In this study, the authors developed the Lift-free soft keyboard (LFSK), a system with an input scheme for the soft keyboard, such that no tapping motions are required for the text entry. Basic mechanism for identifying keystrokes on LFSK is that the system recognizes a keystroke is generated if the speed of the tip of the stylus stays on a key within a certain threshold of speed. By using this system, the users are free from frequent tapping motions, hence less workload on their wrists and forearms are expected. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance and muscular load for using this input scheme. In the experiment, eight participants performed word-processing task with the LFSK as well as the conventional tap-based soft keyboard. Dependent variables include surface EMGs to monitor neck, shoulder, forearm and finger muscle activities, subjective discomfort, typing speed, and number of errors. LFSK condition resulted in significantly less muscular loads at the upper extremity (p<0.01). Subjective preference supported LFSK in terms of fatigues on the wrist and elbow (p<0.01). The performance, however, was decreased during typing with LFSK (p<0.01).Analysis on type of errors made provided valuable design ideas to improve the usability for LFSK. These findings indicated that LFSK may have a potential ability to control with less muscular load by improving the design.