Abstract: A capacitive switch is formed of a dielectric layer having a first electrode disposed on or adjacent one surface and a second electrode and a conductive pad, such as a touch pad, disposed on the opposite side of the dielectric layer. The conductive pad and the second electrode are in superimposed relationship to the first electrode. The conductive pad and second electrode may be side by side, with a small gap between or they may be superimposed on one another with a further dielectric layer between. Such switches may be formed into an array and may be combined with a display by being superimposed over a display medium, such as an electroluminescent layer, having a display electrode on one side and the first electrode on the other side. In this arrangement all the components, except the display medium and the display electrode, are of transparent material.