Tap vs. Click — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 2, 2024
Tap refers to the action on touchscreen devices, while click involves pressing a mouse button or touchpad, highlighting the difference in interaction methods.
Difference Between Tap and Click
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Tap is a gesture used on touchscreen devices, such as smartphones and tablets, involving a light touch or press on the screen surface to input commands or interact with applications. This action is intuitive and direct, allowing users to physically interact with what they see on the screen. In contrast, click requires the physical pressing of a button, typically on a mouse or computer touchpad, to execute commands or select items. This action relies on indirect interaction, where the user manipulates a separate device that controls a cursor on the screen, translating the movement and clicks into commands.
The tactile experience of tapping involves direct contact with the screen, making it a more physical interaction that can be perceived as more immediate and engaging. On the other hand, clicking provides a level of precision and familiarity, especially in desktop computing environments, where tasks often demand detailed navigation and selection capabilities that a mouse excels at.
Tapping supports a range of gestures, including double taps, long presses, and swipes, each offering different functionalities and interactions. Clicking, while primarily involving single and double clicks, also incorporates right-clicks and scroll actions through the mouse, providing a diverse set of commands and controls within software environments.
In terms of accessibility and ease of use, tapping is often seen as more user-friendly for casual browsing, reading, and simple game controls, catering to a wide range of users, including those less familiar with traditional computing devices. Clicking, however, offers precision and efficiency in productivity and professional software applications, where detailed actions and controls are necessary.
While tap and click serve similar purposes in interfacing with digital devices and applications, their distinct methods of interaction reflect the diverse ecosystem of devices and user preferences, highlighting the evolution of technology and user experience design.
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Comparison Chart
Interaction Method
Direct touch on a screen.
Pressing a mouse button or touchpad.
Device Type
Touchscreen devices (smartphones, tablets).
Computers and laptops (using a mouse or touchpad).
Tactile Experience
Direct and physical interaction with content.
Indirect, requiring a separate device to control a cursor.
Precision
Good for broad actions, gestures.
High, suitable for detailed navigation and selection.
Typical Use
Casual browsing, reading, games.
Detailed work, professional applications.
Compare with Definitions
Tap
Intuitive for a wide range of users.
Tap to select your choice.
Click
Essential for precision in desktop computing.
Click the small checkbox to select it.
Tap
A quick touch on a touchscreen to input a command.
Tap the icon to open the app.
Click
Requires a mouse or touchpad.
Use the touchpad to click and drag the file.
Tap
Used widely in mobile applications.
Tap here to see more details.
Click
Pressing a mouse button to execute commands.
Click the button to submit your form.
Tap
Involves gestures like swiping and pinching.
Tap and hold the photo to see options.
Click
Involves right-clicks for additional options.
Right-click to open the context menu.
Tap
Direct interaction with digital content.
Tap the screen to play the video.
Click
Common in software and web navigation.
Click the link to visit the website.
Tap
A device by which a flow of liquid or gas from a pipe or container can be controlled
She turned the cold tap on
The air-supply tap
Click
A short, sharp sound as of a switch being operated or of two hard objects coming smartly into contact
She heard the click of the door
Tap
A device connected to a telephone for listening secretly to someone's conversations
Those taps produced hundreds of hours of recordings
Click
Make or cause to make a short, sharp sound as of a switch being operated or of two hard objects coming smartly into contact
Martha clicked her tongue
She clicked off the light
The key clicked in the lock and the door opened
Tap
An instrument for cutting a threaded hole in a material.
Click
Become suddenly clear or understandable
I wasn't used to such good treatment, then it clicked: we were wearing suits
Tap
A taproom.
Click
A brief, sharp sound
The click of a door latch.
Tap
A quick light blow, or the sound of such a blow
There was a sharp tap at the door
Click
A mechanical device, such as a pawl, that snaps into position.
Tap
Tap dancing
A rhythm much used in tap
Click
An instance of pressing down and releasing a button on a mouse or other input device.
Tap
A bugle call for lights to be put out in army quarters
The bugler played taps
Click
An instance of selecting an item in a website or app by clicking or tapping on a mouse, touchscreen, or other input device.
