The Difference between Capacitive Touch Screen and Resistive Touch Screen

The Difference between Capacitive Touch Screen and Resistive Touch Screen

Preface：

The BOLT Series touch panels are available in both capacitive and resistive versions, while the Titan Series exclusively uses a capacitive screen.
The following section will explain the differences between these two types of touch screens and how to distinguish between them.

Capacitive Touch Screen VS Resistive Touch Screen

Comparison of Advantages

Comparison Item

Capacitive Touch Screen

Resistive Touch Screen

Working Principle

Locates by detecting the capacitance change caused by finger touch. The screen surface is covered with a conductive layer, and when the human body is charged, it forms a coupling capacitor with it.

Composed of upper and lower conductive films + an insulating spacer layer. It detects the position of the contact point by making the two layers conduct through pressure.

Touch Method

Requires a conductive object (usually a finger, a special stylus)

Any object can be used for touching.
(finger, glove, pen tip, screwdriver, etc.)

Multi-touch

Supports multi-touch (can detect capacitance changes at multiple positions simultaneously)

Only supports single-touch.

Light Transmittance

High (about 90% or more).

Relatively low (about 75% or so).

Surface Material

Usually, glass
(scratch-resistant and wear-resistant).

Usually, plastic film
(easily scratched and worn).

Service Life

Long (>100,000 touches).

Relatively short (about 10,000 to 50,000 touches).

Cost

Relatively high

Lower

Environmental Adaptability

Sensitive to static electricity and humidity (operation with gloves is limited)

Better environmental adaptability (can be operated with gloves).

Response Speed

Fast response, light touch is enough, and the operation is smooth.

Touch requires a certain amount of pressure


How to Distinguish Them

Method One

Distinguishing by External Factors
You can use a non-conductive object (such as plastic) to touch the screen panel.

  • If the screen responds to the touch and requires a certain amount of pressure, it is a resistive screen.
    As shown in the image below, when a non-conductive plastic object presses on the panel option, the screen still responds:


  • If it can only be operated using a finger or a conductive object such as a special stylus, it is a capacitive screen.
    As shown in the image below, even when a plastic object touches and presses the screen, there is still no response:


Method Two

Distinguish by checking the model label on the right side of the panel.

The model label of the Resistive Touch Screen will have the words GT5, as shown in the figure below:


The model label of the Capacitive Touch Screen will have the words GT5C, as shown in the figure below:

Still need help?

For specific technical questions or help requests, please open a Ticket with picture or video, so our Support team can assist you ASAP.

For the information provided in the ticket, please refer to this link：

Help Tech Support Troubleshoot Faster

END.