Totally agree: touch screens represent a compromise on usability when it's needed for flexibility, but are almost universally worse than a purpose-built tactile

Totally agree: touch screens represent a compromise on usability when it's needed for flexibility, but are almost universally worse than a purpose-built tactile control. Perfect example: I have a pair of noise-cancelling headphones which let you change volume and switch tracks by swiping on a touch-sensitive earpiece. It's mind-boggling to me that this was chosen over knobs and buttons: first of all it's really easy to accidentally trigger the controls when adjusting the headset. Also, since it's situated in such a way that you can't see it while you're operating it, it's exactly the type of interface which would benefit most from tactile feedback.