Tap
Draw liquid through the tap or spout of (a cask, barrel, or other container)
Several barrels had been tapped to celebrate old victories
Click
(Linguistics) Any of various implosive stops, such as that of English tsk, produced by raising the back of the tongue to make contact with the palate and simultaneously closing the lips or touching the teeth or alveolar ridge with the tip and sides of the tongue, and found as phonemic consonants especially in the languages of the Khoikhoi and the San, and in some Bantu languages. Also called suction stop. See Usage Note at !Kung.
Tap
Exploit or draw a supply from (a resource)
Clients from industry seeking to tap Edinburgh's resources of expertise
These magazines have tapped into a target market of consumers
Click
To produce a click or series of clicks.
Tap
Connect a device to (a telephone) so that conversation can be listened to secretly
The telephones were tapped by the state security police
Click
To press and release a button on a mouse or other input device.
Tap
Cut a thread in (something) to accept a screw
On most vices, the metal jaws are drilled and tapped to accept screws
Click
To select an item in a webpage or app by clicking or tapping a mouse, touchscreen, or other input device.
Tap
Strike with a quick light blow or blows
One of my staff tapped me on the shoulder
Click
To have good social or working relations; hit it off
The director and producer clicked at the very start of the play.
Tap
Approach (a sports player) unlawfully with a view to signing them to another club while they are still under contract with their current one.
Click
To become clear; fall into place
The answer finally clicked, and I finished the crossword.
Tap
Designate or select (someone) for a task or honour, especially membership of an organization or committee
He had been tapped earlier to serve in Costa Rica
Click
To be a great success
The play clicked on Broadway.
Tap
To strike gently with a light blow or blows
I tapped you on the shoulder to get your attention.
Click
To cause to click, as by striking together
Clicked his heels.
Tap
To give a light rap with
Tap a pencil.
Click
To press down and release (a button on an input device)
Clicked the left button on the mouse.
Tap
To produce with a succession of light blows
Tap out a rhythm.
Click
To press down and release a button on (an input device)
Clicked the mouse.
Tap
To select, as for membership in an organization; designate.
Click
To select (an item in a webpage or app) by clicking or tapping a mouse, touchscreen, or other input device
To open the file, click the icon.
Tap
To repair (shoe heels or toes) by applying a thin layer of leather or a substitute material.
Click
A brief, sharp, not particularly loud, relatively high-pitched sound produced by the impact of something small and hard against something hard, such as by the operation of a switch, a lock, or a latch.
As I turned the key, the lock gave a click and the door opened.
Tap
To attach metal plates to (shoe toes or heels).
Click
(British) The act of making a clicking sound by pressing a finger against the thumb and then releasing to strike the palm; a snap.
Tap
To deliver a gentle, light blow or blows.
Click
(phonetics) An ingressive sound made by coarticulating a velar or uvular closure with another closure.
Tsk is a click in English.
Tap
To walk making light clicks.
Click
Sound made by a dolphin.
Tap
To tap-dance.
Click
The act of operating a switch, etc., so that it clicks.
Tap
To furnish with a spigot or tap.
Click
(GUI) The act of pressing a button on a computer mouse or similar input device, both as a physical act and a reaction in the software.
Tap
To pierce in order to draw off liquid
Tap a maple tree.
Click
(by extension) A single instance of content on the Internet being accessed.
Tap
To draw (liquid) from a vessel or container
Tap a new keg of beer.
Click
A pawl or similar catch.
Tap
(Medicine) To withdraw fluid from (a body cavity).
Click
A knock or blow.
Tap
To make a physical connection with or open outlets from
Tap a water main.
Click
A limb contortion at the joint, part of vogue dancing.
Tap
To wiretap (a telephone or communications channel).
Click
A detent, pawl, or ratchet, such as that which catches the cogs of a ratchet wheel to prevent backward motion.
Tap
To establish an electric connection in (a power line), as to divert current secretly.
Click
The latch of a door.
Tap
To establish access to or a connection with
Tapped a new market for inexpensive books.
Click
(transitive) To cause to make a click; to operate (a switch, etc) so that it makes a click.
Tap
To take advantage of; make use of
Tapped voter anger to win the election.
Click
(intransitive) To emit a click.
