CipherLab A2564SMBKU0S1 vs Datalogic QBT2131-BK-BTK1: Specification Comparison
Both the CipherLab A2564SMBKU0S1 and the Datalogic QBT2131-BK-BTK1 are cordless 1D linear imager handheld barcode scanners sold as Bluetooth kit bundles targeting retail, warehouse, and logistics environments. Each ships with a USB base station and relies on Bluetooth wireless communication to a host. Buyers in this category typically weigh ruggedness ratings, symbology breadth, scan performance, battery life, and interface flexibility when choosing between units at a similar price and form-factor tier. This comparison evaluates the two models strictly on their published specifications.
In This Guide
- Which scanner delivers faster throughput and broader symbology coverage?
- Which unit is better sealed against dust, liquids, and physical stress?
- Which scanner offers more interface flexibility and a more practical physical footprint?
- Which should you choose: the A2564SMBKU0S1 or the QBT2131-BK-BTK1?
- Side-by-Side Specs
- FAQ
Which scanner delivers faster throughput and broader symbology coverage?
The CipherLab A2564SMBKU0S1 publishes an explicit scan rate of 578 scans per second and supports a wide set of 1D symbologies: Codabar, Code 11, Code 39, Code 93, Code 128, GS1 DataBar (RSS), Industrial 2 of 5, Interleaved 2 of 5, ISBT-128, Italian and French Pharmacodes, Matrix 2 of 5, MSI, Plessey, Telepen, and UPC/EAN/GS1-128 — fifteen distinct symbology families. Scan range for Code 39 is specified at 3–60 cm and for UPC-A at 0.5–38 cm, with a minimum print contrast of 15%.
The Datalogic QBT2131-BK-BTK1 does not publish a scans-per-second figure in the provided specifications. Its listed symbologies are UPC, EAN, Code 128, Code 39, Codabar, and Interleaved 2-of-5 — six families. No minimum print contrast or distance range is specified in the available data. Buyers requiring ISBT-128, Pharmacodes, Plessey, Telepen, MSI, or GS1 DataBar support should note those are absent from the QBT2131's published symbology list.
Which unit is better sealed against dust, liquids, and physical stress?
The CipherLab A2564SMBKU0S1 carries an IP65 rating, meaning it is fully dust-tight and protected against low-pressure water jets from any direction. This makes it suitable for food processing, outdoor receiving docks, or any environment where washdown or significant splash exposure is a possibility.
The Datalogic QBT2131-BK-BTK1 is rated IP42 — protected against solid objects greater than 1 mm in diameter and against dripping water when tilted up to 15 degrees. IP42 is a lighter-duty rating than IP65; the QBT2131 is not dust-tight and offers only limited drip resistance. No drop-rating data is provided for either model in the supplied specifications, so drop performance cannot be compared.
Which scanner offers more interface flexibility and a more practical physical footprint?
The CipherLab A2564SMBKU0S1 specifies Bluetooth wireless communication with a USB dock included in the kit. No RS-232 interface is listed. Auto-sense and continuous scan modes are specified. Color options are Black and Register White. Weight and physical dimensions are not provided in the available specifications.
The Datalogic QBT2131-BK-BTK1 base station supports both USB and RS-232 interfaces in addition to Bluetooth HID, giving it a dual-interface advantage for legacy POS terminals or industrial controllers that require serial connections. The unit weighs 159 g (0.35 lb) and measures 69 × 127 × 124 mm. Battery capacity is published at 1,400 mAh. Weight and dimensions are not specified for the CipherLab, preventing a direct ergonomic comparison on those axes.
Which should you choose: the A2564SMBKU0S1 or the QBT2131-BK-BTK1?
