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Touch ScreensTouch Screen

Selection Guide

Planar offers two touch technologies: capacitive and resistive. Both have advantages and disadvantages. The table below can help you choose the best touch screen monitor for your application.

Resistive

AdvantagesDisadvantages
Cost-effective solution
Activated by any stylus
Very accurate
Low power requirements
Liquids won't affect touch screen performance
Polyester surface can be damaged
Lower endurance (35 million touches)

How Resistive Works


(Image used by permission of 3M®)


Capacitive

AdvantagesDisadvantages
Scratch resistant, durable surface
High endurance (225 million touches)
Very accurate
Good optical clarity (88+% transmissivity)
Liquids won't affect touch screen performance
Does not work with gloved fingers or stylus

How Capacitive Works


(Image used by permission of 3M®)



Which One Is Right For Me?

Application Planar recommends
People with gloved hands need to interact with the touch screen monitor. Resistive
I need a cost-effective monitor for my employees to use. Resistive
The touch screen needs to be accurate. Resistive or Capacitive
I need a monitor that will tolerate liquids on the screen. Resistive or Capacitive
I need to install a monitor in an unattended environment. Capacitive
I need the touch screen monitor to be as bright as possible. Capacitive
I need a monitor that will be durable and scratch resistant. Capacitive
I need a monitor that will withstand high levels of impact. Capacitive

Technology Comparison

In addition to resistive and capacitive there are several other touch technologies which are available. Below is a list of the common touch technologies along with a comparison of the various features.
Touch Technology Feature
Transmissivity Input Durability Contaminants
Resistive (3M) 82%-85% Stylus Independent Average Unaffected
Capacitive (3M) 88%+ Human touch High Unaffected
SAW 90%+ Human touch or
conductive stylus
High Liquids and contaminants may affect touch screen functionality
Infrared 90%+ Stylus Independent High LED receivers must be kept clean
NFI (3M) 90%+ Human touch or
conductive stylus
Very high NA

 

Other Resources

Visit Planar.com to view our full list of products with detailed specifications.

Purchase our touch screens directly: Touch Screen section of PlanarOnline.com