Quantitative Evaluation of Four Computer Keyboards: Wrist Posture and Typing Performance

R. Denhoy / M. Shih / K. Hollerbach / P. Tittiranonda / S. Burastero / C. Chen

Abstract: The present study focuses on an ergonomic evaluation of 4 computer keyboards, based on a quantitative analysis of wrist posture and typing performance and on subjective analyses of operator comfort during typing. The objectives of this study are (1) to quantify differences in the wrist posture and in typing performance when the four different keyboards are used, and (2) to analyze the subjective preferences of the subjects for alternative keyboards compared to the standard flat keyboard.

Keywords: Empirical studies, Keyboard input, Hardware development, Wrist posture, Typing

Note: Originally published in Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society 38th Annual Meeting, 1994, pp. 1094-1098, (online access).

Republished: G. Perlman, G. K. Green & M. S. Wogalter (Eds) Human Factors Perspectives on Human-Computer Interaction: Selections from Proceedings of Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meetings, 1983-1994, Santa Monica, California: HFES, 1995, pp. 364-368.