Fingerprint scanning technology has evolved significantly over the years, becoming a staple in devices ranging from smartphones to high-security systems. With the rise of biometric technology, two primary types of fingerprint sensors dominate the market: Optical and Capacitive Scanner. Each scanner has its benefits and weaknesses, making them a crucial consideration for various applications. In this blog, we’ll explore the key differences between optical and capacitive fingerprint scanners, including how they work, their advantages and limitations, and the factors that can help you choose the right one for your business or personal needs.

Let’s dive into the battle of optical vs. capacitive fingerprint scanners.

What is an Optical Fingerprint Scanner?

An optical fingerprint scanner operates much like a traditional camera. It captures a visual image of your fingerprint using a light and high-resolution sensor. So how does this sensor work?


How Does an Optical Fingerprint Scanner Work?

An optical fingerprint scanner captures an image of the fingerprint using light and a high-resolution camera. When a finger is placed on the scanner, light is thrown on the ridges and valleys of the fingerprint. These patterns are captured & processed to match the fingerprints against the stored data. For example, Mantra’s MFS500 optical fingerprint scanner aims to efficiently capture & process fingerprint images using the optical fingerprint techniques.


Benefits of Optical Scanners

Some of the key advantages of optical fingerprint scanners are as follows:

Cost-Effective: Optical Scanners are generally more affordable than capacitive scanners. This makes them the best cost-effective option for organizations allowing large-scale biometrics adoption.

Versatile: They can be used in various applications, including smartphones, laptops, and access control systems. Their flexibility across the industries makes them an attractive option for everyone.

Easy Integration: One of the great advantages of optical scanners is that they can be easily integrated with existing systems due to their standardized design and broad software compatibility.


Disadvantages of Optical Scanners

Some of the Limitations of optical fingerprint scanners are as follows:

Susceptibility Spoofing: Optical Scanners are more prone to spoofing as they rely on the 2D image. This makes it easy for the attackers to spoof and bypass the authentication system easily.

Low Image Accuracy: However, while the optical scanners are reliable, their reliance on light-based imaging can make them susceptible to spoofing attempts if not paired with advanced features like AI-based spoof detection, which many modern optical scanners now offer.

Light Sensitivity Issues: Optical scanners can be less effective in excess light or extreme dark environments. These environmental factors can create difficulty in getting an accurate fingerprint.

What is a Capacitive Scanner?

Capacitive scanner relies on electric signals to map the surface of your fingerprints, unlike optical scanners.


How Does a Capacitive Scanner Work?

When you touch the capacitive scanner the ridges of your fingerprints make direct contact with the conductive plates, altering the amount of electrical charge stored in each plate. This variation in the charging process is then stored in each plate, creating a detailed 2D image of the fingerprint.


Benefits of Capacitive Scanners

Some of the benefits of using the capacitive scanner are as follows:

Robust Security: Capacitive fingerprint scanners are generally more secure as they rely on detecting the real fingerprint, which can reduce the risk of fingerprint spoofing.

Compact Design: Capacitive scanners are small in design, therefore making them compatible with movable devices such as mobile phones and laptops.

Excellent Accuracy: Capacitive scanners can provide high accuracy for smaller areas, especially for clean and dry areas. Therefore making it the ideal for mobile devices.


Disadvantages of Capacitive Scanner

Following are some of the key drawbacks of capacitive fingerprint scanners.

Higher Cost: The capacitive scanner is generally much more expensive when it is compared with the optical scanner. Hence, it will lead to a higher device cost.

Durability Issues: The capacitive scanner can be less effective over the period due to repeated exposure or repeated use of scanner in the harsh conditions.

Sensitive to Skin Condition: It is important to remember that several skin conditions such as skin dryness, scarring on the skin, or any other physical damage can affect and lead to a higher rejection rate in the capacitive scanner.

However, this enhanced performance comes at a cost. The capacitive scanner cost vs. optical scanners tends to be higher, making them less suitable for large-scale projects where the cost is concerned.

