Mouse vs. Keyboard Shortcut Keys

[Rosemary]

Hi,

We have Windows XP and use Microsoft Office 2003. We will be upgrading to
Office 2007 the end of this year.

There is an ongoing debate in my department (word processing operators)
between those who like to use the mouse, and those who prefer keyboard
shorcuts. Those who prefer keyboard shortcuts say it's faster than the mouse
because you don't have to take your hands off the keyboard. (Those who use
the mouse do also use some keyboard shortcuts; by contrast those who prefer
keyboard shortcuts tend to not use the mouse at all.)

The research I have done does indeed indicate that keyboard shortcuts are
faster than the mouse. But here is my question: are keyboard shortcuts that
much faster? The reason I ask is because I would like to provide a valid
argument for those who like the mouse to continue using the mouse. I haven't
seen a significant difference in productivity between those who use the mouse
and those who use keyboard shortcuts.

Can anyone provide me with good arguments to back up those who would like to
continue to use the mouse?

Many thanks,
Rosemary

 

[LD55ZRA]

Rose,

Don't waste your time trying to convince nutters. Your time is better spent
doing some productive work. Haven't you noticed on these newsgroups nobody
agrees with each other. MVPs have all ganged up together and they lick each
others p u s s i e s while the rest of us try correcting their errors never
mind pointing out their stupidities.

hth

 

[Nathan Sokalski]

Which one is "faster" actually depends more on the user, as well as what
task you are working on at the time (are you editing text or a graphic, are
you selecting an object or an area, etc.). You can't argue with the fact
that you don't need to take your hands off the keyboard for keyboard
shortcuts can make it faster. However, if you are not familiar with the key
combinations or have trouble remembering them, looking at a reference sheet
to use keyboard shortcuts may be more effort than it's worth. Probably the
best argument for using the mouse is that you don't need to remember the key
combinations and it is easier to keep track of where the cursor is while
working. But my suggestion is to just use both, because some tasks are
easier with keyboard shortcuts (such as copy & pasting), while others are
easier with the mouse (scrolling, selection, resizing, etc.). There is no
reason to tell someone they shouldn't or can't use both, because the fastest
one is whichever one you are most comfortable with.

Here are some nice references with all the keyboard shortcuts for Windows
and Internet Explorer:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Keyboard-shortcuts
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Internet-Explorer-keyboard-shortcuts

 

[Rosemary]

Thank you, Nathan, that is very helpful. Regards,

 

[Susan Ramlet]

Nathan's right: it depends on the user and the task.

For text entry, for most people, 10-finger keying is faster than mousing.

For navigating a web page, for most people, the mouse is a more efficient
way to go to and select a clickable element.

Regarding shortcuts (Ctl-X instead of Cut), they are usually faster if you
can remember them. My informal research shows that people tend to use a
combination--even in coordination. For example, I have often seen people
select text with the mouse in one hand, then use shortcuts with the left
hand.

There is a lot of research going on about input methods now, but they tend
to revolve around mobile devices, touch screens and voice. I'm sure if you
wanted to find some research, you could hunt around ACM (acm.org).

I mostly hope that you can find a way to make it easy for all of your staff
to work efficiently and not force anyone to a particular model.

 

[Rosemary]

Thank you, Susan, that helps a lot. My aim is indeed to not force anyone to
a particular model. Thanks again,

 

[Steve Rindsberg]

In support of that, you could make the case that the users will be most productive with
the methods that they're most comfortable with, assuming you measure productivity on a
larger scale rather than at the level of "How long does it take to copy/paste this bit
of text from here to there". And it sounds as though you're on the right track.

 

[db]

users that are more
proficient will always
find a more efficient
method.

perhaps, those that
rely on the mouse simply
need more time to
understand that short
cut keys can make
life with windows a
bit easier.

maybe as a training
lesson,

you should take their
mouse's away for a
short time

since virtually everything in
windows and microsoft
products can be accessed
via the keyboard.
--

db·´¯`·...¸><)))º>
DatabaseBen, Retired Professional
- Systems Analyst
- Database Developer
- Accountancy
- Veteran of the Armed Forces
- Microsoft Partner
- @hotmail.com
~~~~~~~~~~"share the nirvana" - dbZen

 

[Rosemary]

Great, thanks very much Steve,

In support of that, you could make the case that the users will be most productive with
the methods that they're most comfortable with, assuming you measure productivity on a
larger scale rather than at the level of "How long does it take to copy/paste this bit
of text from here to there". And it sounds as though you're on the right track.





.

 

[Rosemary]

Thanks, your feedback is helpful. One of our IT people told us to take one
shortcut key each week and just practice that one for the entire week. They
said that's the best way to make shortcut keys a habit ...

 

[db]

you're welcome.

I think your tech has
a good idea.

you can also printout
keyboard shortcuts to
keep handy by the kb

I think I have seen
laminated versions at
office depot.

--

db·´¯`·...¸><)))º>
DatabaseBen, Retired Professional
- Systems Analyst
- Database Developer
- Accountancy
- Veteran of the Armed Forces
- Microsoft Partner
- @hotmail.com
~~~~~~~~~~"share the nirvana" - dbZen