Touchscreen monitors are not a new invention, or even relatively new. In fact, they have been around for many years, but have only recently been integrated into mainstream use and awareness. Over the years, many different types of touchscreen monitors have come to fruition, further advancing this already impressive technology. Touchscreen monitors come in different configurations, each serving a different purpose and suitable for a specific environment.
Resistive touchscreen
Resistive touchscreens are the most commonly used touchscreens for several reasons. They are inexpensive to produce, very durable, and have a ton of versatility. They can be used with almost any tool, including your fingers, stylus, edge of credit cards, and more. You can even use them with gloved fingers. Resistive touchscreens consist of carefully crafted multiple layers of base structural glass and a protective film screen with a metal layer shield and tiny gaps that help pinpoint the point of contact. When you touch the outer layer, the two layers meet at the exact point of contact.
Capacitive touchscreen
Capacitive touchscreens are not as durable or versatile as resistive touchscreens because they can only be used by niche industries. They are generally more susceptible to environmental damage and cannot be used with different objects. Since they rely on the electrical conductivity produced by the human body, they can only respond to the touch of a bare finger. However, they are perfect for indoor office or retail use.
There are two types of capacitive touchscreens:
- Surface capacitive touchscreens have an extra layer of protection that is scratch, drop, dirt and liquid resistant. They are perfect for the retail or restaurant industry because of their quick response and drag.
- Projected capacitive touchscreens are also great for indoor use, as they feature an outer tempered glass that makes them resistant to cracks, smears, and rough use.