What is the difference between Capacitive and Resisitive Touchscreens?
Quite a few people asked me this question in the past and I believe this would be the proper venue to answer them. First of all, touchscreen display is an electronic visual display (such as computer monitors, cellular phone screens, etc.) that can detect the presence and location of a touch within the display area as Wikipedia puts it. It enables the users to interact directly with the visuals on the screen without having to use a the pointer or cursor controlled by another device such as the mouse. If you check out the specifications of; lets say cellular phones you may find terms like resistive or capacitive following (or preceeding) the screen size. Most consumers, specially the tekkies (gadget freaks) are already aware of the difference between the two. But for the benefit of those who are still strangers with these, let us define both:
Resistive – This type is composed of several layers underneath the surface but the most important of all are the two main layers that are separated by a narrow gap such that when you press the surface of the screen with your finger or any object, these two layers connect to each other thereby causing a change in the electrical current within these layers. This is then registered as touch and is sent to the device’s controller for processing. Among the devices that uses this type of technology are point-of-sale machines and earlier models of pocket PCs and most of Nokia’s cellular phones until recently with N8.
SonyEricsson Vivaz's Resisitive Touchscreen
Capacitive – On the otherhand, this panel consists of an insulator such as glass coated with a certain conductor Indium Tin Oxide. Human body is also a conductor, so when the screen surface is touched by the finger, a distortion of the electrostatic field if formed. It is then recognized as a change in capacitance and shall be processed by the device’s controller. Apple is big on capacitive technology and did a good job with iPhone and iPod Touch. I personally believe (and I’m sure most would agree) that they are by far the best touchscreen manufacturer in the market.
Apple is big on capacitive technology and did a good job with iPhone and iPod Touch
So which is better between the two? Resistive is rather behind compared to capacitive. Old Symbian-run cellular models with resisitive screens such as Nokia 5800 and Sony Vivaz braved the odds although capacitive technology was already becoming a favorite of the consumers. Most people say that capacitive screens are more sensitive “at the slightest of touch” compared to resistive’s a little pressure required touch (which can really be annoying). On a personal note, I have proven this to be true. With capacitive touchscreens, there is a fluid interaction between the user and the screen panel. But touchscreen is not all about smartphones, there are also electrical devices or medical equipment where the users are required to wear safety gloves. As it reacts to touch-human or not. This is where resistive technology can be beneficial.
At the end of the day, I guess the proverbial “to each his own” follows here. It’s all about personal preference. What about you, what’s it gonna be? Capacitive or Resistive?
all that glitters 