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

• Published in: Ergonomics Vol. 49; no. 10; pp. 996 - 1012
• Main Authors: Bufton, Marcia J., Marklin, Richard W., Nagurka, Mark L., Simoneau, Guy G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Taylor & Francis 15.08.2006; Washington, DC Taylor & Francis LLC
• Subjects: Adult; Applied physiology; Biological and medical sciences; Computer keyboard; Computer keys; Computer Peripherals; Design; Effects; Equipment Design; Ergonomics; Ergonomics. Work place. Occupational physiology; Fatigue; Female; Fingers; Human physiology applied to population studies and life conditions. Human ecophysiology; Humans; Keyboards; Man-Machine Systems; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Portable computers; Space life sciences; Surveys and Questionnaires; Typing; Typing force; United States; Word Processing; Applied ergonomics; Human; Computer keyboard; Typing; Force; Keyboard; Finger; Typing force; Computer; Stiffness; Input output equipment; Computer keys
• DOI: 10.1080/00140130600577437
• ISSN: 0014-0139

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.