Are there Differences in Force Exposures and Typing Productivity between Touchscreen and Conventional Keyboard?

Abstract

As the use of tablets is becoming increasingly prevalent, it is important to understand how using a touchscreen (virtual) keyboard affects typing forces, productivity and comfort. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate whether there were differences in typing forces, typing productivity and users’ discomfort between virtual and conventional keyboards. A total of 19 subjects (10 males and 9 females) typed for 10 minutes on a virtual keyboard and two conventional keyboards. The results showed that virtual keyboard use resulted in lower typing forces (p < 0.0001), lower typing performance (p < 0.0001), and higher subjective discomfort at the hand/wrist and the neck/shoulder (p < 0.0001). The results indicate that using a virtual keyboard may not cause any detrimental effect on physical exposures, but may increase musculoskeletal discomfort on the upper extremities and neck/shoulder regions; therefore, appropriate interventions should be considered for the prolonged use of a virtual keyboard.