Perceived Sound Quality of Mechanical Keyboard Switch Mechanisms: A Psychoacoustic Evaluation Using Subjective Ratings and the Annoyance Model

Wednesday 15 April 18:00 - 19:00 Hybrid AECOM, City View, 16th Floor, Aldgate Tower, 2 Leman Street, E1 8FA

London Branch Hybrid Meeting : Perceived Sound Quality of Mechanical Keyboard Switch Mechanisms

Date: 15-04-26
Time: 18:00
Location:

AECOM, City View, 16th Floor, Aldgate Tower, 2 Leman Street, E1 8FA 

Zoom
Live streaming available: Yes

Abstract

Keyboard enthusiasts often modify their keyboards to enhance the acoustic experience. Despite widespread practices, little research has examined the psychoacoustic factors underlying the perceived sound quality of this human-computer interface.

This talk investigates the psychoacoustic parameters that contribute to auditory satisfaction in mechanical keyboard switches. A listening-based user experience study was conducted, collecting subjective jury ratings and objective psychoacoustic measurements via Zwicker and Fastl’s Psychoacoustic Annoyance model. Statistical analysis (Friedman test, p < 0.05) revealed why certain switch profiles consistently outperform others in productivity contexts.

These results provide guidance for mechanical keyboard design, demonstrating how high-level psychoacoustic analysis can optimize acoustic feedback and improve user comfort.

The talk will be followed by a short Q&A session.

 

Bio

Cindy Loke is a recent graduate of the BSc Music Technology and Audio Systems program at the University of Huddersfield. Her undergraduate dissertation investigated the relationship between objective psychoacoustic parameters and subjective listener response to mechanical keyboard switch mechanisms, employing controlled perceptual testing and quantitative analysis to examine correlations between acoustic characteristics and perceived sound quality.
Through this work, she developed experience in experimental design, acoustic measurement, perceptual evaluation, and statistical analysis using C++, MATLAB, R, and Excel. Her work bridges psychoacoustic research with user-centered product design, focusing on product sound quality optimization within consumer hardware and human-device interaction.

 

Details

As usual, we will be heading to the pub after the talk to catch up and continue the conversation. It would be great to see as many people in person as possible.

Those planning to attend in person MUST register for security access. The link to register for in person attendance can be found below:

https://www.cpdtag.com/app.php?event=8F6FEC9C0742E66F09551C2F4CB6F08

Registration for in person attendance closes on Monday 13th April at 17:00.

Please arrive at 5.45pm for prompt 6pm start. The nearest Tube stations are Aldgate East and Aldgate.