What is a disadvantage of capacitive touch screens?

Capacitive touch screens operate by detecting changes in electrical charge when a conductive object, like a finger, comes into contact with the screen. This capability means that certain materials, such as those found in standard gloves, do not conduct electricity well enough to be detected by the screen. As a result, users often face challenges when trying to use a capacitive touch screen while wearing gloves, making it less practical in cold weather or specific work environments where gloves are necessary.

The issues related to scratches, cost, and repair difficulty can vary depending on specific models or manufacturers, but the inability to use gloved fingers is a well-recognized drawback of capacitive technology compared to alternatives like resistive touch screens, which can register pressure from any object, including gloved hands.