The document discusses different types of comparators used to compare dimensions of components to a standard. It describes mechanical, pneumatic, optical, electrical, and electronic comparators. Mechanical comparators include dial indicators, reed type, sigma, and Johansson Mikrokator comparators. They work using gears, levers, and springs to magnify small movements. Pneumatic comparators use air pressure differences to determine dimensions. Mechanical-optical comparators amplify movements mechanically first, then optically using projections. Advantages of mechanical comparators include not needing external energy and being portable, while disadvantages are limited range and potential for parallax errors.