What Are Pogo Pin Connectors?

Pogo pin connectors are spring-loaded contact pins used to create temporary electrical connections.
They’re widely used in electronics testing, battery charging, and compact PCB designs.

Unlike fixed connectors, pogo pins maintain consistent pressure for a stable connection.
They reduce wear on contact points and are highly durable.

pogo pin connectors

Pogo pin connectors

Each pin consists of a plunger, spring, and barrel. When compressed, the pin conducts electricity with low resistance.
This makes them ideal for high-cycle operations in wearables, smartphones, and test jigs.

In 2025, advancements in materials and micro design have improved durability and performance.
These upgrades are crucial for industries that require frequent contact cycles.

Pogo pins are available in single-pin and multi-pin configurations.
They also come in various pitches, force levels, and plating types, such as gold for corrosion resistance.

How to Choose the Right Pogo Pin Connector

Selecting the right pogo pin depends on the device, current requirements, and environment.

Key considerations:

  • Electrical Ratings: Know the voltage and current capacity.

  • Stroke Length: Choose pins with sufficient travel distance.

  • Spring Force: Too much pressure can damage your board. Too little and the contact is unstable.

  • Plating: Gold is ideal for corrosion resistance and conductivity.

  • Mounting Style: Options include through-hole, SMT, or press-fit.

Applications vary:

  • Consumer Devices need compact, low-resistance pins.

  • Medical Equipment requires high reliability and biocompatibility.

  • Test Fixtures benefit from long cycle life and modularity.

If you’re prototyping or building production-grade electronics, choose pins tested for over 100,000 cycles.
For low-volume use, cost-effective options may suffice without sacrificing quality.

Top 10 Pogo Pin Connectors in 2025

1. Mill-Max 854-22-004-20-001101

A high-performance, precision-machined pin ideal for test fixtures and modular electronics.
It offers a gold-plated finish, 100,000+ cycle life, and a compact 0.050″ pitch.

2. Harwin S0911-46R

Engineered for high-reliability applications.
Excellent for wearables and robotics with a strong spring force and low contact resistance.

3. CFE Electronics SLP Series

Compact, cost-effective pogo pins designed for mobile accessories.
Supports up to 2A current and maintains strong contact under movement.

4. Yokowo 6560 Series

Japanese-engineered pins that excel in rugged environments.
Designed for automated test equipment with high-speed signal support.

5. QH Industrial P75 Series

Widely adopted for PCB testing.
Offers a long travel distance and comes in multiple head shapes for varied use cases.

6. Andon Electronics 304 Series

Focused on battery and docking applications.
Flat-top design ensures uniform contact with minimal wear.

7. TE Connectivity Pogo Connectors

Available in custom configurations and modules.
Built for consumer and industrial-grade applications alike.

8. Preci-Dip Spring Contact Probes

Swiss precision manufacturing ensures low contact resistance and long lifespan.
Well-suited for medical and aerospace use.

9. Pomona 72937 Modular Connector

Flexible test pin array ideal for lab environments and prototyping boards.

10. E-tec Interconnect Pogo Pins

Budget-friendly pogo pins without compromising on gold plating or spring quality.
Great for education, prototyping, and light-use commercial products.

Use Cases for Pogo Pins in 2025

Pogo pins are more relevant than ever with the rising demand for:

  • Wearable electronics

  • Electric vehicle testing modules

  • Medical diagnostic devices

  • Smart charging docks

  • Mobile phone test stations

Their compact size and high cycle rating make them perfect for short-term but repeated connections.
They’re especially useful in scenarios where soldered connectors are impractical.

As IoT expands, pogo pins offer a low-maintenance way to build modular, swappable components.

They reduce the time and cost of product validation, battery swap-out, or sensor calibration.
In production lines, they’re used for flashing firmware and testing continuity without permanent joins.

Maintenance Tips for Long-Term Use

To extend the life of pogo pin connectors:

  • Clean Regularly: Use isopropyl alcohol and lint-free swabs to remove debris.

  • Avoid Overcompression: Applying too much force reduces spring lifespan.

  • Use Proper Alignment: Misalignment can bend pins or wear out the barrel.

  • Store in Dry Environments: Humidity leads to corrosion, even on gold-plated pins.

Replace any pins that show pitting, discoloration, or inconsistent spring behavior.
Proper care ensures reliable connections through tens of thousands of cycles.

FAQs

Q1: What are pogo pins used for?
A: They’re used in electronics testing, battery charging, wearables, and modular PCB designs for temporary yet stable connections.

Q2: Can I solder pogo pins?
A: Most pogo pins are press-fit or surface-mount. Some variants can be soldered, but it’s not typical due to their spring-loaded design.

Q3: Are pogo pins reusable?
A: Yes. They’re designed for repeated use and typically last 50,000 to 100,000 cycles with proper maintenance.

Q4: Do pogo pins come in different sizes?
A: Yes. They vary by diameter, stroke length, and spring force. Choose based on your application’s space and electrical requirements.

Q5: Are pogo pins suitable for high-current applications?
A: Some are. Check the pin’s current rating. For high-power use, opt for pogo pins rated for 3A or higher.

Q6: How do I test pogo pin reliability?
A: Use cycle test rigs and measure contact resistance over time. Visual checks help spot wear or corrosion.

Q7: Can pogo pins replace USB connectors?
A: Not directly. Pogo pins are better suited for docking or internal test points, not data transfer or rugged connections.

Q8: What plating is best for pogo pins?
A: Gold plating is preferred for its corrosion resistance and low contact resistance.

Q9: Are pogo pins expensive?
A: Prices vary. Basic models are cost-effective, while high-end versions with gold plating and tight tolerances cost more.

Q10: Where can I buy pogo pins?
A: Trusted suppliers include Digi-Key, Mouser, RS Components, and direct from manufacturers like CEFECONN, pogo pin manufacturers.