What is Projected Capacitive Touch vs Capacitive Touch?

Projected Capacitive touch (PCT) and capacitive touch are two different technologies used in touchscreens.Capacitive touch technology relies on the electrical properties of the human body to detect touch. It works by overlaying a capacitive layer on top of the display screen. When a finger touches the screen, it creates a disturbance in the screen's electrostatic field. The touch controller then measures the changes in electrostatic field to determine the position of the touch. Capacitive Touchscreens are known for their high clarity, durability, and ability to support multi-touch gestures.

Projected Capacitive touch, on the other hand, is an advanced version of capacitive touch technology. In PCT, the capacitive sensors are embedded in the display glass itself. This eliminates the need for an additional touch layer, resulting in a thinner and more durable screen. PCT touchscreens use a grid of intersecting conductive lines to create an electrostatic field on the surface of the screen. When a conductive object, like a finger, approaches the screen, it disrupts the field and the touch controller determines the position of the touch.

One of the key advantages of PCT technology is its ability to support multi-touch gestures with high accuracy. It can detect multiple simultaneous touches and track them independently. PCT screens are also highly responsive and can be operated with gloves or a stylus. Additionally, the embedded design makes PCT touchscreens more resistant to surface contaminants such as dust, moisture, and scratches.

In summary, while both capacitive touch and Projected Capacitive Touch are based on the principle of electrical conductivity, PCT offers enhanced features such as thinner design, improved durability, better multi-touch support, and higher responsiveness compared to traditional capacitive touchscreens.