Effect of keyswitch design of desktop and notebook keyboards related to key stiffness and typing force

This study aimed to compare and analyse rubber-dome desktop, spring-column desktop and notebook keyboards in terms of key stiffness and fingertip typing force. The spring-column keyboard resulted in the highest mean peak contact force (0.86N), followed by the rubber dome desktop (0.68N) and the notebook (0.59N). All these differences were statistically significant. Likewise, the spring-column keyboard registered the highest fingertip typing force and the notebook keyboard the lowest. A comparison of forces showed the notebook (rubber dome) keyboard had the highest fingertip-to-peak contact force ratio (overstrike force), and the spring-column generated the least excess force (as a ratio of peak contact force). The results of this study could aid in optimizing computer key design that could possibly reduce subject discomfort and fatigue.

[1]  M. S. Mayzner,et al.  Tables of single-letter and digram frequency counts for various word-length and letter-position combinations. , 1965 .

[2]  Mark L. Nagurka,et al.  Measurement of Stiffness and Damping Characteristics of Computer Keyboard Keys , 2005 .

[3]  Bernard J. Martin,et al.  Keyboard Reaction Force and Finger Flexor Electromyograms during Computer Keyboard Work , 1996, Hum. Factors.

[4]  M Feuerstein,et al.  Computer keyboard force and upper extremity symptoms. , 1997, Journal of occupational and environmental medicine.

[5]  D. Rempel,et al.  The effects of keyswitch stiffness on typing force, finger electromyography, and subjective discomfort. , 1999, American Industrial Hygiene Association journal.

[6]  Thomas J Armstrong,et al.  Short term and long term effects of enhanced auditory feedback on typing force, EMG, and comfort while typing. , 2002, Applied ergonomics.

[7]  IkeiYasushi,et al.  Vibratory Tactile Display of Image-Based Textures , 1997 .

[8]  Arne Lundervold,et al.  ELECTROMYOGRAPHIC INVESTIGATIONS DURING TYPEWRITING , 1958 .

[9]  Mark L. Nagurka,et al.  Design of a test rig for measurement of stiffness and damping characteristics of computer keyboard keys , 1999, Proceedings of the 1999 American Control Conference (Cat. No. 99CH36251).

[10]  T J Armstrong,et al.  Effects of key stiffness on force and the development of fatigue while typing. , 1996, American Industrial Hygiene Association journal.

[11]  Yasushi Ikei,et al.  Vibratory Tactile Display of Image-Based Textures , 1997, IEEE Computer Graphics and Applications.

[12]  B J Martin,et al.  Investigation of applied forces in alphanumeric keyboard work. , 1994, American Industrial Hygiene Association journal.

[13]  Gene Lynch,et al.  American National Standard for Human Factors Engineering of Visual Display Terminal Workstations: A Report to the Society , 1985 .

[14]  William S. Marras,et al.  A quantitative description of typing biomechanics , 1996, Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation.

[15]  David Rempel,et al.  Fingertip Forces While Using three Different Keyboards , 1991 .