KY-036 Metal Touch Sensor Module – Digital Output, 5V, Arduino Compatible
KY-036 Metal Touch Sensor Module – Digital Output Touch Switch with Adjustable Sensitivity
The KY-036 metal touch sensor module provides a clean digital output when the onboard metal pad is touched. It operates from 3.3V to 5V, and an LM393 comparator ensures stable signal transition with no bouncing. Use it as a robust replacement for mechanical buttons in microcontroller projects. The onboard potentiometer allows sensitivity adjustment, and the red LED indicates touch detection instantly.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating Voltage | 3.3V–5V DC |
| Output Signal | Digital (high when touched, normally low) |
| Sensitivity Adjustment | Onboard potentiometer (clockwise for higher sensitivity) |
| Detection Method | Touch via metal pad, works through up to 3 mm non-conductive layer |
| Indicator | Red LED lights on touch |
| Dimensions | 36 mm × 15 mm × 10 mm |
| Mounting Hole | 3 mm diameter |
| Current Consumption | ＜5 mA |
What You Can Build With This
- Touch-activated LED lamp – replace a push button with a sleek touch interface hidden behind a panel.
- Arduino piano with touch keys – use several modules as capacitive keys for a custom musical instrument.
- Secret touch latch for cabinets – mount the sensor behind wood or acrylic for a invisible switch.
- Knock or touch-pattern detector – measure touch duration and count pulses to trigger locked actions.
Compatibility
Works with any 3.3V or 5V microcontroller, including Arduino Uno, Nano, Mega, ESP8266, ESP32, and Raspberry Pi Pico. The digital output can directly interface with a GPIO pin, or drive a small relay module via a transistor. No special libraries are required; just read the pin state.
Wiring Notes
Connect VCC to a 5V supply, GND to ground, and DO to a digital input pin. The potentiometer sets the touch threshold – turn clockwise to raise sensitivity, testing until the LED reliably lights with a light touch. The output is normally low; it goes high on touch. For long wires, add a 10kΩ pull-down resistor on DO to prevent floating states in noisy environments.
Why Buy from Compoden
Every component is sourced from verified suppliers and tested for compatibility before listing. We've spent 10 years building projects for makers, schools, and institutions across India. Ships from Bengaluru in 3-5 days. If defective on arrival, replace within 7 days.
Is this compatible with Arduino Uno?
Yes, the KY-036 works directly with Arduino Uno. Connect VCC to 5V, GND to GND, and DO to any digital pin; read the pin state in your code using digitalRead().
Can it detect touch through a thin layer of plastic or wood?
The module can detect touch through non-metallic materials up to 3 mm thick, such as acrylic, glass, or wood veneer, as long as the metal pad is not obstructed by a conductive layer.
How do I adjust the sensitivity?
Rotate the blue potentiometer clockwise to increase sensitivity until the LED lights up when lightly touched; rotate counterclockwise if false triggers occur in electrically noisy environments.
📦 Free Setup Handoff Document Included
Every Compoden order includes a free setup handoff document — step-by-step instructions to get your component working within minutes. Download it via QR code on your package. The handoff document is also trained to help you troubleshoot the majority of problems.
Ask Soldr above what you can build with this — it knows every Compoden kit this part appears in.
Shipping Information
- Prepaid Orders: ₹75 for orders up to ₹999, FREE shipping above ₹999
- COD Orders: ₹125 shipping + ₹50 COD fee = ₹175 total
- Delivery Timeline: Dispatch in 1-2 days, delivery in 2-7 days depending on location
Returns & Warranty
- 7-Day Return: Manufacturing defects only (approval required)
- Warranty: 7 days from delivery
- Non-Returnable: Batteries, consumables, cut wires, clearance items