To enable touch functionality on a display, technologies such as In-Cell, On-Cell, or OGS (One Glass Solution) can be used. OGS is currently the most widely adopted technology. It eliminates the need for an additional layer of glass and a lamination process, reducing both material and manufacturing costs. At the same time, it reduces the weight of the screen and increases light transmittance. OGS technology is particularly suitable for ultra-thin smart devices and enhances display quality, making it the preferred choice for high-end brands.
OGS includes various material combinations such as G+G, G+P, and G+F. In this article, we will explain what these combinations mean and how they differ in performance. When discussing touchscreen materials, we are referring to structural types. The first letter indicates the top layer material, and the second letter represents the touchscreen sensor material. These two layers are laminated together.
G+G: Tempered glass cover + glass (GLASS) touchscreen sensor
G+P: Tempered glass cover + PC (polycarbonate) touchscreen sensor
G+F: Tempered glass cover + thin film (FILM) touchscreen sensor
Let's first understand the structure of capacitive touchscreens. A capacitive screen mainly consists of a bottom sensor glass layer and a top cover. Currently, there are two common types:
Sensor glass + tempered glass cover (G+G capacitive screen)
Sensor glass + PET plastic cover (G+P capacitive screen)
Differences Between G+G and G+P Touchscreens
1. Higher Light Transmittance – G+G Advantage
Capacitive screens are not only used for touch interaction but also for visual display. G+G glass capacitive screens offer up to 91% light transmittance, preserving display quality. In contrast, G+P's PET cover only allows 83% transmittance, leading to dull and dark visuals. Over time, PET materials degrade, reducing light transmittance further-a major drawback of G+P.
2. Scratch Resistance – G+G Advantage
G+G screens feature a tempered glass cover with a surface hardness of over 8H. It resists scratching even without a protective film, as long as no extremely hard objects like quartz or diamond sandpaper are used. However, G+P screens use PET plastic, which has a hardness of only 2–3H and scratches easily with everyday use. A protective film is necessary.
3. Corrosion Resistance – G+G Advantage
G+P's PET surface is prone to damage from acid, alkali, oil, or sunlight, potentially turning hard, brittle, or discolored. Improper use can lead to fogging or white spots. G+G screens, on the other hand, are highly resistant to corrosion-even strong acids and alkalis pose no threat, making them ideal for scenarios like using your device while eating, where grease might get on the screen.
4. Smooth Touch Experience – G+G Advantage
G+G glass screens offer a smooth and responsive touch experience, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly. PET plastic on G+P screens creates noticeable friction and a sticky feel, negatively impacting user interaction.
5. High Reliability – G+G Advantage
G+G screens are bonded using advanced optical glue under vacuum, ensuring excellent durability and adhesion. G+P screens rely on chemical adhesive from the PET layer, which is simpler but less reliable. More importantly, G+P suffers from significant differences in thermal expansion between PET plastic and the sensor glass. This mismatch can lead to cracks under temperature changes, making G+P screens more prone to failure and repair.
In summary, G+G capacitive screens offer clear advantages in durability, corrosion resistance, transparency, touch sensitivity, and overall reliability. G+P screens are more cost-effective and easier to manufacture, but their weaknesses are significant.
Hengstar mainly promotes the G+G manufacturing method. However, depending on the product requirements, customers can also opt for G+P or G+F solutions. Hengstar is always ready to provide you with the best display solution tailored to your product needs!