Side-by-Side Comparison
Jack Connectors
2.5mm TRS vs. RCA
Comparing 2 standards across 9 specifications. 9 key differences identified.
Comparing:
2.5mm TRS
RCA
2.5mm TRS is the smallest common member of the phone-connector family -- the same tip-ring-sleeve wiring as 3.5mm TRS, scaled down to a 2.5mm shaft. It was used for headset jacks on cordless phones, two-way radios, and early portable tape recorder remotes before 3.5mm became the standard smaller size.
The RCA connector, introduced by RCA Corporation around 1937, is a de facto industry-standard connector for consumer audio and composite video -- there is no formal mechanical specification for the connector itself, though the composite video signal it typically carries targets a nominal 75-ohm impedance.
Specification Comparison Table
9 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Connector Family
|
Phone Jack (Micro-Mini) | Coaxial Phono Connector |
|
Conductors / Contacts
|
3 (Tip, Ring, Sleeve) | 2 (Center Pin, Outer Shield Ring) |
|
Signal Format
|
Unbalanced Stereo / Balanced Mono | Unbalanced Line-Level Audio / Composite Video / S/PDIF |
|
Primary Applications
|
Cordless phones, two-way radios, legacy mobile headsets, micro audio gear | Home theater receivers, DJ turntables/mixers, composite/component video, S/PDIF digital |
|
Shaft / Plug Diameter
|
2.5 mm | — |
|
Standard Stereo Pinout
|
Tip: Left | Ring: Right | Sleeve: Ground | — |
|
Outer Shell / Contact Diameter
|
— | 8.3–8.5 mm (Outer) | 3.175 mm (Center Pin) |
|
Standard Pinout
|
— | Center Pin: Positive Signal (+) | Outer Ring: Ground / Shield (-) |
|
Characteristic Impedance
|
— | 75 Ω (Video / S/PDIF) | ~50 Ω (Audio) |
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