Touchscreens see a lot of direct physical contact because of the way in which they work. Although there are many types of touchscreens, they all work by supporting touch commands. As you tap and touch a touchscreen’s display interface, it may lead to scratches. The good news is that some touchscreens are better protected against scratches than others. So, how do you choose a scratch-resistant touchscreen?
Oleophobic Coating
When shopping for a touchscreen, make sure it features an oleophobic coating. While invisible to the naked eye, many touchscreens are designed with a thin layer of an oil-repelling liquid. Known as an oleophobic coating, it prevents the accumulation of oils on the display interface.
At the same time, an oleophobic coating lowers the risk of scratches. It serves an invisible barrier between the touchscreen’s top layer and its surrounding environment. If a touchscreen doesn’t have an oleophobic coating, it will be more susceptible to scratches.
Resistive
For maximum protection against scratches, consider choosing a resistive touchscreen. Resistive touchscreens receive their namesake from their construction. They are made of two electrically resistive layers that are separated by air. Touching or tapping the display interface forces the two layers to make contact, at which point the device will register your command.
Resistive touchscreens are a popular choice in restaurants and other commercial environments because they are more durable than other types of touchscreens. Capacitive touchscreens, for instance, are more fragile and, therefore, offer a lower level of protection against scratches. Regardless of where you intend to use it, a resistive touchscreen is a better choice if you’re worried about scratches.
Screen Protector
No matter what type of touchscreen you purchase, you can protect it from scratches by using a screen protector. Screen protectors, of course, are thin pieces of film that stick to the display interface of a touchscreen.
A screen protector won’t necessarily protect your touchscreen from all types of scratches. Nonetheless, it’s an extra layer of protection that can minimize the risk and severity of scratches.
Scratches don’t appear on a touchscreen out of nowhere. Rather, they typically only occur when an abrasive surface or object is placed against the display interface. By keeping your touchscreen away from foreign objects, you can protect it from scratches. For extra protection, consider choosing a resistive touchscreen with an oleophobic coating. You can also add a screen protector to further keep scratches at bay.
