iKey AK-170 Rugged Keyboard

Rugged keyboards are specifically engineered to withstand harsh industrial, public, and mobile conditions. Their robust construction makes them ideal for environments where regular computer input devices would not be durable enough.

These keyboards commonly feature designs that are fully sealed to protect against dust, dirt, and liquid ingress, often meeting IP (Ingress Protection) ratings. They are also built to resist vibrations, shocks, and extreme temperatures, ensuring reliable performance in challenging settings.

Common applications for a rugged keyboard include factories, warehouses, marine vessels, and vehicles, as well as public access terminals and kiosks where durability and hygiene are critical. Many models are also designed for easy cleaning and disinfection, making them suitable for medical and food processing industries. For a comprehensive selection of these durable input solutions, explore the range of rugged keyboards available from Rugged Limited.

Rugged Limited offers a range of rugged keyboards that are specifically engineered for panel mounting. These keyboards are designed for seamless integration into various industrial and commercial control panels, kiosks, and other equipment where a durable and reliable input solution is essential.

Our panel mount rugged keyboards are built to withstand challenging environments, often featuring robust stainless steel construction, sealed keypads for protection against dust and liquids, and vandal-resistant designs. This ensures consistent performance and longevity, even in demanding operational settings.

When selecting a rugged keyboard for panel mounting, it’s important to consider factors such as the required IP rating, key layout, and connectivity options to ensure it meets the specific needs of your application.

An Ingress Protection (IP) rating is a critical standard for rugged keyboards, specifying the degree of protection provided against dust, dirt, and water. This two-digit code is internationally recognised and helps users understand how well a device can withstand environmental factors.

The first digit in an IP rating signifies protection against solid objects, ranging from 0 (no protection) to 6 (dust-tight). A higher number here means greater resistance to particles entering the device.

The second digit indicates protection against liquids, ranging from 0 (no protection) to 9 (withstanding high-pressure, high-temperature jet sprays). This is particularly important for a rugged keyboard that might be exposed to spills, rain, or even submersion. Rugged Limited offers a range of peripherals engineered to meet these demanding standards.

Rugged keyboards are designed for durability and consistent operation in demanding conditions, and their connection types reflect this need for reliability. The primary connection type used for Rugged Limited’s range of rugged keyboards is USB.

USB connections offer several advantages for industrial and harsh environments, including broad compatibility, ease of use, and a secure physical connection that can withstand vibrations and impact. This ensures that the rugged keyboard maintains a stable link to the host system, critical for uninterrupted data entry and control in sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, and marine applications.

While the primary design focus for a rugged keyboard is to withstand extreme conditions and provide reliable functionality in challenging environments, some models do incorporate ergonomic considerations. These can include features like appropriately spaced keys to reduce typing strain or a comfortable angle for prolonged use.

However, it’s important to note that a rugged keyboard prioritises resistance to factors such as dust, water, vibrations, and extreme temperatures. Therefore, while basic ergonomic elements may be present to ensure user comfort during operation, they generally won’t offer the same advanced ergonomic designs found in specialised office keyboards. This balance ensures the rugged keyboard performs reliably in demanding settings.

Rugged Limited offers a range of durable keyboards specifically engineered to meet the stringent requirements of cleanroom settings. These rugged keyboard solutions are often fully sealed and easy to clean, preventing the accumulation of dust and contaminants crucial for maintaining cleanroom protocols.

Our industrial keyboards are built with materials and designs that can withstand harsh cleaning agents and frequent sanitization without compromising performance or integrity. This makes them an ideal rugged keyboard choice for pharmaceutical, medical, and other controlled environments where hygiene and reliability are paramount.

Rugged Limited understands the importance of customisation and efficiency in demanding environments, which is why several of their rugged keyboard models are designed with programmable keys. This feature allows users to assign specific functions, macros, or shortcuts to individual keys, tailoring the keyboard to their unique operational needs and workflows. The flexibility offered by a

rugged keyboard

with programmable keys can significantly enhance productivity and ease of use in various industrial, public service, and specialized applications where rapid and precise input is critical. This commitment to adaptable and robust input solutions ensures that professionals can achieve optimal performance even in challenging conditions.

Rugged keyboards are indeed typically more expensive than standard consumer-grade keyboards. This price difference stems from several key factors related to their construction and intended use. Unlike standard keyboards, a rugged keyboard is engineered to withstand harsh environments and demanding conditions, meaning they are built with higher-grade materials and often feature specialised sealing against dust, liquids, and extreme temperatures.

For instance, many rugged keyboards incorporate features like silicone membranes, stainless steel casings, or industrial-grade plastics to ensure longevity and consistent performance where a regular keyboard would quickly fail. The design and manufacturing processes for these durable peripherals are more intricate, involving rigorous testing to meet stringent industrial and military standards. This commitment to resilience and reliability contributes significantly to the overall cost, making a rugged keyboard a worthwhile investment for operational continuity in challenging settings.