Tap
To cut screw threads in (a collar, socket, or other fitting).
Click
(British) To snap the fingers.
Tap
(Informal) To ask (a person) for money.
Click
(computing) To press and release (a button on a computer mouse).
Tap
A gentle blow.
Click
To select a software item using, usually, but not always, the pressing of a mouse button.
Tap
The sound made by such a blow.
Click
To visit (a web site).
Visit a location, call, or click www.example.com.
Tap
A thin layer of leather or a substitute applied to a worn-down shoe heel or toe.
Click
To navigate by clicking a mouse button.
I soon grew bored and clicked away from the site.
From the home page, click through to the Products section.
Tap
A metal plate attached to the toe or heel of a shoe, as for tap-dancing.
Click
(intransitive) To make sense suddenly.
Then it clicked—I had been going the wrong way all that time.
Tap
Tap dance.
Click
(intransitive) To get along well.
When we met at the party, we just clicked and we’ve been best friends ever since.
Tap
(Linguistics) See flap.
Click
To tick.
Tap
A valve and spout used to regulate delivery of a fluid at the end of a pipe.
Click
To take (a photograph) with a camera.
Tap
A plug for a bunghole; a spigot.
Click
To achieve success in one's career or a breakthrough, often the first time.
Tap
Liquor drawn from a spigot.
Click
Of a film, to be successful at the box office.
Tap
Liquor of a particular brew, cask, or quality.
Click
(obsolete) To snatch.
Tap
(Medicine) The removal of fluid from a body cavity
A spinal tap.
Click
(US) clique
Tap
A tool for cutting an internal screw thread.
Click
The sound of a click.
Click! The door opened.
Tap
A makeshift terminal in an electric circuit.
Click
To make a slight, sharp noise (or a succession of such noises), as by gentle striking; to tick.
The varnished clock that clicked behind the door.
Tap
A wiretap.
Click
To move with the sound of a click.
She clicked back the bolt which held the window sash.
Tap
A tapering cylindrical pin or peg used to stop the vent in a cask.
Click
To cause to make a clicking noise, as by striking together, or against something.
[Jove] clicked all his marble thumbs.
When merry milkmaids click the latch.
Tap
A device used to dispense liquids.
We don't have bottled water; you'll have to get it from the tap.
Click
To snatch.
Tap
Liquor drawn through a tap; hence, a certain kind or quality of liquor.
A liquor of the same tap
Click
A slight sharp noise, such as is made by the cocking of a pistol.
Tap
A place where liquor is drawn for drinking.
Click
A kind of articulation used by the natives of Southern Africa, consisting in a sudden withdrawal of the end or some other portion of the tongue from a part of the mouth with which it is in contact, whereby a sharp, clicking sound is produced. The sounds are four in number, and are called cerebral, palatal, dental, and lateral clicks or clucks, the latter being the noise ordinarily used in urging a horse forward.
Tap
(mechanics) A device used to cut an internal screw thread. (External screw threads are cut with a die.)
We drilled a hole and then cut the threads with the proper tap to match the valve's thread.
Click
A detent, pawl, or ratchet, as that which catches the cogs of a ratchet wheel to prevent backward motion. See Illust. of Ratched wheel.
Tap
A connection made to an electrical or fluid conductor without breaking it.
The system was barely keeping pressure due to all of the ill-advised taps along its length.
Click
The latch of a door.
Tap
An interception of communication by authority.
Click
A short light metallic sound
Tap
A device used to listen in secretly on telephone calls.
Click
Depression of a button on a computer mouse;
A click on the right button for example
Tap
A procedure that removes fluid from a body cavity.
Abdominal tap
Pleural tap
Spinal tap
Click
A stop consonant made by the suction of air into the mouth (as in Bantu)
Tap
(finance) The situation where a borrowing government authority issues bonds over a period of time, usually at a fixed price, with volumes sold on a particular day dependent on market conditions.
Tap issue; a bond tap
Click
A hinged catch that fits into a notch of a ratchet to move a wheel forward or prevent it from moving backward
Tap
A gentle or slight blow; a light rap; a pat.
When Steve felt a tap on his shoulder, he turned around.
