Mechanical and Membrane Keyboard Typing Assessment Using Surface Electromyography (sEMG)

摘要

There are many different types of keyboards available for use. However, the mechanicalkeyboard is becoming more popular with enthusiast computer users. Vendors and usersalike proclaim that they provide increased typing speeds and that less physical effort isrequired to activate the keyswitches due to the additional tactile and auditory feedbackfrom the keyswitch design. This study investigates words per minute (WPM), errorpercentage, and surface electromyography (EMG) of the flexor arm muscle activityduring a typing task using a membrane and mechanical keyboard. Results showedstatistical significance with both flexor muscles exerting less effort on a mechanicalkeyboard. Advantages were not limited the mechanical keyboard with WPM revealinggreater typing speeds with the standard membrane keyboard.