Capacitive or resistive touch screen – which to choose?

Capacitive screen technology is today the most common solution in devices with touch panels – from smartphones, through information kiosks, to modern HMI systems in industrial automation. However, many users, especially in technical industries, still ask themselves the question: capacitive or resistive screen – which will be better for my application?

The choice of the appropriate type of touch screen depends on the working conditions, method of use, and the required precision and durability. Both technologies – capacitive and resistive touch screens – have their unique advantages. In this article, we will look at their differences, principles of operation, and typical applications, as well as present AD Metro solutions available in DACPOL’s offer.

How does a capacitive screen work?

A capacitive screen, also known as a capacitive touch screen, uses the phenomenon of electrostatic field changes. On the glass surface, there is a transparent conductive layer (usually made of indium tin oxide – ITO), which reacts to the touch of a finger or a conductive stylus. The controller analyzes differences in electrical capacitance and precisely determines the touch point.

This technology provides high sensitivity and precision, multi-touch support, and excellent optical clarity, making it ideal for applications where fast response and interface aesthetics are important.

Advantages of capacitive screens

• Supports multiple simultaneous touch points (gestures, zooming, rotation).
• High durability and scratch resistance thanks to the glass panel.
• High image quality and transparency.
• Modern, elegant appearance.

Typical applications of capacitive screens

• HMI systems and operator panels.
• Information kiosks, ticket machines.
• Medical and laboratory equipment.
• Consumer electronics (smartphones, tablets, monitors).

AD Metro’s offer includes, among others, ARGON PCAP controllers that automatically adapt to the size, orientation, and characteristics of the connected PCAP sensor. With a USB HID interface, they are compatible with most operating systems, which greatly simplifies integration.

How does a resistive screen work?

A resistive screen operates on a completely different principle. It consists of several transparent layers – most often two conductive films separated by a thin gap. When pressed with a finger, stylus, or another object, the layers make contact at the pressure point, allowing the controller to accurately determine the touch coordinates.

Unlike capacitive screens, resistive ones respond to pressure rather than conductivity, which means they can be operated with any object, even when wearing thick gloves or in conditions of heavy contamination.

Advantages of resistive screens

• Can be operated with gloves or a stylus.
• High resistance to electromagnetic interference (EMC).
• Operation in harsh conditions – moisture, dust, dirt, even contact with seawater.
• Low implementation cost.

Typical applications:

• Control panels in heavy industry and marine environments.
• Military, transport, and field devices.
• Medical and laboratory equipment used outdoors.

AD Metro offers dual-touch resistive controllers compatible with 5-wire resistive sensors. With USB HID communication and full resistance to external factors, they provide a reliable solution for applications requiring durability and precision.

Capacitive or resistive screen – which to choose?

The decision between these technologies depends primarily on the working environment and the desired user functions.

Capacitive screens operate by detecting touch through changes in capacitance at the point of contact, allowing for precise and fast operation, including multi-touch functions. These screens feature very high surface durability, usually made of glass, and excellent transparency. The downside is the limited ability to operate while wearing gloves – they only work with special conductive gloves. Capacitive screens are more expensive but offer a modern and comfortable user interface.

In contrast, a resistive screen responds to pressure, meaning contact between the screen layers. This allows operation with any type of glove or stylus, making these screens perfect for harsh outdoor and industrial environments. Multi-touch functions are limited to one or two touch points, but resistance to dirt is very high. The screen surface is durable but more susceptible to scratches than glass in capacitive screens, and transparency is slightly lower. Additionally, resistive screens are usually cheaper than capacitive ones, making them an attractive choice for industrial and tough working conditions.

If you need a fast, modern, and precise user interface, choose a capacitive screen.

If, however, resistance to environmental conditions, glove operation, and low failure rate are key, a resistive screen will be the better solution.

AD Metro solutions in DACPOL’s offer

AD Metro is a manufacturer specializing in advanced touch technologies, providing both capacitive (PCAP) and resistive screens along with compatible controllers.

In DACPOL’s offer, you will find, among others:

• ARGON PCAP controllers – adaptive capacitive solutions with USB HID and I²C interfaces.
• CR2T resistive controllers – durable, dual-point units for 5-wire screens.
• ULTRA sensors – ultra-thin, lightweight resistive screens for mobile applications.

The AD Metro brand has specialized for years in producing modern touch screens — both capacitive and resistive — used in the most demanding working environments. Thanks to their solutions, many industrial, military, and transport companies rely on touch technologies where standard panels fail.

AD Metro resistive screens are ideal for environments where durability and precision matter. Thanks to a design based on five-wire resistive sensors, devices can be operated not only with fingers but also with thick work gloves or a stylus. This makes them indispensable in applications such as:

• control panels in heavy industry,
• marine navigation systems,
• military equipment operating outdoors.

Modern controllers, such as the dual-touch AD Metro CR2T-02-5WN-02 controller, enable the use of gestures like pinch, zoom, and rotate — features previously typical only for capacitive screens. Combined with full resistance to electromagnetic interference (EMC) and the ability to operate in moisture, dirt, or even saltwater immersion, these systems set the standard for durability in the industrial screen segment.

Meanwhile, the capacitive screen from the ARGON PCAP series is the solution for users who value responsiveness, fluidity, and multi-touch. ARGON Adaptive PCAP controllers automatically adjust to the size, format, and orientation of the connected sensor, eliminating the need for calibration or additional software installation. This makes integration fast and operation stable and precise.

Importantly, these screens are fully compatible with the USB HID interface, allowing seamless operation with most operating systems without the need for additional drivers. For specialized applications, AD Metro also offers versions with I2C or RS-232 interfaces, facilitating integration in embedded or automation projects. DACPOL’s offer includes a full range of AD Metro products – from PCAP capacitive sensors and ULTRA resistive sensors to dedicated controllers and accessories. All solutions are designed for reliability and long service life in harsh industrial environments. Thanks to DACPOL’s cooperation with AD Metro, customers gain access not only to modern touch screens but also to technical support and advice in selecting the right system.

Summary

When choosing between a capacitive and a resistive screen, it is worth considering not only costs but, above all, the working environment and user needs. Capacitive technology is suitable where precision, aesthetics, and intuitive operation matter, while resistive screens remain irreplaceable in harsh industrial, military, or marine conditions. Both solutions can be found in DACPOL’s offer – the authorized distributor of AD Metro – who will help you choose the right touch screen for any application.