Click
Move or strike with a noise;
He clicked on the light
His arm was snapped forward
Tap
(dance) tap dance
Click
Make a clicking or ticking sound;
The clock ticked away
Tap
The act of touching a touch screen.
Click
Click repeatedly or uncontrollably;
Chattering teeth
Tap
A piece of leather fastened upon the bottom of a boot or shoe in repairing or renewing the sole or heel.
Click
Cause to make a snapping sound;
Snap your fingers
Tap
(military) A signal, by drum or trumpet, for extinguishing all lights in soldiers' quarters and retiring to bed; usually given about a quarter of an hour after tattoo.
Click
Produce a click;
Xhosa speakers click
Tap
(phonetics) A consonant sound made by a single muscle contraction, such as the sound [
Click
Make a clucking sounds, characteristic of hens
Tap
An Indian malarial fever.
Click
Become clear or enter one's consciousness or emotions;
It dawned on him that she had betrayed him
She was penetrated with sorrow
Tap
To furnish with taps.
If we tap the maple trees, we can get maple syrup!
Tap
To draw off liquid from a vessel.
He tapped a new barrel of beer.
Tap
To deplete, especially of a liquid via a tap; to tap out.
Tap
To exploit.
Businesses are trying to tap the youth market.
Tap
To place a listening or recording device on a telephone or wired connection.
They can't tap the phone without a warrant.
Tap
To intercept a communication without authority.
He was known to tap cable television.
Tap
(mechanical) To cut an internal screw thread.
Tap an M3 thread all the way through the hole.
Tap
To turn or flip a card or playing piece to remind players that it has already been used that turn (by analogy to "tapping," in the sense of drawing on to the point of temporary exhaustion, the resources or abilities represented by the card).
Tap
(informal) To cadge, borrow or beg.
I tried to tap a cigarette off him, but he wouldn't give me one.
Tap
To drain off fluid by paracentesis.
Tap
To advance someone for a post or job, or for membership of a club.
Trump interviewed Mueller for FBI job day before he was tapped for special counsel.
Tap
To strike lightly.
She tapped him on the shoulder to get his attention.
Tap
To touch one's finger, foot, or other body parts on a surface (usually) repeatedly.
He was so nervous he began to tap his fingers on the table.
She tapped her companion on the back to indicate that she was ready to go.
Lydia tapped Jim on the shoulder to get his attention.
Tap
To make a sharp noise.
The tree, swaying in the breeze, began to tap on the window pane.
Tap
(graphical user interface) To operate an electronic device (e.g. a mobile phone) by tapping a specific place on its (capacitive or other) touch screen.
Tap
To designate for some duty or for membership, as in 'a tap on the shoulder'.
Tap
(combat sports) To submit to an opponent by tapping one's hand repeatedly.
Tap
To force (an opponent) to submit.
Tap
To put a new sole or heel on.
To tap shoes
Tap
To strike with a slight or gentle blow; to touch gently; to rap lightly; to pat; as, to tap one with the hand or a cane.
Tap
To put a new sole or heel on; as, to tap shoes.
Tap
To strike a gentle blow.
Tap
To pierce so as to let out, or draw off, a fluid; as, to tap a cask, a tree, a tumor, a keg of beer, etc.
Tap
Hence, to draw resources from (a reservoir) in any analogous way; as, to tap someone's knowledge of the Unix system; to tap the treasury.
Tap
To draw, or cause to flow, by piercing.
He has been tapping his liquors.
Tap
To form an internal screw in (anything) by means of a tool called a tap; as, to tap a nut, a pipe, or tubing.
Tap
To connect a listening device to (a telephone or telegraph line) secretly, for the purpose of hearing private conversations; also, to obtain or record (information) by tapping; - a technique used by law enforcement agencies investigating suspected criminals. In the United States it is illegal without a court order permitting it.
Tap
A gentle or slight blow; a light rap; a pat.
Tap
A piece of leather fastened upon the bottom of a boot or shoe in repairing or renewing the sole or heel.
Tap
A signal, by drum or trumpet, for extinguishing all lights in soldiers' quarters and retiring to bed, - usually given about a quarter of an hour after tattoo.
Tap
A hole or pipe through which liquor is drawn.
