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Related Experiment Videos

Keyswitch orientation can reduce finger joint torques during tapping on a computer keyswitch.

Aruna D Balakrishnan1, Devin L Jindrich, Jack T Dennerlein

  • 1Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.

Human Factors
|May 16, 2006
PubMed
Summary

Optimizing keyswitch orientation significantly reduces finger joint torques during typing. Tilting keys away from the user decreases joint torques by up to 47%, aiding in ergonomic keyboard design.

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Area of Science:

  • Ergonomics
  • Biomechanics
  • Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

  • Fingertip forces during typing are primarily vertical.
  • Horizontal forces on keyswitches can influence finger joint torques.
  • Understanding these forces is crucial for preventing repetitive strain injuries.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of keyswitch orientation on finger joint torques.
  • To quantify torque reductions associated with different keyswitch designs.
  • To inform ergonomic keyboard development.

Main Methods:

  • Eleven participants performed single-finger tapping tasks on keyswitches with varied orientations (vertical, positive-tilt, negative-tilt).
  • A prototype cantilever keyswitch was also tested.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Finger posture and fingertip forces were measured using goniometers and force sensors.

    • Main Results:

    • Keyswitch orientation moving away from the user reduced net joint torques by 47% compared to vertical orientation.
    • A negative-tilt orientation (toward user) increased torques by 56% relative to the positive-tilt.
    • The cantilever design yielded a 14% torque reduction versus the vertical orientation.

    Conclusions:

    • Torque reductions are achieved by minimizing the moment arm of fingertip forces relative to finger joints.
    • Keyboard designs should integrate keyswitch angles and other ergonomic factors to reduce joint and muscle strain.