Capacitive Buttons

Capacitive Touch Buttons

Did you know you can create capacitive touch buttons with just a resistor, some metal, and an Arduino? You can even activate them through materials like thin plastic or paper, making it ideal for sleek, hidden interfaces.

Here’s how it works: Using the CapacitiveSensor.h library with an Arduino, a pulse pin sends a 5V signal through a 10 mega-ohm resistor to a metal plate, which acts as the touch sensor. In less than a second, the voltage at the plate climbs high enough for the sense pin to detect any change. When you touch the plate, your body adds capacitance, and that slight increase causes the voltage to rise more slowly. The Arduino detects this delay, interpreting it as a touch.

In my project, the touch plate toggles an LED on and off with each touch. It's a simple but effective system that adds interactivity to any project.

A Real-World Example
I took this concept further by creating three capacitive touch buttons. Instead of using metal plates, I formed copper rings from household wiring to act as sensors. Then, I placed these rings behind a thin plastic surface with a strip of addressable LEDs. The buttons light up when touched, creating a responsive visual element.

But, there was a catch! I noticed that the wires themselves could sense touch, even through their silicone insulation. Not ideal.

Fixing False Triggers
To solve this, I switched to shielded wire from an old audio cable. I connected the copper rings to the center wire and grounded the shielding. This setup stopped the wires from responding to touch while keeping the buttons perfectly functional. The result? A reliable, professional-looking touch interface that only triggers when and where it’s supposed to.

If you’re experimenting with capacitive touch sensors, remember that wire shielding can save you a lot of headaches!

#CapacitiveTouchSensor #Arduino #CapacitiveSensor #TouchButton #AddressableLEDs #ShieldedWire #InteractiveButtons #DIYelectronics #TouchInterface #CapacitanceDetection #MetalPlateSensor #SensorWiring #ArduinoProjects #CapacitiveSensing #GroundedShielding #CapacitiveTouchCircuit

[ExploringNew]

I really needed to add touch to my project without having to wait for a module. Thanks!

[ianrajkumar]

dude made UI toggle buttons in real life.

Love it, I will try it.

[ShydenPierce]

Dude the science behind that is fucking genius, didn't realize that's how capacitive touch worked.

[v_]

finally someone explaining the principle

[zameraeli]

The most simplest complex thing ive seen that id like to build.💚💚 Thank you so much for sharing

[CryptoRulz]

How sensitive are the buttons through thicker materials like wood or glass?. Can you adjust the sensitivity?

[Chronologist]

The funny thing about this method is, that you can technically get crazy precise capacitance redings this way. If you choose a low charging current and use quick pulses you can mathematically get down to attfarads. In reality the capacitance of feedlines and just the atmosphere around already adds a few pico to nano Farads, but I like the idea.

[mfr]

That would be great button on a flashlight. Hold down to light, double tap to latch on and off

[fiveoneecho]

I’m going to use that button design. That’s awesome and doable with stuff almost everyone has lying around!

[E-dart]

Insane how simple that is, very cool👍

[voinea]

I thought you needed special stuff for this, so cool

[시주무]

This is so cool! Def will use this in my projects ❤

[d.g.m.]

A really good video overall, keep it up

[LiquidMetalLab]

I did not know that but I can think of a few cool things to do with this… thank you!

[PushkrajShete]

Thank you so much for making this video❤.Will really help me in my Current projects 😁

[ageless-existence]

Instantly subscribed after seeing this one video. Amazing stuff!

[shokdj]

Done this for my 3d printed dj console

[darylhudson]

What if you installed these to trigger a lock by hiding them by painting over them in a door frame using conductive paint that matches the regular paint and only you know where they are located and you have to touch the area that releases a an internal deadbolt after unlocking the normal doorlock with a key.

[finncreatesshorts]

Hi, love your videos! I wonder what camera you use?

[BothoHohbaum]

i would suggest to isolate the metal plate (the capacitive change should stay measurable despite of this) and/or use an additional zener diode between the metal plate and ground to protect the microcontroller from ESD.