Typing tasks in virtual reality: A multi-method review of user experience, immersive trends, and challenges

Virtual reality (VR) text entry remains a productivity bottleneck: mid-air typing on floating keyboards is slow, inaccurate, and fatiguing compared with desktop interaction. The literature is fragmented across human-computer interaction, ergonomics, and interface design, with no prior review systematically examining the full spectrum of user experience (UX) factors. This scoping review synthesises 31 empirical studies (2020–2025) identified across Web of Science, Scopus, IEEE Xplore, and the ACM Digital Library. Bibliometric analysis reveals rising publication volume after 2022. Guided by a multi-dimensional UX framework encompassing usability, affect, ergonomics, and cognitive demand, our thematic synthesis identifies five recurring themes: ergonomics and physical comfort; performance and input innovation; visual and haptic feedback integration; cognitive load and mental effort; and security and privacy. Unsupported mid-air typing causes fatigue within minutes, while arm support and flat keyboards improve performance. Haptic feedback reduces mental demand and frustration without increasing speed. Trace-based input methods boost efficiency at the cost of higher cognitive load, particularly for novices. We formalise cross-study comparisons into a design trade-off framework and propose six actionable guidelines for VR keyboard designers. Long-term longitudinal studies, inclusive participant recruitment, and standardised evaluation benchmarks remain critical priorities.