Understanding the Differences to Choose the Right Technology for Your Application
Capacitive touchscreen have become the standard in modern interactive devices due to their responsiveness and durability. However, there are two primary types of capacitive touchscreen technologies: Surface Capacitive and Projected Capacitive (PCAP). While both detect touch by measuring changes in capacitance, they differ significantly in construction, functionality, and ideal use cases.
A Surface Capacitive touchscreen features a conductive coating—commonly Antimony Tin Oxide (ATO)—applied to the top surface of a glass substrate. Unlike ITO, ATO provides a higher sheet resistance (around 2,000 ohms/sq), which is well-suited for this technology.
Four corner electrodes apply a high-frequency signal across the surface, creating a uniform electrostatic field.
When a finger touches the screen, it couples capacitively with the ATO layer beneath.
The touch causes a disturbance in the electrostatic field, which is detected by measuring voltage drop across the four corners.
The controller calculates the touch location based on changes in signal strength.
Single-touch operation only.
Good optical clarity.
Resistant to light vandalism due to its glass construction.
Cost-effective for simple applications.
Projected Capacitive touchscreen take capacitive technology to the next level with a more complex internal structure. They use two perpendicular layers of conductive materials (usually ITO or ATO) that form a grid of X and Y electrodes. These layers are laminated behind a protective glass surface.
An AC signal is applied to the conductive grid, creating a controlled electric field.
When a conductive object (like a finger or stylus) touches the screen, it disrupts the local electrostatic field at the intersection of X and Y lines.
The controller identifies the exact touchpoint using mutual capacitance (most common) or self-capacitance (used in simpler designs).
Multi-touch capability (supports gestures like zoom, rotate, and scroll).
Highly durable due to the conductive layers being embedded behind the front glass.
Better resistance to scratches, water droplets, and contaminants.
Ideal for high-performance and outdoor applications.
Feature | Surface Capacitive | Projected Capacitive (PCAP) |
---|---|---|
Touch Capability | Single-touch | Multi-touch |
Durability | Moderate (thin silicate top coating) | High (electrodes behind thick glass) |
Optical Clarity | High | High |
Cost | Lower | Higher |
Construction | Conductive coating on top surface | Grid of X/Y electrodes behind glass |
Stylus Support | No | Yes (capacitive stylus only) |
Application Suitability | ATMs, kiosks, industrial controls | Smartphones, tablets, medical devices |
Glove/Water Use | Limited | Advanced tuning allows glove/water use |
Choosing between surface capacitive and projected capacitive touchscreens depends on your application needs, budget, and desired user experience.
Select Surface Capacitive for cost-effective, single-touch, and vandal-resistant environments like ATMs and basic kiosks.
Choose Projected Capacitive (PCAP) when multi-touch, durability, and high performance are essential, such as in consumer electronics, medical equipment, or outdoor displays.
Both technologies offer distinct advantages. Understanding their differences helps ensure you select the right touchscreen for your project’s unique requirements.
Ready to Build Your Outdoor Display Solution?
Get in touch with us at sales@szdingtouch.com. Our expert engineers will help you design a cost-effective, tailored solution to meet your project’s exact specifications.
DINGTouch :Committed to continuous innovation and improvement of product quality to meet customers' high requirements and expectations.
DINGTouch is a manufacturer that provides high quality touch screen panels. Focus on the design, manufacturing and sales of touch screen panels, and are committed to providing customized solutions that satisfy customers.
DINGTouch: In the process of customizing touch screen panels, we focus on close cooperation and communication with customers. Understanding customers' needs and providing customized solutions will meet customers' individual needs. The company's products are favored by customers for their high quality and reliability, and provide them with the best touchscreen panel solutions.
At DINGTOUCH, we are the world's leading touchscreen manufacturer, helping businesses around the world take advantage of this exciting technology. For more information, please visit the home page now.
Find the DINGTouch technical team to achieve the success of your company's new project.
DINGTouch is a company specializing in the R&D and production of touch screen technology, headquartered in Shenzhen, China. As a professional touch screen supplier, DINGTouch is committed to providing high-quality, stable and reliable touch screen products to meet the diverse needs of customers. We continue to carry out technological innovation and product optimization to ensure that its touch screen products have good sensitivity, accuracy and durability.
In addition to the products themselves, we also focus on cooperation and communication with customers, and are committed to providing customized solutions and excellent after-sales services. Through continuous efforts to improve product quality and customer satisfaction, we have established a good reputation in the touchscreen industry and won widespread market recognition.
• PCAP maximum size 65”
• Multi-touch (Touch screen can be customized to your needs.)
• Optical bonding service/air bonding
• LCD interface: HDMI/RGB/MIPI/LVDS/EDP, etc.
• PCAP interface: IIC/USB interface
• CTP can customize the cover glass surface treatment process AG (anti-glare), AR (anti-reflection), AF (anti-fingerprint), waterproof, and glove touch
• Supports 0.55 mm-12 mm coverslip touch.
• Support operating temperature: -40℃-90℃.
In conclusion, Dingtouch as a professional touch screen manufacturer with more than 10 years touch screen experience.We have many capacitive touch screen. Such as5 inch touch screen,7 inch touch screen,10.1inch touch screen,15 inch touch screen,15.6 inch touch screen,17 inch touch screen,18.5 inch touch screen,19 inch touch screen,21.5 inch touch screen,32 inch touch screen, However, we also welcome to customize your own touch screen . Contact our team today to learn what capacitive touch screen are best for our retail business needs.
Contact us NOW! sales@szdingtouch.com
Contact: Dingtouch
Phone: +8615815536116
Tel: +8615815536116
Email: sales@szdingtouch.com
Add: Building A, Bailu Plaza, No. 48, Gonghe Industrial Road, Gongle Community, Xixiang Street, Baoan District, Shenzhen,China. 518126