Not all touch screens are built the same. Whether you're outfitting a hospital kiosk, a classroom display, or a retail storefront, the technology behind the screen makes a big difference in how it performs, how long it lasts, and how much it costs. Here's a plain-English breakdown of the three most common touch technologies we carry at Tyco Touch — infrared (IR), PCAP, and touch foil — so you can make the right call for your project.
Not sure which one fits your setup? Call us at 469-914-0021 — we've been helping customers find the right touch solution for over 30 years.
1. Infrared (IR) touch screens
Infrared touch screens work by creating a grid of invisible IR light beams across the screen surface. When you touch it, your finger (or a stylus, or even a gloved hand) breaks that beam, and the screen registers exactly where.
IR frames are the most popular choice for large-format displays — think TVs and monitors from 32 inches all the way up to 98 inches. They work as an overlay that mounts over your existing screen, which means you don't have to replace your whole display.
Pros
- Works with gloves, stylus, or any object
- Available in very large sizes (up to 98")
- Adds touch to your existing screen
- More affordable at large sizes
- Works in low light conditions
Cons
- Frame adds a small bezel around the screen
- Can be triggered by dust or water on the edge
- Not ideal for outdoor or very bright environments
Best for: Classrooms, conference rooms, retail kiosks, hospitality displays, and anyone who wants to add touch to an existing monitor or TV.
2. PCAP (Projected Capacitive) touch glass
PCAP is the same technology in your smartphone. A layer of conductive material sits beneath a glass surface and detects the electrical charge from your fingertip. It's extremely accurate, supports multi-touch (up to 40 points on some models), and has a sleek, flat-glass look with no bezel.
PCAP glass is typically used in custom-built kiosks, medical devices, or industrial equipment where the screen is integrated directly into the hardware design.
Pros
- Extremely accurate and responsive
- Sleek flat-glass look, no frame
- Supports true multi-touch
- Durable and easy to clean
- Works great in bright environments
Cons
- Does not work with gloves (unless special gloves)
- Higher cost, especially at large sizes
- Requires integration into the display — not a simple add-on
Best for: OEM manufacturers, healthcare devices, custom kiosk builders, and applications where a clean, integrated look is essential.
3. Touch foil
Touch foil is a thin, transparent film that can be applied to virtually any flat surface — glass windows, acrylic panels, TV screens, or even storefront glass. It turns an ordinary surface into an interactive touch display. The foil connects via USB and works with most standard software.
This is a favorite for creative retail and exhibit installations where the touch element needs to be almost invisible, or where the surface isn't a traditional monitor at all.
Pros
- Works on almost any flat surface
- Nearly invisible when applied
- Great for storefront and exhibit displays
- Simple USB connection
- Can be applied to existing glass
Cons
- Requires careful, professional installation
- Sensitive to surface quality — bubbles or dust affect performance
- Less durable than glass-based solutions
Best for: Retail storefronts, museums, trade show exhibits, and creative installations where a hidden or seamless touch experience is the goal.
Quick comparison
Best value at large sizes
IR
Most precise & sleek
PCAP
Most versatile surface
Touch Foil
Still not sure which technology fits your project? We've been helping businesses find the right touch solution for over 30 years. Our team can walk you through the options based on your screen size, environment, and budget.
Call us at 469-914-0021 or contact us online — we're happy to help.