Resistive Vs Capacitive Touch Screen
OK… let’s open this can of worms. What’s better – resistive or capacitive touchscreens? At ITO Touch, we manufacture both forms of touchscreen so asking us to say which one we prefer is like asking us to name our favourite child… That’s not happening!
But we will discuss the benefits and features of both, and let you make up your own minds (that’s us off the hook).
Off the hook, can of worms – lets see if we can squeeze in any other fish related puns, but maybe this isn’t the right plaice…
What is the difference between resistive and capacitive touchscreens?
The clue here is in the name in terms of how these different touchscreens work. They both utilise ITO (Indium Tin oxide) yet in different ways.
A resistive touchscreen has a slightly flexible screen allowing for downward pressure (touch) to be registered. The base of the screen has two layers, with an ITO coating in the middle of both. The downward pressure disrupts the electric charge, resulting in the device being able to register the touch and the location.
A capacitive screen uses ITO coated glass as the screen. When a user touches the glass, it changes the level of charge at that specific point, allowing the device to register the location. A capacitive screen will also handle touch related gestures (pinch or swipe) as well as multiple touches at the same time.
The multiple touches, swipes and pinches that can be detected with capacitive touch screens is a good reason why most smartphones and tablets use capacitive screens. There is an added benefit of better clarity than that of resistive screens (which utilises the two layers causing a loss of image quality on screen).
Although resistive screens generally can register one command at any given time they certainly have their place, and we probably couldn’t live without them.
Generally, they are more robust than capacitive screens which makes them ideal for use in public facing environments (retail touch checkouts, ticketing kiosks and ATMs, for example) as well as military and medical environments.
Resistive touchscreens can also be used whilst wearing gloves. For military and medical, that can be vital, especially in harsh and challenging environments. As capacitive touchscreens rely on the conductive nature of human skin, the gloves are off.
We think both types of touch screen are equal in terms of what they do and how they benefit the world we live in, in differing ways.
Resistive and Capacitive touchscreen supplier
We can provide both capacitive and resistive touch screens, from development to production volumes, and in sizes ranging up to 1m x 1m. The screens can be provided with anti-glare and other finishes as required, and produced on glass or plastic (flexible or rigid).
If you would like to know more about our touchscreens, please get in touch with us today to discuss your specific requirements.