Molex KK 254 & KK 396 Cross-Reference: 2.54mm and 3.96mm Wire-to-Board Equivalents
Time:2026-01-02
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The KK series is Molex’s decades-old wire-to-board standard, the humble white housing with a friction lock and crimp terminals that shows up in appliances, industrial controls, fans and power supplies everywhere. It comes in two pitches, and knowing which one your drawing calls for is basically the whole job.
We build KK-compatible housings, headers and crimp terminals in our Shenzhen plant. Drop-in equivalents that mate with the same terminal style and the same mating half, without the branded markup, the long lead time or the volume MOQ.
KK 254: the 2.54 mm pitch
KK 254 is the 2.54 mm (0.100″) pitch, the same spacing as a standard pin header. It’s the default for low-to-moderate current signals, usually rated around 4 A per circuit, and it’s what most people picture when they say “KK”. We carry straight and right-angle headers, plus the matching crimp housings from 2 to 20 circuits and more.
KK 396: the 3.96 mm pitch, for real current
KK 396 steps up to 3.96 mm pitch with heavier contacts, so it’s the one to pick when the load is higher. Typically rated around 7 A per circuit. Think power supplies, motor connections and anything that pushes past what a 2.54 mm housing is comfortable with. The bigger pitch also means a bigger, more forgiving connector to assemble.
KK 254 vs KK 396 side by side
| Series | Pitch | Typical rating | Our compatible |
|---|---|---|---|
| KK 254 | 2.54 mm | 4 A per circuit | Header + crimp housing, 2–20 circuits |
| KK 396 | 3.96 mm | 7 A per circuit | Header + crimp housing, heavier contacts |
Here’s the point that matters more than the datasheet: a KK-compatible part is only as good as its crimp terminals. The housing and header are the easy half. The terminal is what carries the current and what fails first when the crimp is sloppy. We supply the matching terminals with every housing, so the whole chain, housing, terminal, header, comes from one factory and mates correctly.
And the economics are worth saying. A branded KK order usually means paying a premium for a part that hasn’t changed in decades, then waiting weeks and buying thousands. A factory-direct equivalent keeps the same footprint and cuts the price, the lead time and the minimum. That’s the whole reason these cross-reference pages exist.
If you’re swapping an existing KK part, send us the drawing or the part number and we’ll confirm the drop-in match before you commit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these genuine Molex KK parts?
No. They’re KK-compatible equivalents with the same pitch, footprint and terminal style, made in our own Shenzhen factory.
What is the difference between KK 254 and KK 396?
Pitch: 2.54 mm vs 3.96 mm. KK 396 has heavier contacts and a higher current rating, so it suits power connections.
Do you supply the matching crimp terminals?
Yes. Housing, header and matching terminals together, so the whole connection comes from one factory.
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