The presently described technology relates to an appliance control panel system having a control panel interface comprising at least one capacitive touch key, and a circuit board assembly comprising at least one input receiver pad. The control panel interface and the circuit board assembly are not in direct contact with each other. The input receiver pad can be comprised of a conductive material. Certain embodiments also provide a control panel having at least one conductive extender. The extender can be situated between the control panel interface and the circuit board assembly. The capacitive touch key is in electrical connection with the input receiver pad. An method for controlling an appliance with a control panel is also disclosed.