Screen Protectors¶

1 - Protection¶

Screen protectors provide a layer of protection over your device's display. For the purpose of rhythm games, screen protectors are highly recommended, as the chances of damage/wear and tear are higher due to increased tap frequency and pressure. A screen protector benefits the device by protecting it from multiple sources of damage.

1.1 Scratch Protection¶

A screen protector will prevent a display from enduring additional damage from scratches. Any scratches that may appear from normal wear and tear will be transfered to the screen protector, keeping the main display itself intact. Screen protectors may also make existing scratches on the display less visible.

1.2 Oleophobic Coating¶

Oleophic coating is a coating applied to most smartphone and tablet displays for the purposes of repelling finger oils and reducing touch friction. While oleophic coating is known to wear out over time. excessing tapping and swiping from rhythm games accelerates the process, which makes the device attract fingerprints and feel rough.

While a screen protector may also have its own oleophobic coating, it would be ideal to wear it out and replace the screen protector instead of causing permanent damage to the device itself.

1 - Screen Protector Types¶

There are many different types of screen protectors.

1.1 - Matte Glass¶

Matte glass screen protectors are tempered glass protectors with a matte finish. Screen protectors of this type are highly recommended for rhythm games, as it provides an extremely smooth texture, making it effortless to glide your fingers across the display.

The matte finish may also be beneficial for recording overhead videos, as it completely wipes out camera reflections from the display.

Display quality may be negatively affected with a matte finish. Users may notice a slightly grainy display, and decreased image clarity and contrast. The media consumption experience may be significantly affected, especially on an OLED equipped display.

1.2 - Tempered Glass¶

Tempered glass protectors are tempered glass protectors with a glossy finish. Screen protectors of this type are generally intended for use with media consumption, as it retains the clarity and contrast of a device's display. A device with a tempered glass screen protector applied may be more reflective than usual. While serviceable for rhythm games, it is not ideal due to its similar touch friction to a normal smartphone or tablet screen.

Tempered glass protectors have a layer of oleophic coating that will wear out quickly over time, which accelerates the need for a replacement. This protector is only recommended as a middle-ground for those who want to play rhythm games without affecting the image quality of the display.

1.3 - Paperlike Matte¶

Matte "Paperlike" screen protectors are vinyl protectors with a matte finish. Screen protectors of this type are geared toward artists and note-takers, and are not recommended for rhythm games. "Paperlike" screen protectors have significantly increased friction, and are likely to cause finger burns. The rough texture has also been documented to ruin the pen tips of Samsung's S Pen, or the Apple Pencil.