Capacitive vs Piezo Touch Switches: What's the Difference?
Not all switches use a mechanical method of operation. In addition to mechanical switches, there are touch switches. While they are both designed to control a circuit, only mechanical switches have moving parts. Touch switches are circuit-controlling devices that respond to touch. Among the most common types of touch switches are capacitive and piezo. What's the differences between a capacitive and piezo touch switch exactly?
What Is a Capacitive Touch Switch?
A capacitive touch switch is a type of touch switch that uses capacitance to circuit a control. It will generate an electric charge over the key or button while simultaneously measuring it for changes.
Because the human body is a conductor of electricity, touching the key or button with a bare finger will draw some of this electrical charge to your body. The capacitive touch switch will then respond by opening or closing the circuit.
What Is a Piezo Touch Switch?
A piezo touch switch is a type of touch switch that uses piezoelectric technology to control a circuit. They feature a layer constructed of a piezoelectric material. This layer is typically placed directly underneath the key or button.
Piezoelectric materials are able to convert mechanical energy into electricity. Touching the key or button on a piezo touch switch will result in the passage of mechanical energy. You'll transfer mechanical energy to the piezoelectric touch switch. The underlying layer made of a piezoelectric material will then convert this energy into electricity so that it can open or close the circuit.