Optical vs Capacitive Fingerprint Scanner: Head-to-Head Comparison

Let’s break down the key differences between capacitive scanners and optical scanners to help you understand which product from these best matches your requirements.

Factors Optical Scanner Capacitive Scanner
Technology Used Captures image using light. Captures image using an electric signal.
Cost More affordable due to large deployments. Expensive due to complex technology.
Durability Highly durable May wear out over time.
Accuracy Accurate capturing for a wide range of fingerprint sizes. Exceptional capturing for clean and dry surfaces.
Security Vulnerable to spoofing Difficult to spoof
Speed Moderate Fast
Typical Applications Government ID system Mobile Devices
Sensors Used Optical Semiconductor or Chip
Sensor Surface No Special Treatment Required. Usually requires special treatment.

Optical vs Capacitive Scanner: A Comprehensive Guide

Optical Scanners are well-known for their durability and require little to no maintenance over time. The sensor is encased in a scratch-resistant glass platen, often made from materials nearly as hard as quartz. This casing not only protects the sensor from extreme weather but is also scratch-resistant.

Optical sensors are capable of capturing high-resolution images and are more cost-effective compared to the alternative kinds of sensors. They may, however, be vulnerable to problems from latent fingerprints left behind by perspiration or skin material that is left on the surface.

Capacitive sensors, on the other hand, work by detecting fingerprints using a network of semiconductor chips. They enable quick scanning speeds and are especially helpful in small devices where accuracy is crucial, even if they are not as durable as optical sensors. In spaces where there is a need for prompt and accurate fingerprint detection, capacitive scanners are perfect.

Capacitive Scanner Cost vs Optical Scanner Cost

When you are talking about capacitive vs optical, the optical fingerprint scanner is typically more affordable, making it a better option for large-scale deployments like national ID programs or mass attendance systems. Optical scanners are often the choice of organizations that are on a tight budget and have a large user base, making it a cost-effective solution without compromising on accuracy.

However, capacitive fingerprint scanners come with higher costs due to the complex technology. They are the best option for the high-security environment, where precision and spoof detection is crucial. The added security & speed justify the price in small-scale deployments where users experience and protection against the fraud are top priorities.

What are the Applications of Optical and Capacitive Fingerprint Scanner

Biometric scanners are widely used in various industries to improve security, authentication, and identification. In the biometric landscape, two scanners are key players Optical and Capacitive scanners. Both have unique working principles & applications. Here’s a comparison of the applications of both systems.

Applications of Optical Fingerprint Scanners

Access Control System: Optical scanners are commonly required to secure buildings, and office spaces, along with facilities that require access control.

Time & Attendance System: Optical fingerprint scanners are also used in systems used for tracking employee attendance and work hours in offices and other businesses.

Banking & Financial Services: Optical scanners are used in the banking & financial industry to assist users with authentication for online banking and ATM service.

Public Identification Programs: Government identity verification services, including voter registration systems, Aadhaar in India along with other services frequently use public identification schemes.


Application of Capacitive Fingerprint

Movable Devices: Capacitive Scanners are used in several movable devices including high-end smartphones, tablets, laptops & external peripherals for secure user authentications.

Biometric Payment System: Capacitive Scanners are used in the credit cards and POS terminals for fingerprint-based payment methods.

IoT Devices: Capacitive scanners can be integrated into smart home automation systems, smart locks, and other connected devices.

Health Care Systems: Capacitive Scanners are used in smart healthcare institutes as well. They are used in securing access to the patient’s records and ensuring the authenticity of medical professionals.

Optical vs Capacitive: Which One to Choose?

In the end, the selection between the Optical vs Capacitive fingerprint scanner boils down to your requirements, what do you need? Do you require durability, security, and accuracy, or are you currently focusing on the cost of scaling your solution?

Optical Scanners are the right choice for those seeking durability, cost-effectiveness, and reliability. Optical Scanners are perfect for large organizations where durability and long-term use are focused such as government institutions.

Capacitive Scanners offer speed and accuracy, which is ideal for high-security devices such as laptops, ATMs, and smartphones. These scanners are best suited for environments where the space is limited and it requires precise authentication.