Resistive is the most common type of touch screen technology. It is a low-cost solution found in many touch screens, including hand-held computers, PDAs, consumer electronics, and point-of-sale-applications. The resistive screen is popular because of its relatively low price (at smaller screen sizes), and ability to use a range of input objects (fingers, gloves, hard and soft stylus).

Capacitive touch screens are all-glass and designed for use in ATMs and similar kiosk-type applications. It has better clarity than resistive technology and is durable making it suitable for industrial applications.

How it works A small current of electricity runs across the screen, with circuits located at the corners of the screen to measure the capacitance of a person touching the overlay. Touching the screen interrupts the current and activates the software operating the kiosk.

Capacitive touch screens are all-glass and designed for use in ATMs and similar kiosk-type applications. It has better clarity than resistive technology and is durable making it suitable for industrial applications, Outdoor operability, multi-touch supports gesturing, true flat front surface possible with no bezel and can be activated by a thin gloved hand


SAW technology provides good image clarity because it uses pure glass construction. Compared to resistive and capacitive technologies, SAW provides superior image clarity, resolution and higher light transmission. However, it was originally designed for smaller screens and may not scale easily to screen sizes over 30."


Infrared technology relies on the interruption of an infrared light grid in front of the display screen. The touch frame contains a row of infrared LEDs and photo transistors, each mounted on two opposite sides to create a grid of invisible infrared light. The frame assembly comprises printed wiring boards, on which the electronics are mounted and is concealed behind an infrared-transparent bezel. Infrared touch screens are often used in manufacturing and medical applications because they can be completely sealed and operated using any number of hard or soft materials.