JST PH vs SH: Key Differences, Specs & Which to Choose
The JST PH (2.0mm) and JST SH (1.0mm) are two of the most popular JST connector series in electronics — but they're often confused by beginners. This guide breaks down the key differences in pitch, size, current rating, and application so you can choose the right one for your project. Shop JST PH and SH connectors at Keszoox.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | JST SH | JST PH |
|---|---|---|
| Pitch | 1.0 mm | 2.0 mm |
| Current rating | 1A per contact | 2A per contact |
| Wire AWG | 28–32 | 24–32 |
| Mount type | SMD | Through-hole |
| Locking | Friction / side latch | Standard positive latch |
| Common use | Drones, laptops, wearables, Qwiic | LiPo batteries, Arduino, sensors |
| Pin count | 2–15 | 2–16 |
| Size | Ultra-compact | Compact |
| Interchangeable? | No — physically incompatible | |
JST SH (1.0mm Pitch)
The JST SH is one of the smallest connector series JST manufactures. With a 1.0mm pitch, it is designed for ultra-compact applications where space is critical. It is the industry standard for the Qwiic (SparkFun) and STEMMA QT (Adafruit) I²C ecosystems.
- Pitch: 1.0mm
- Current: 1A per contact
- Wire AWG: 28–32
- Mount: SMD (surface mount)
- Locking: Friction lock or side latch
Common applications: FPV drones and quadcopters, laptop internal connections, wearable electronics, compact IoT sensors, Pixhawk/ArduPilot telemetry ports, Qwiic/STEMMA QT I²C modules.
➡️ Shop JST SH 1.0mm Connectors | JST SH Complete Guide
JST PH (2.0mm Pitch)
The JST PH is one of the most widely used JST series in hobbyist electronics. Its 2.0mm pitch makes it larger and easier to handle than SH, while still being compact enough for most portable devices.
- Pitch: 2.0mm
- Current: 2A per contact
- Wire AWG: 24–32
- Mount: Through-hole
- Locking: Standard positive latch
Common applications: LiPo battery packs (RC hobby, drones), Arduino sensor connections, small robots and rovers, compact consumer electronics, battery management systems (BMS).
➡️ Shop JST PH 2.0mm Connectors | JST PH Complete Guide
Key Differences Explained
1. Pitch (Most Important): SH uses 1.0mm pitch — exactly half of PH's 2.0mm. This means they are physically incompatible and cannot be mated with each other. Not sure which pitch you have? Use our JST connector identification guide to measure and confirm.
2. Current Rating: PH supports 2A per contact vs SH's 1A. For power-hungry applications such as battery wiring, PH or larger series like XH are the safer choice.
3. Wire Gauge: SH requires thinner wire (AWG 28–32). Using thicker wire risks damaging the connector housing. PH accepts a wider range (AWG 24–32), making it more versatile.
4. Mounting Style: SH connectors use SMD mounting — soldered directly to PCB pads. PH connectors use through-hole mounting — pins go through the PCB and are soldered on the back. This affects PCB design requirements.
5. Size: SH is significantly smaller than PH. For tight PCB layouts or miniaturized devices, SH is the better choice. For prototyping and breadboard-friendly projects, PH is easier to handle.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose JST SH if: you need ultra-compact connections, your application is weight-sensitive (drones, wearables), you're working with thin wire (AWG 28–32), your PCB uses SMD design, or current draw is under 1A per pin.
Choose JST PH if: you need a reliable, easy-to-handle connector, you're connecting LiPo batteries or sensors to Arduino, you need up to 2A per contact, you're prototyping and want easier assembly, or your PCB uses through-hole design.
Are JST PH and SH Interchangeable?
No. JST PH and SH have different pitches (2.0mm vs 1.0mm), different housing sizes, and different mounting styles. They cannot be mated with each other. Always verify the series before ordering replacement cables or connectors. Use our JST connector identification guide if you're unsure which series you have.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between JST PH and SH? JST PH has a 2.0mm pitch and 2A rating with through-hole mounting. JST SH has a 1.0mm pitch and 1A rating with SMD mounting. They are not interchangeable.
Can I use JST SH instead of JST PH? No. The pitch difference (1.0mm vs 2.0mm) means the connectors are physically incompatible. Using the wrong connector risks damaging your device.
Which 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 connector. The Arduino MKR series uses JST PH 2-pin for LiPo battery.
What is the JST SH used for in Qwiic? The Qwiic (SparkFun) and STEMMA QT (Adafruit) ecosystems use JST SH 1.0mm 4-pin connectors for I²C communication. This allows plug-and-play connectivity between hundreds of compatible sensor boards without soldering.
What wire gauge for JST SH? AWG 28–32. AWG 28 is the most common for JST SH. Do not use AWG 26 or thicker — it will not fit the terminal correctly.
What wire gauge for JST PH? AWG 24–32. AWG 26–28 is most common for signal wiring. AWG 24 for power connections up to 2A.
Is JST PH the same as JST XH? No. JST PH is 2.0mm pitch; JST XH is 2.5mm pitch. They look similar but are not interchangeable. XH supports 3A per contact vs PH's 2A.
Shop JST PH and SH Connectors at Keszoox
Both JST PH and SH series are in stock at Keszoox — housings, crimp terminals, PCB headers, and pre-crimped cable assemblies, ships worldwide.
- JST SH 1.0mm Connectors — Housings, Pins & Pre-Crimped Cables
- JST PH 2.0mm Connectors — Housings, Pins & Pre-Crimped Cables
Related guides: How to Identify JST Connectors | Common JST Connector Types | JST PH Complete Guide | JST SH Complete Guide