Our take: The A2564SMBKU0S1 is the stronger choice when scan performance, symbology breadth, and environmental sealing are the primary decision drivers. It posts a concrete 578 scans-per-second rate against no published figure for the QBT2131, supports fifteen 1D symbology families versus six for the QBT2131, and carries an IP65 dust-and-water-jet seal compared to the QBT2131's IP42 drip-only rating — a meaningful gap for warehouse, food-service, or outdoor dock deployments. The QBT2131-BK-BTK1 has the edge on interface flexibility (USB and RS-232 from a single base station versus USB only for the CipherLab), a 3-year limited warranty versus the CipherLab's 2-year coverage, and a published 1,400 mAh battery capacity and 159 g weight for buyers who prioritize legacy serial connectivity or documented ergonomic data. Neither unit's drop-rating or base-station range is specified in the available data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | CipherLab A2564SMBKU0S1 | Datalogic QBT2131-BK-BTK1 |
|---|---|---|
| Product Type | 1D Handheld Barcode Scanner | 1D Wireless Handheld Barcode Scanner |
| Scan Engine | 1D Linear Imager | 1D Linear Imager |
| Scan Rate | 578 scans/sec | Not specified |
| Scan Range | Code 39: 3–60 cm; UPC-A: 0.5–38 cm | Not specified |
| Min Print Contrast | 15% | Not specified |
| IP / Ingress Rating | IP65 | IP42 |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth; USB dock | Bluetooth; USB; RS-232 via base |
| Bluetooth Profile | Not specified | HID |
| Battery Capacity | Not specified | 1,400 mAh |
| Weight | Not specified | 159 g (0.35 lb) |
| Dimensions | Not specified | 69 × 127 × 124 mm |
| Symbology Count (published) | 15 families | 6 families |
| Notable Symbologies | Code 39/93/128, UPC/EAN, GS1 DataBar, ISBT-128, Pharmacodes, Plessey, Telepen, MSI, Codabar, I2of5, M2of5, Code 11 | UPC, EAN, Code 128, Code 39, Codabar, I2of5 |
| Scan Modes | Auto-sense and continuous | Not specified |
| Color Options | Black; Register White | Black |
| Warranty | 2-year | 3-year limited |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the A2564SMBKU0S1 or the QBT2131-BK-BTK1?
The A2564SMBKU0S1 is the stronger choice when scan performance, symbology breadth, and environmental sealing are the primary decision drivers. It posts a concrete 578 scans-per-second rate against no published figure for the QBT2131, supports fifteen 1D symbology families versus six for the QBT2131, and carries an IP65 dust-and-water-jet seal compared to the QBT2131's IP42 drip-only rating — a meaningful gap for warehouse, food-service, or outdoor dock deployments. The QBT2131-BK-BTK1 has the edge on interface flexibility (USB and RS-232 from a single base station versus USB only for the CipherLab), a 3-year limited warranty versus the CipherLab's 2-year coverage, and a published 1,400 mAh battery capacity and 159 g weight for buyers who prioritize legacy serial connectivity or documented ergonomic data. Neither unit's drop-rating or base-station range is specified in the available data.
Is the A2564SMBKU0S1 or QBT2131-BK-BTK1 better for environments with water or dust exposure?
The A2564SMBKU0S1 is the better choice here. It is rated IP65, meaning it is fully dust-tight and resistant to water jets. The QBT2131-BK-BTK1 is rated only IP42, which provides basic protection against objects larger than 1 mm and limited drip resistance — it is not dust-tight and should not be exposed to water spray or washdown conditions.
Which scanner supports more barcode types out of the box?
The CipherLab A2564SMBKU0S1 supports fifteen 1D symbology families including ISBT-128, Pharmacodes, Plessey, Telepen, MSI, GS1 DataBar, and Matrix 2 of 5, among others. The Datalogic QBT2131-BK-BTK1's published symbology list covers six families — UPC, EAN, Code 128, Code 39, Codabar, and Interleaved 2-of-5. If your application requires any symbology outside those six, the A2564SMBKU0S1 is the safer selection based on available specs.
Which scanner is the better fit if I need to connect to a legacy RS-232 POS terminal?
The Datalogic QBT2131-BK-BTK1 is the right choice in that scenario. Its base station supports both USB and RS-232 interfaces, making it compatible with older serial-port POS hardware. The CipherLab A2564SMBKU0S1 kit specifies only a USB dock; no RS-232 interface is listed in the available specifications.
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