Impact of Mechanical Keyboard Switch Types on Typing Performance and User Experience

Abstract

In recent years, mechanical keyboards have become the most widely used human-machine interface in public spaces, owing to their user-friendly operation, durability, simplicity, and cost-effectiveness. These keyboards, known for their tactile and auditory feedback, are often evaluated based on their performance and user preferences. This study investigates the effects of different mechanical keyboard switchesspecifically blue, red, and brownon typing performance, user experience, and perceived comfort. Data were collected through controlled experiments where participants were asked to perform typing tasks on keyboards with each switch type. The main tools used for analysis were performance metrics such as typing speed (words per minute, WPM), accuracy, and subjective user feedback gathered through surveys. The results indicate that users demonstrated higher typing speed and accuracy on the red switch compared to the blue and brown switches. Additionally, the blue switch was associated with greater tactile feedback, but at the cost of a louder sound profile. These findings suggest that switch choice significantly impacts typing performance and user experience, with implications for product design and future research in the area of human-computer interaction.