH (2.5mm) for stepper motor, fan, and endstop wiring, and JST ZH (1.5mm) for thermistor connections. Prusa, Ender 3, and most Creality printers follow this standard.

What is the difference between JST SH and GH?

JST SH has a 1.0mm pitch and no latch; JST GH has a 1.25mm pitch with a positive latch mechanism. Both are SMD-mount and rated at 1A. GH is the Pixhawk/drone standard; SH is used in ultra-compact consumer devices.

Which JST connector can handle the most current?

The JST VH (3.96mm pitch) is rated at 10A, making it the highest-current standard JST series. For applications above 3A, VH is the correct choice. All other common JST series (SH, GH, ZH, PH, XH, EH, SM) are rated at 1–3A.