A comparison of a Klockenburg style split keyboard and a standard PC keyboard on typing speed and posture

Abstract

The current study compares biomechanical and productivity outcomes related to the use of a Klockenburg (split and angled) style keyboard as opposed to the use of a standard PC 101 style keyboard among office workers. The study used 10 subjects (5 male and 5 female) who were employees of a large insurance company. Subjects were categorized by job classification, including 5 exempt and 5 nonexempt employees. Each subject was evaluated on both of the keyboards in a laboratory setting after three weeks of familiarization with the keyboards at their workstation. Productivity was measured as words per minute. In the lab, biomechanical outcomes included angular measures of forearm pronation/supination, wrist flexion/extension, wrist radial/ulnar deviation and neck angle. Lab results showed that the Klockenburg keyboard negatively impacted productivity and neck posture, while forearm pronation/supination and wrist radial/ulnar deviation were in more neutral positions. There was no significant difference in wrist extension between the two keyboards. In the field, the Klockenburg keyboard did not impact productivity.