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

Marcia J. Bufton; Richard W. Marklin; Mark L. Nagurka; Guy G. Simoneau

doi:10.1080/00140130600577437

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

Marcia J. Bufton, Richard W. Marklin, Mark L. Nagurka, Guy G. Simoneau

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

22 Scopus citations

Abstract

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.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	996-1012
Number of pages	17
Journal	Ergonomics
Volume	49
Issue number	10
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1080/00140130600577437
State	Published - 15 Aug 2006
Externally published	Yes

Keywords

Computer keyboard
Computer keys
Typing
Typing force

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Human Factors and Ergonomics
Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation

Access to Document

10.1080/00140130600577437

Cite this

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abstract = "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.",

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AU - Bufton, Marcia J.

AU - Marklin, Richard W.

AU - Nagurka, Mark L.

AU - Simoneau, Guy G.

PY - 2006/8/15

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

Abstract

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

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