To determine the stiffness and damping of computer keyboard keys, a computer-controlled test rig that can measure computer key displacement, velocity, and contact force has been designed. The test rig, consisting of a single-axis stage carrying a probe for contacting keys, has been used to collect contact force and motion data as computer keys are depressed and released at constant velocities up to . Keys that employ a rubber-dome under their caps to achieve the necessary compliance and toggling action were tested. The results demonstrate a nonlinear stiffness force versus displacement characteristic at a given speed and the presence of damping-type forces that increase with key depression speed at a given displacement. In particular, the results indicate that the peak force at the rate of depression increases relative to the quasistatic force level by over 12% for the “Enter,” “K,” and “Spacebar” keys. This paper describes the hardware and software configuration, and presents sample results of the stiffness and damping characteristics of keys during depression-return stroke tests.
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e-mail: mark.nagurka@marquette.edu
e-mail: richard.marklin@marquette.edu
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June 2005
Technical Papers
Measurement of Stiffness and Damping Characteristics of Computer Keyboard Keys
Mark Nagurka,
Mark Nagurka
Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering,
e-mail: mark.nagurka@marquette.edu
Marquette University
, P.O. Box 1881, Milwaukee, WI 53201-1881, USA
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Richard Marklin
Richard Marklin
Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering,
e-mail: richard.marklin@marquette.edu
Marquette University
, P.O. Box 1881, Milwaukee, WI 53201-1881, USA
Search for other works by this author on:
Mark Nagurka
Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering,
Marquette University
, P.O. Box 1881, Milwaukee, WI 53201-1881, USAe-mail: mark.nagurka@marquette.edu
Richard Marklin
Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering,
Marquette University
, P.O. Box 1881, Milwaukee, WI 53201-1881, USAe-mail: richard.marklin@marquette.edu
J. Dyn. Sys., Meas., Control. Jun 2005, 127(2): 283-288 (6 pages)
Published Online: June 1, 2005
Citation
Nagurka, M., and Marklin, R. (June 1, 2005). "Measurement of Stiffness and Damping Characteristics of Computer Keyboard Keys." ASME. J. Dyn. Sys., Meas., Control. June 2005; 127(2): 283–288. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.1902823
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