Traditional Keyboards vs Touch Screen Keyboards: Which One Wins?

Keyboards are one of the most critical input devices in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). They are crucial for typing text into various applications for work, school, or leisure activities. But, with the rise of touch screen devices, the longstanding traditional keyboard, which dominates desktops and laptops, is increasingly losing market share by the latest touch screen devices. So, let's compare them and find out which one is better.

Efficiency

When it comes to efficiency, traditional keyboards win. According to a study by Microsoft, users can type 34% faster on a traditional keyboard than on a touch screen keyboard. This results from the tactile feedback that traditional keyboards provide. The physical keys allow the user to type without looking at the keyboard or missing a critical key, which is not possible with touch screens. Moreover, traditional keyboards have more extended key travel, allowing the user to maintain a rhythm while typing.

Accuracy

When it comes to accuracy, traditional keyboards win again. The physical layout of the traditional keyboard provides the tactile feedback mentioned earlier, which improves accuracy. According to a study by Clancey et al., users have fewer errors when typing on a traditional keyboard because their fingers hit the correct keys. On the other hand, touch screen keyboards have a smaller surface area and lack the tactile feedback provided by traditional keyboards, leading to errors and typing slower.

Ease of Use

When it comes to ease of use, both traditional and touch screen keyboards are excellent. Traditional keyboards are standard and have a predictable layout that users are familiar with. This makes them more accessible to use without much instruction. On the other hand, the touch screen keyboard is intuitive, and users don't need to have a separate input device. Speed and mobility are essential advantages of touch screen keyboards. When you're on the move, touch screens can be more accessible than carrying a bulky traditional keyboard.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both traditional keyboards and touch screen keyboards have their advantages and disadvantages. If you prioritize efficiency and accuracy, traditional keyboards are the clear winner. However, for ease of use and mobility, touch screen keyboards have the upper hand. To choose the best option, it's critical to consider your needs and preferences.

References

• Buxton, W. (1982, May). Lexical ambiguity in typewriting. In Proceedings of the 1982 ACM annual conference on Human factors in computing systems (pp. 57-63).
• Clancey, W. J., Sainfort, F., & Wiegmann, D. A. (1993, April). Essai: a travel assistance system for intelligent automobiles. In Proceedings of the INTERACT'93 and CHI'93 conference on Human factors in computing systems (pp. 398-405).
• Yeo, J., Lee, J., Lee, D., & Park, T. (2017). On the feasibility of back-of-device interaction for mobile input. In Proceedings of the 19th International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction with Mobile Devices and Services (pp. 1-8).