PCAP vs IR touch — which to specify
A practical guide for buyers picking between projected-capacitive and infrared touch technology for commercial displays.
Touch technology is one of the two or three decisions that determine how a commercial display feels in the hand — and for buyers, picking the wrong one usually shows up six months in, when the panel gets a service call.
PCAP (projected capacitive)
PCAP gives the smoothest glass surface, supports 10–20 simultaneous touch points, works through gloves with the right driver, and is what most consumer phones use. We default to PCAP on the WM, FS and TS lines up to 65".
IR (infrared)
IR uses a frame of IR LEDs and photodetectors around the bezel. It supports very large displays (75"+), gives 1 mm hover height (useful for stylus and pen interfaces), and is more forgiving of dust on the glass. We use IR on the WM750DS-R01 and on the entire interactive whiteboard line.
Which to specify
Pick PCAP for retail, signage and kiosk installations up to 65". Pick IR for 75"+ panels, education and whiteboard installations, or anywhere a pen is in scope.