Touchscreens can be differentiated based on their technical principles into five basic types: Vector Pressure Sensing Touchscreens, Resistive Touchscreens, Capacitive Touchscreens, Infrared Touchscreens, and Surface Acoustic Wave Touchscreens.
Vector pressure sensing technology touchscreens have faded into history; infrared technology touchscreens are inexpensive, but their frames are fragile and prone to light interference, causing distortion in curved situations.
The design concept of capacitive touch screen technology is reasonable, but its image distortion issue is difficult to be fundamentally resolved; resistive touch screen technology offers accurate positioning, but it comes with a high price tag and is prone to scratching and damage.
Surface acoustic wave touchscreens have resolved various defects of traditional touchscreens, offering clarity and durability. They are suitable for various environments. However, the touchscreens can become unresponsive or fail to function when water droplets or dust are present on the screen surface.
Touchscreens are categorized into four types based on their working principles and the medium for transmitting information: resistive, infrared, capacitive touch, and surface acoustic wave.