Touchscreen switches (touch switches) can be classified into several types based on different criteria such as design principles and power wiring methods.
Classified by design principle, capacitive touch switches operate on the principle of capacitive sensing. They trigger the switch action by detecting minute changes in capacitance caused by a human finger approaching or touching the screen. This eliminates direct contact between the human body and the metal, offering high safety and a long lifespan. Resistive touch switches operate on the principle of pressure sensing. A finger press causes multiple conductive layers on the screen to contact at a designated point, and the controller determines the touch position by detecting voltage changes.
Classified by power wiring method, single-wire touch switches only require a live wire connection, eliminating the need for a neutral wire. This simplifies installation and allows for direct replacement of traditional mechanical switches, but its standby power supply technology has certain limitations. Two-wire (live and neutral) touch switches require simultaneous connection to both the live and neutral wires, providing stable power supply and richer functionality; this is the mainstream wiring method for modern smart touch switches.
Classified by application form and installation method, wall switches (panel switches), such as the 86-type smart touch switch, are installed in 86-type or 118-type wall boxes to replace traditional wall switches. PCB integrated switches directly integrate touch sensing electrodes and controllers onto the device's circuit board (PCB), and are widely used in control panels of home appliances, consumer electronics, and other products. Other forms include touch control areas integrated into specific devices such as induction cookers and table lamps.