| Technology | Optical imaging | Electrostatic field | Sound waves | Light interruption | Resistive |
| Activation | Zero activation force required | Low activation pressure required | Low activation pressure required | Zero activation force required | Low activation pressure required |
| Transmissivity / optics | Very good > 92% | Very good > 92% | Very good > 92% | Very good > 92% | < 82%, some distortion to graphics due to coatings |
| Drag and drop | High resolution, draws smooth lines | Requires constant pressure to draw smooth lines | Requires constant pressure to draw smooth lines | Low resolution due to spacing of IR sensors and interpolation | Requires constant pressure to draw smooth lines |
| Calibration | No drift | Requires periodic recalibration | Requires periodic recalibration | No drift | Requires periodic recalibration due to wearing of coatings |
