Piezo vs Capacitive Switches: What's the Difference?

Switches are found in nearly all electronic devices. While some of them are mechanical, though, others are touch-based. Two of the most common types of touch-based switches include piezo and capacitive. They don't feature moving parts like their mechanical counterparts. Like all touch-based switches, piezo and capacitive switches will open or close a circuit in response to physical contact with a finger or object.

What Is a Piezo Switch?

A piezo switch is a type of switch that leverages the properties of a piezoelectric material to change the orientation of a circuit. Piezoelectric materials are those that store an electrical charge when exposed to pressure. When certain materials are exposed to pressure, such as the pressure of a finger, they will store an electrical charge. These materials are known as piezoelectric materials, and they are used in the construction of piezo switches as well as piezo touchscreens.

What Is a Capacitive Switch?

A capacitive switch, on the other hand, is a type of switch that leverages capacitive technology to change the orientation of a circuit. Capacitive technology refers to the use of a uniform electrostatic field to detect touches. Capacitive switches will create a uniform electrostatic field while simultaneously measuring it for changes. If you touch a key on a capacitive switch with a bare finger or any conductive object, the electrostatic field will change. The capacitive switch will then respond by opening or closing the circuit.