There are many benefits in choosing touch technology. Touch technology provides a fast and intuitive interface for the user. Touchscreens simplify customer interactions. Users do not have to know how to use a computer, but simply touch the monitor to make their choices. No keyboard is required, saving valuable space. Planar offers three touch technologies – SAW, resistive and capacitive. All three have advantages and disadvantages. The descriptions below can help you choose the best touchscreen monitor for your application.
SAW
How it Works
Advantages
Durable glass construction
High optical clarity
Activated by a finger, gloved hand, or soft tip stylus
Disadvantages
Moving liquids or condensation can cause false touches
Solid contaminants create non-touch areas until removed
Doesn't support drag or draw effectively
Resistive
How it Works
Advantages
Cost-effective solution
Activated by any stylus
Very accurate
Low power requirements
Liquids won't affect touchscreen performance
Disadvantages
Polyester surface can be damaged
Lower endurance (35 million touches)
Capacitive
How it Works
Advantages
Scratch resistant, durable surface
High endurance (225 million touches)
Very accurate
Good optical clarity (88+% transmissivity)
Liquids won't affect touchscreen performance
Disadvantage
Does not work with gloved fingers or stylus
Application
Planar recommends:
People with gloved hands need to interact with the touchscreen monitor.
Resistive or SAW
I need a cost-effective monitor for my employees to use.
Resistive
The touchscreen needs to be accurate.
Resistive, SAW,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.
SAW or Capacitive
I need the touchscreen monitor to be as bright as possible.
SAW or Capacitive
I need a monitor that will be durable and scratch resistant.
SAW or Capacitive
I need a monitor that will withstand high levels of impact.
SAW or Capacitive
I need a monitor that will work even with contaminants on the screen.
Capacitive
Technology Comparison
There is no perfect touchscreen technology
that will meet every application requirement and choosing the right
technology can be difficult. 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
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 touchscreen functionality
