Evaluation of Microsoft's Comfort Curve Keyboard

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine whether there were any postural, performance or perceived comfort differences between a conventional straight keyboard and a new ergonomic concept keyboard developed by Microsoft called the Comfort Curve. The concept keyboard was designed to promote more neutral postures in the wrist using a built-in, padded wrist rest to reduce wrist extension and curved keys in alphanumeric section of the keyboard to reduce ulnar deviation. Using a repeated measures design, 26 typists from various occupations randomly used each keyboard for a period of 15 minutes. Wrist postures were measured using electrogoniometers, typing speed and accuracy was measured using typing performance software and discomfort was subjectively measured in the hands, forearms and shoulders and neck. Compared to the conventional straight keyboard, the Comfort Curve keyboard reduced ulnar deviation by 2.2 ° (p < 0.01) and wrist extension by 6.5 ° (p <0.01). There was a small differences in typing speed (50.6 vs 51.8 WPM; p = 0.03) but no differences in accuracy (93.1% vs. 93.5%, p = 0.29) between the Comfort Curve and standard keyboards respectively. Subjective discomfort ratings in all measured body locations were lower with the Comfort Curve keyboard. The results indicate that the concept keyboard achieved its design goal of reducing wrist extension, ulnar deviation and discomfort while not compromising typing speed and accuracy.