Date of Award
Fall 2001
Document Type
Thesis - Restricted
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Abstract
Interest in the ergonomics of keyboard design and mechanism has become widespread due to the increasing popularity of personal computers. The increased use of keyboard typing has generated several studies addressing the issue of key force relevant to repetitive disorders and user comfort. However, previous studies on key stiffness, typing force, and user comfort employed keyboards of the desktop class, and to the author's knowledge no studies have been published on the key force characteristics of notebook computer keyboards. Also lacking are studies examining the forces exerted by subjects while typing on notebook keyboards and a comparative analysis of notebook and desktop keyboards. The research performed in this thesis will address this research void and provide key and fingertip force characteristics of notebook keyboards together with a comparison of notebook and desktop keyboards. Since notebooks are becoming increasingly popular, studies on the biomechanical and psychosocial characteristics of the notebook keyboard would be of significant use when designing for user comfort and health considerations.
Recommended Citation
Bufton, Marcia Karweik, "A Study on the Comparative Effects of Keyswitch Design of Desktop and Notebook Keyboards Related to Key Stiffness and Typing Force" (2001). Master's Theses (1922-2009) Access restricted to Marquette Campus. 4047.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/theses/4047