Consisting of multiple layers coated with an electrically resistive material, resistive touchscreens are a popular choice among business owners and consumers. The layers, which are separated by air, feature conductive traces. When you tap or touch the display interface, the top layer pushes into the bottom layer. The contact between these two layers allows the device to register your touch command. Below are five common myths and misconceptions about resistive touchscreens.
#1) Can’t Be Used Outdoors
Some people assume that resistive touchscreens can’t be used outdoors because they are susceptible to moisture damage. While you shouldn’t submerge a resistive touchscreen in water, you don’t have to worry about airborne moisture — humidity — damaging it. Resistive touchscreens offer a higher level of protection against moisture, as well as other liquids, than capacitive touchscreens. Therefore, they can be used outdoors.
#2) Expensive
Prices for resistive touchscreens vary, with some costing more than others. With that said, resistive touchscreens typically aren’t expensive. Thanks to their relatively simple design consisting of just a few layers spaced apart by air, they cost less than other types of touchscreens, including capacitive touchscreens. If you’re on a budget, resistive touchscreens are an excellent choice because of their inexpensive price tag.
#3) Can’t Use Gloves or a Stylus
There are some touchscreens that require the use of a bare finger. If you try to control them using a gloved finger or a stylus, they won’t register your commands. Resistive touchscreens are unique, however, because they can be controlled with virtually any form of touch-based input. You can use a bare finger, a gloved finger, a stylus or any other physical object to control a resistive touchscreen.
#4) Don’t Support Multi-Touch Input
Multi-touch input is a feature in touchscreens that, as the name implies, allows you to perform two or more touches at the same time. It’s a common misconception that only capacitive touchscreens support multi-touch input. While most capacitive touchscreens allow for multiple touches at the same time, many resistive touchscreens support multi-touch input as well.
#5) Fingerprints Will Interfere With Input
You don’t have to worry about your fingerprints — or any other superficial blemishes for that matter — interfering with a resistive touchscreen’s ability to detect your touch commands. Resistive touchscreens identify input based on pressure. Therefore, the screen might be dirty, but as long as you press down hard enough to push the two layers together, it will register your touch command.
