“With great power comes great responsibility.” But which great power works best for my project? We take a deep dive into SparkFun’s 3 latest power switches, the Qwiic Power Switch, Soft Power Switch USB-C, and Soft Power Switch JST.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Qwiic Power Switch | Soft Power Switch USB-C | Soft Power Switch JST |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Use Case | I2C-controlled projects with Qwiic ecosystem | USB-C power management for modern builds | JST-based power control for compact projects |
| Connection Type | Qwiic Connector | USB-C Port | JST 2mm Connector |
| Soldering Required | No | Optional (for external button) | Optional (for external button) |
| External Button Support | No | Yes | Yes |
| Onboard Button | No | Yes | Yes |
| Power Control Method | I2C commands | Manual button press or external button | Manual button press or external button |
| LED Indicators | Incoming/Outgoing Power States | Incoming/Outgoing Power States | Incoming/Outgoing Power States |
| Shutdown Protection | Not applicable (software-controlled) | Requires a long press (~2 seconds) | Requires a long press (~2 seconds) |
Which One Should You Choose?
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Qwiic Power Switch: Best for modular projects with I2C control. Perfect for those who hate soldering but love simplicity.
JST 2mm Soft Power Switch: Great for projects requiring compact connectors and onboard or external button control.
USB-C Soft Power Switch: The same as the JST version but tailored for the modern USB-C standard, which is becoming increasingly common in DIY builds.
Each switch has its strengths, but the real magic lies in their shared ability to streamline power control. Whether you’re a beginner building your first project or an experienced maker looking for ways to polish your designs, there’s a soft power switch here for you.
Why You Need a Soft Power Switch
What sets these switches apart isn’t just their functionality — it’s their low quiescent current draw. Translation: they sip power so minimally that they won’t drain your batteries while your project’s in standby mode. If you’re building a project into a 3D-printed enclosure or any other kind of case, these switches are a game-changer.
No more unscrewing panels just to disconnect power. No more awkward hacks to add a toggle switch after the fact. These soft power switches are sleek, efficient, and ready to take center stage in your next design.
Shop power switches here:
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