Data Entry DevicesData Entry DevicesIntroductionKeyboard entry devices are superior to other devices such as knobs, levers, and thumb wheels.Speed and accuracy are dependent on the quality of data given to the operator, based on the following criteria!essages of the "# numbers presented in random order are not entered more rapidly than those of the full $% letters&he operator is familiar with the format of the information to be entered'pper( and lowercase characters are used for written te)t*ong messages or strings of digits are entered as chunksData Entry Devices+hord versus Sequential Keyboards+hord keyboards require activation of one or more keys simultaneously ,stenotype machines or pianos-Sequential keyboards are the standard type, where there is a specific key for for each character+hord keyboards are very good for one(handed data entry+hord keyboards are much harder to learn, but tend to be faster.&here is no particular need for general(purpose chord keyboards, as sequential keyboards fulfill most requirements.or special situations, chord keyboards can be superiorKeyboardsData Entry Devices/lphabetic Keyboards01E2&3 keyboards were designed to slow the typing process&he best alternative was the Dvorak keyboard ,.igure ""("4-01E2&3 is entrenched in our present society, and is unlikely to change 5umeric Keyboards&here are two primary numeric keypads in use today&he only differences between the two is for occasional users, who will do better with the telephone layoutKeyboards +alculator *ayout &elephone *ayoutData Entry DevicesKeyboard feel is a combination of a number of characteristics &he feel is often mentioned in product review articles&hree keyboards were compared ,&able ""67- &he linear(spring keyboard was the least preferred&he elastomer keyboards had the fastest times and a low error rate ,.igure ""($#- Key travel 2esistance characteristics /uditory activation feedback 8ysteresisKeyboardsData Entry Devices!embrane Keypads 'sed in the consumer market, in microwaves, for e)ample+onsist of contacts separated by a thin non(conductive layerKey travel is virtually none)istent&o reduce accidental activation, often more force is required&he contact areas are often difficult to locate1ith practice, the keypads become easier to use&hree feedback procedures were used to aid the user/uditory tone, for activation Embossing, for finger(position Snap domes, to provide both forms of feedbackKeyboardsData Entry DevicesSplit and tilted keyboards 5ormal keyboards require the hands bend outward ,.igure ""($$-&his can lead to tenosynovitis and eventually +&S9eople become accustomed to the designs quickly, and prefer them8andwritten and :estural Data Entry&he technology has become possible for computers to translate handwriting into computer te)t/t present, it is slow and more error(prone:estural inputs have been used for te)t(editing tasks.igure ""( $71hen successfully implemented, gestural inputs are faster than those with a keyboardKeyboardsData Entry DevicesIntroduction 1idespread computer use has made these devices necessary&ouch Screen'se a screen overlay which is interrupted when the screen is touchedEasy to learn, but not very accurate9aralla) becomes a problem, reducing the effectiveness of the pad.igure ""($; defines good pad si