# item.guide
Side-by-Side Comparison Jack Connectors

3.5 mm TRRS vs. RCA

Comparing 2 standards across 10 specifications. 10 key differences identified.

Comparing:
3.5 mm TRRS
RCA
3.5 mm TRRS →

3.5mm TRRS connectors transmit stereo audio plus a microphone signal over four conductors. CTIA wiring places ground on Ring 2 and mic on the sleeve; OMTP swaps ground to the sleeve and mic to Ring 2, causing muted or distorted audio when the two are mixed.

View full 3.5 mm TRRS spec sheet →
RCA →

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.

View full RCA spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

10 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
3.5 mm TRRS
RCA
Connector Family
Phone Jack (Mini-Jack) Coaxial Phono Connector
Conductors / Contacts
4 (Tip, Ring 1, Ring 2, Sleeve) 2 (Center Pin, Outer Shield Ring)
Signal Format
Stereo Audio + Microphone / Inline Remote Unbalanced Line-Level Audio / Composite Video / S/PDIF
Primary Applications
Smartphone headsets, gaming headsets, laptops with combo audio/mic jack Home theater receivers, DJ turntables/mixers, composite/component video, S/PDIF digital
Shaft / Plug Diameter
3.5 mm (1/8") —
CTIA Standard Pinout
Tip: Left | Ring 1: Right | Ring 2: Ground | Sleeve: Mic (Apple, Android) —
OMTP Standard Pinout
Tip: Left | Ring 1: Right | Ring 2: Mic | Sleeve: Ground (Legacy EU) —
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)

Other Alternatives to Compare

Compare 3.5 mm TRRS vs. 2.5mm TRRS → Compare 3.5 mm TRRS vs. 2.5mm TRS → Compare 3.5 mm TRRS vs. 3.5 mm TRS → Compare 3.5 mm TRRS vs. 6.35 mm (1/4") TRS → Compare 3.5 mm TRRS vs. 6.35mm TS → Compare 3.5 mm TRRS vs. Coaxial Cable Types (RG Series) → Compare 3.5 mm TRRS vs. XLR 3-Pin → Compare 3.5 mm TRRS vs. XLR 4-Pin → Compare 3.5 mm TRRS vs. XLR 5-Pin →