Recently, we've received inquiries from multiple clients seeking guidance on selecting the optimal brightness level for touchscreens. Similar to conventional displays, touchscreen brightness settings primarily impact the readability of kiosks or the visual impact of interactive signage, especially in complex lighting conditions where ensuring content clarity is paramount.
The brightness levels of mainstream LCD screens on the market today can be categorized into several typical grades, measured in nits: standard indoor screens range from 250–300 nits, bright screens from 400–500 nits, high-brightness screens reach 1000 nits, while ultra-high-brightness screens can achieve 1500–2500 nits.
250–300 nits
This brightness range matches standard office monitors and laptop screens, offering comfortable viewing for prolonged close-range use. However, its performance may be limited in public spaces or when viewed from a distance. This brightness level is ideal for devices installed in evenly lit indoor environments away from windows or direct strong light sources, primarily used at service points or for close-range interaction. We also recommend prioritizing visual comfort to prevent eye strain during use.
Typical applications include:
Payment terminals, self-service kiosks, hotel check-in/out devices.
400–500 nits
Often termed “bright screens,” this level exceeds standard indoor brightness and suits installation near windows, entrances, or amusement facilities with intense ambient light. For instance, these screens maintain excellent visibility on window-side self-service kiosks or entrance check-in devices. Increasingly, users opt for bright screens over standard 300 nits displays to achieve more vivid, eye-catching visuals. Note that prolonged viewing of 500 nits or higher brightness indoors may cause visual fatigue.
1000 nits High Brightness
High-brightness screens are ideal for outdoor touch display scenarios, such as sunlit commercial districts, tourist attractions, or outdoor lockers. These screens ensure clear visibility even in intense sunlight. To balance brightness performance and energy consumption, models with automatic brightness adjustment are recommended to conserve power and extend device lifespan. Most high-brightness screens also incorporate anti-glare glass, forming a complete “sunlight readability” solution. Additionally, users must pay special attention to the device's thermal management to ensure stability during high-load operation.
1500–2500 nits Ultra-High Brightness
This level is specifically designed for extreme outdoor lighting conditions, such as open environments at noon on clear days or high-altitude regions. Ultra-high brightness displays significantly increase thermal stress on LCD panels and PCB circuit boards while also resulting in higher power consumption. Therefore, when selecting such screens, comprehensive thermal management and power strategies for the entire device are essential.
Selecting the appropriate brightness level hinges on achieving clear visibility without causing eye strain in specific application environments. Insufficient brightness may lead to reading difficulties and diminished image quality, while excessive brightness can cause visual fatigue and discomfort. For different usage scenarios, we recommend consulting our technical team for tailored brightness configuration recommendations based on your actual requirements.