Choosing the right touch screen technology depends on balancing performance, durability, user experience, and environmental factors.
1. Understand the Main Types of Touchscreen Technologies
| Type |
How It Works |
Common Use Cases |
| Resistive |
Pressure between two layers |
POS, medical, industrial |
Projected Capacitive (PCAP)
|
|
|
Detects electrical field changes |
Smartphones, kiosks, tablets |
| Surface Capacitive |
One conductive layer senses touch |
ATMs, gaming machines |
| Infrared (IR) |
Breaks in invisible light grid detect touch |
Large displays, kiosks |
| Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) |
Uses ultrasonic waves disrupted by touch
|
|
|
Info kiosks, clean areas |
| Optical Imaging |
Cameras detect finger position |
|
2. Define Your Project Requirements
User Interaction
Multi-touch gestures needed? → Choose PCAP
Stylus or gloves required? → Consider Resistive or IR
Environment
Outdoor, dusty, or wet? → IR, SAW, or Resistive
Industrial or medical use? → Resistive or rugged PCAP
Display Size
Small (e.g., <7") → Resistive or PCAP
Medium to Large (>15") → IR, Optical, or PCAP
D. Durability Needs
Scratch and vandal resistant? → PCAP (glass-based)
3. Match Performance to Budget
| Need |
Recommended Tech |
Cost Range |
| Budget-sensitive |
Resistive |
Low |
| High responsiveness |
PCAP |
Medium–High
|
| Large screen touch accuracy |
Infrared or Optical |
Medium–High
|
4. Integration & Technical Support
Interface: USB, I²C, or RS-232?
Operating system support: Windows, Linux, Android?
Driver availability?
Mounting options and mechanical fit?
5. Test & Validate
Before final selection
Request sample units
Test in real-world conditions
Validate touch sensitivity, latency, glove/water performance, etc.
Final Tip: Match Technology to Purpose
| Application |
Best Touch Tech |
| Smartphones/Tablets |
Optical or IR |
| Industrial HMIs |
Resistive or rugged PCAP |
| Outdoor Kiosks |
IR or rugged PCAP |
| POS Terminals |
Resistive |
| Medical Devices |
Resistive (glove-friendly) |
| Education Whiteboards |
Optical or IR |