An ink droplet sensing means for detecting whether or not droplets are impinging on record media during ink jet printing operations. A synthetic foil having a metal layer is placed over a counter electrode having a rough surface on one side and a voltage is then applied to the electrode and the metal layer. Ink droplets impinging on the foil momentarily deflect the foil and cause a change in capacity which in turn causes a voltage change at the electrode. The voltage change is coupled through a capacitor and an amplifier and through recognition logic for evaluation of the signals.