B&K Precision 1687B
#7 in Single outputFull review
A durable name-brand switching supply for service benches and 24 V equipment, with a warranty the import brands do not offer.
Amazon $408$408
The B&K Precision 1687B is the better bench power supply overall, rated 3.1 to 2.8. The B&K Precision 1687B leads on value. The B&K Precision 1696B wins on PC control and protection & features. The B&K Precision 1687B costs $138.12 less ($408 vs $546.12).
Prices were last checked November 9, 2026. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon or the retailer's site at the time of purchase apply. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
B&K Precision 1696B
#16 in Single outputFull review
A programmable 20 V supply for production and test rigs that chain several units on RS485.
Amazon $546.12$546.12
Which should you buy?
- Choose the B&K Precision 1687B for value ($1.13 per watt ($408, 360 W rated) vs $2.73 per watt ($546.12, 200 W rated)).
- Choose the B&K Precision 1696B for PC control (USB, RS485 with SCPI vs USB) and protection & features (over-voltage protection, over-current protection, stored setups vs over-voltage protection, stored setups).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every single output bench power supply; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | B&K Precision 1687B | B&K Precision 1696B |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.1/5 | 2.8/5 |
| Value 25% | 42 $1.13 per watt ($408, 360 W rated) | 17 $2.73 per watt ($546.12, 200 W rated) |
| Output quality 20% | 33 5 mVrms ripple and noise | 29 6 mVrms ripple and noise |
| Resolution 15% | 50 resolution not published (neutral score used) | 0 100 mV / 10 mA setting resolution |
| PC control 15% | 50 USB | 80 USB, RS485 with SCPI |
| Protection & features 10% | 50 over-voltage protection, stored setups | 80 over-voltage protection, over-current protection, stored setups |
| Warranty 15% | 50 2-year warranty | 50 2-year warranty |
Specifications
| B&K Precision 1687B | B&K Precision 1696B | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Type | Power supply | Power supply |
| Regulation | Switching | - |
| Channels | 1 | 1 |
| Channel ratings | 1-36 V/10 A | 1-20 V/10 A |
| Max voltage | 36 V | 20 V |
| Max current | 10 A | 10 A |
| Rated power | 360 W | 200 W |
| Ripple and noise | 5 mVrms / 50 mVp-p | 6 mVrms / 30 mVp-p |
| Precision | ||
| Setting resolution | - | 100 mV / 10 mA |
| Readback resolution | - | 10 mV / 1 mA |
| Control | ||
| PC interfaces | USB, analog remote | USB, RS485 |
| SCPI | - | Yes |
| Stored setups | 3 | 10 |
| Over-voltage protection | Yes | Yes |
| Over-current protection | - | Yes |
| Build | ||
| Weight | 5.2 lb | 6.6 lb |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |