Interkey

Interkey is a term that refers to the time interval between key presses. It is an essential factor in the design and testing of keyboard-equipped devices, such as computers and typewriters. The interkey interval is measured from the moment one key is released until the next key is pressed.

In the context of keyboard typing, interkey intervals are typically measured in milliseconds. A shorter interkey time typically means faster typing, as the user is able to complete the next keystroke more quickly. However, very short interkey intervals can lead to key repeat errors, where a single key press is repeated multiple times. This is often the case with modern keyboard designs, which use a mechanism called "key repeat" to make typing faster.

In the early days of keyboard development, designers faced significant challenges in determining optimal interkey intervals. These designers relied on guesswork, testing, and user feedback to determine the sweet spot for interkey intervals. However, empirical studies have since shown that interkey intervals should be carefully calibrated to accommodate the average typing speed and user preferences.

As computer technology has advanced, manufacturers have also adapted their keyboards to accommodate various interkey intervals. The usage of various keyboard layouts such as those developed for ergonomic requirements. This has allowed for the creation of user-friendly products with adjusted interkey intervals tailored to specific needs. The search for the optimal interkey, supported by parallel user-centered development and implementation of technological solutions, has major implications on a broad range of involved product development processes.