Activation force and travel effects on overexertion in repetitive key tapping

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-1997

Abstract

Key switch design parameters, including make force, make travel, and over travel, were investigated for minimizing operator-exerted force while maximizing key-tapping speed. A mechanical apparatus was designed, constructed, and used for independently controlling key switch parameters and for directly measuring finger exertions during repetitive key tapping using strain gauge load cells. The task for the 25 participants involved using the index finger of the dominant hand to repeatedly depress a single key as rapidly as possible. Participants received visual and auditory feedback upon a successful keystroke. Peak force exerted decreased 24% and key-tapping rate increased 2% when over travel was distended from 0.0 to 3.0 min. Although peak force exerted was not significantly affected by make point travel, key- tapping rate increased 2% when make point travel was reduced from 4.0 to 1.0 mm. These results indicate that key switch mechanisms that provide adequate over travel might enable operators to exert less force during repetitive key tapping without inhibiting performance.

Identifier

0031106237 (Scopus)

Publication Title

Human Factors

External Full Text Location

https://doi.org/10.1518/001872097778940605

ISSN

00187208

PubMed ID

9302885

First Page

130

Last Page

140

Issue

1

Volume

39

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