Tap
A plug or spile for stopping a hole pierced in a cask, or the like; a faucet.
Tap
Liquor drawn through a tap; hence, a certain kind or quality of liquor; as, a liquor of the same tap.
Tap
A place where liquor is drawn for drinking; a taproom; a bar.
Tap
A tool for forming an internal screw, as in a nut, consisting of a hardened steel male screw grooved longitudinally so as to have cutting edges.
Tap
The sound made by a gentle blow
Tap
A faucet for drawing water from a pipe or cask
Tap
A gentle blow
Tap
A small metal plate that attaches to the toe or heel of a shoe (as in tap dancing)
Tap
A tool for cutting female (internal) screw threads
Tap
A plug for a bunghole in a cask
Tap
The act of tapping a telephone or telegraph line to get information
Tap
A light touch or stroke
Tap
Cut a female screw thread with a tap
Tap
Draw from or dip into to get something;
Tap one's memory
Tap a source of money
Tap
Strike lightly;
He tapped me on the shoulder
Tap
Draw from; make good use of;
We must exploit the resources we are given wisely
Tap
Tap a telephone or telegraph wire to get information;
The FBI was tapping the phone line of the suspected spy
Is this hotel room bugged?
Tap
Furnish with a tap or spout, so as to be able to draw liquid from it;
Tap a cask of wine
Tap
Make light, repeated taps on a surface;
He was tapping his fingers on the table impatiently
Tap
Walk with a tapping sound
Tap
Dance and make rhythmic clicking sounds by means of metal plates nailed to the sole of the dance shoes;
Glover tapdances better than anybody
Tap
Draw (liquor) from a tap;
Tap beer in a bar
Tap
Pierce in order to draw a liquid from;
Tap a maple tree for its syrup
Tap a keg of beer
Tap
Make a solicitation or entreaty for something; request urgently or persistently;
Henry IV solicited the Pope for a divorce
My neighbor keeps soliciting money for different charities
Common Curiosities
Can you tap on a laptop?
Yes, if the laptop has a touchscreen, tapping is possible; otherwise, interaction is through click actions on the touchpad or mouse.
What is a tap in technology?
A tap is a quick, light touch on a touchscreen device used to input commands or interact with applications.
Is tapping or clicking more precise?
Clicking, especially with a mouse, offers greater precision, which is beneficial for detailed tasks and professional applications.
Do operating systems differentiate between tap and click?
Operating systems are designed to recognize both input methods and provide appropriate responses based on the device's capabilities.
What does click mean?
Click refers to pressing a button on a mouse or touchpad to select items or execute commands on a computer.
How do tap and click differ in terms of devices?
Tap is used with touchscreen devices like smartphones and tablets, while click is used with a mouse or touchpad on computers and laptops.
Can the same action be a tap on one device and a click on another?
Yes, depending on the device being used, the same action, like selecting an item, could be achieved through a tap on a touchscreen or a click with a mouse.
What role do tap and click play in user interface design?
Tap and click are central to user interface design, influencing the layout, element size, and interaction flow to accommodate these fundamental actions.
Why might someone prefer tapping over clicking?
Tapping offers a more direct and intuitive interaction, which some users find easier and more engaging for casual use.
How do tap and click integrate in hybrid devices?
In hybrid devices, such as convertible laptops, both tapping and clicking are integrated to offer versatile interaction methods for different user preferences and tasks.
Are there tasks better suited for clicking?
Yes, tasks that require detailed navigation, selection, and control, such as graphic design or spreadsheet management, are better suited for clicking.
Is one method faster than the other for general use?
The speed of interaction can depend on the user's familiarity with the device and the context of use, though tapping can be quicker for simple actions.
How do accessibility features accommodate tap and click?
Accessibility features include adjustments for tap and click sensitivity, alternative input methods, and gesture simplification to accommodate various needs.
How has the rise of touchscreen devices influenced user interaction?
The proliferation of touchscreen devices has made tapping a common interaction method, expanding the ways users engage with technology and influencing the design of digital interfaces.
Can you customize tap and click settings?
Yes, most devices allow customization of tap and click settings, including sensitivity and specific gestures, to enhance user experience.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
