Kenwood

Kenwood (2-pin connector) is the most widely used connector standard for radios, used to connect headsets, microphones, and PTT units. It consists of two separate pins – one for audio output (speaker) and the other for the microphone and PTT signal. The Kenwood 2-pin connector is therefore the most common standard for radios in airsoft and civilian use. It offers simple connection, wide compatibility, and readily available accessories. Alongside it, there are professional and military connectors that provide higher durability, but at the cost of higher prices and lower universality. Radios and accessories with a Kenwood 2-pin connector can be found in our e-shop.

Kenwood 2-pin connector dimensions

What does the Kenwood 2-pin look like and how does it work?

The Kenwood connector has a characteristic layout:

2.5 mm pin – microphone + PTT signal,
3.5 mm pin – audio output (earpiece).

The pins are positioned side by side at a fixed spacing, ensuring quick and easy connection. Thanks to analog transmission, the connection is reliable, latency-free, and compatible with a wide range of accessories.

Where is the Kenwood 2-pin used?

civilian and hobby radios (Baofeng, Wouxun, Puxing),
airsoft and MilSim communication,
security agencies and event communication,
basic professional radios.

Thanks to its widespread adoption, the Kenwood 2-pin is the de facto standard in airsoft.

Baofeng UV-5R radio, the most widespread airsoft radio (available in our e-shop)

Advantages of the Kenwood 2-pin connector

extremely wide compatibility,
low cost of accessories,
simple construction,
easy availability of PTTs and headsets.

Disadvantages of the Kenwood 2-pin

lower mechanical durability compared to military connectors,
not waterproof,
not intended for extreme use.

Other radio connector standards

In addition to the Kenwood 2-pin, there are many other connector standards:

Motorola 1-pin / 2-pin: used on professional Motorola radios, higher mechanical durability.
Yaesu: specific pin layouts, common on amateur radios.
Icom: proprietary connectors for professional use.
NATO 6-pin: military standard, rugged and waterproof, used with PTTs.
U174 / TP-120 / NEXUS: military headset connector for headphones and PTT.

Kenwood vs. military connectors

While the Kenwood 2-pin is ideal for airsoft, hobby, and civilian use, military connectors:

are mechanically more durable,
resist water, dust, and mud,
are significantly more expensive.

That is why airsoft often uses a combination – a headset with a military connector and a PTT with a Kenwood 2-pin output.