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iKey DU-5K Rugged Keyboard
This product has reached End of Life (EOL) status and is no longer in production. Manufacturer support, updates, and spare parts may be discontinued.
All information is provided for reference only. Availability cannot be guaranteed.
Please contact us to discuss current alternatives or recommended replacement models.
Designed for industrial environments, the iKey DU-5K Rugged Keyboard provides reliable input with a sealed NEMA 4X design that resists dust and water ingress. Its ABS polycarbonate case and industrial silicone rubber key overlay offer durability against mechanical stress and extended use. The integrated HulaPoint II pointing device delivers precise control suitable for field or harsh settings. Tested to MIL-STD-810G standards, the keyboard withstands shocks, vibrations, and operating temperatures from -20 to 60 degrees Celsius, ensuring consistent performance in varied conditions.
Connectivity options include PS/2, AT/serial, and USB interfaces compatible with Windows and Macintosh systems. With over 10 million key actuations rated, and tactile keys featuring mechanical snap feedback, the DU-5K supports continuous-duty operations while minimising maintenance needs. Its robust build and IEC-certified ingress protection make it a dependable choice for industrial deployments demanding durability and operational resilience.
DU-5K Features
- 116-Key Functionality
- Integrated Pointing Device
- Polycarbonate Case With Mounting Holes
- USB, PS2 and AT/Serial Configurations Available
- Various Keyboard and Language Layout Options
- Customisation Available On Request
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Product Type
Manufacturer
Certifications & Standards
Ruggedness
IP Rating
Mounting Format
Country Of Manufacture
United States
Backlight
No Backlight
Case Material
ABS Polycarbonate
Certifications
IP Rated, NEMA 4X UL60950, FCC Part 15 Class B
Custom Options Products
Keyboard Layout,Keyboard Language,Cable Type,Cable Length,Interface
Dimensions
14.94" x 6.63" x 1.81" (w-h-d) 379.5mm x 168.4mm x 45.9mm
Housing Colour
Black
Humidity
100% Humidity Resistant
Cable
LENGTH: 10 feet (3 meters) DESIGN: "Y" PS/2 or AT/serial Cable (providing separate keyboard and mouse connections), or Single-Cable USB
Compatibility
PS/2 KEYBOARD/HULAPOINT: All Windows Operating Systems USB KEYBOARD/HULAPOINT: All Windows and Macintosh OS
Flammability
PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD: 94 VO SILICONE OVERLAY: 94HB INTERFACE CABLE: 94 VO
Function Keys
24 Keys
Key Feedback
Tactile with Mechanical Snap
Key Material
Industrial Silicone Rubber
Key Switch
MATERIAL: Industrial silicone rubber LIFE: 10 million cycles TRAVEL: 0.055 in. (1.4mm) ACTUATION FORCE: 6.35 oz. +/- 1.06 oz. (180g +/- 30g) FEEDBACK: Tactile with mechanical snap
Lifespan
>10 Million Actuations
No. Of Keys
116
Pointing Device
HulaPoint
Power
PS/2 or AT/Serial: KEYBOARD: 50mA@5V (from Keyboard port) HULAPOINT: 35mA@5V (from Mouse port) USB: 85mA@5V (from CPU port)
Product Weight
2.25 lbs +/- 0.10 lbs (1.02 kg +/- 0.05 kg)
Shock
3 x 11 ms Pulses of 50g on each of 3 Axes
Switch Force
180g (+/- 30g)
Switch / Key Travel
0.055 in (1.4mm)
Vibration
POWER SPECTRAL DENSITY: 0.04g/Hz FREQUENCY RANGE: 20Hz - 2 kHz DURATION OF TEST PER AXIS: 3 hours
Shock
3 x 11 ms Pulses of 50g on each of 3 Axes
Temperature Rating
STORAGE: -40C to +70C (-40F to +158F) OPERATING: -20C to +60C (-4F to +140F)
The iKey DU-5K Rugged Keyboard is designed and engineered for use in demanding environments where reliability, durability are essential. The DU-5K supports a wide range of industries and operational applications.
Common deployment industries include: Construction, Defence And Military, Emergency Services, Energy and Utilities, Industrial Manufacturing, Marine And Offshore, Oil and Gas, Rail And Transport.
Across these sectors, the DU-5K is typically used in applications such as ATEX And Hazardous-Area Data Capture, Cold-Chain Compliance Monitoring, Health, Safety, And Compliance Inspections, Industrial HMI And Machine Interfacing, Process Control And Shop-Floor Monitoring, SCADA And Control-Room Access, Secure Access, Authentication, And Control Terminals, Utilities Inspection And Meter Reading.
These examples demonstrate the versatility of the DU-5K across both industry sectors and real-world operational use cases. Its suitability extends well beyond the scenarios listed above, making it a flexible solution for a broad range of requirements.
For further information, or to assess whether the DU-5K is appropriate for your specific application, please contact us.
The iKey DU-5K Rugged Keyboard comes with a Standard Manufacturers Limited Warranty + Option To Extend against defects in workmanship and materials, effective from the date of shipment (unless otherwise agreed in writing).
To receive service under this warranty, the eligible product, iKey DU-5K Rugged Keyboard, must be presented to RUGGED in the United Kingdom.
For more information about the iKey DU-5K Rugged Keyboard or to arrange repairs and services not covered by the warranty, please visit the warranty section on our website.
Do you need further details about the iKey DU-5K Rugged Keyboard, or would you like to discuss a customised solution or demonstration?
At RUGGED, we recognise that every project has its own unique demands. If you have any questions about the iKey DU-5K or need a custom Rugged Keyboard solution designed specifically for you, our team of technical experts are ready to assist you.
Alternative Products
Explore alternative products offering comparable features, performance, and build quality to the model you are currently viewing.
Our related solutions provide variations in configuration, functionality, and form factor to suit different application requirements. Each option has been selected to meet the same high standards of reliability and performance.
Browse the related products below to identify the most suitable fit for your deployment.
SL-75-OEM
- Sealed NEMA 4X protection
- MIL-STD-810F vibration and shock tested
- Over 10 million key actuations
- PS/2 and USB interface compatibility

PMU-5K-TP
- NEMA 4X ingress protection
- Tactile keys rated for over 10 million actuations
- 50g shock resistance on all axes
- Operating temperature -40°C to +70°C

SLK-101-M
- Red LED backlit keys for low-light use
- NEMA 4X sealed against dust and water
- Over 10 million key actuations for longevity
- MIL-STD-810G shock and vibration tested

SLK-102
- Sealed ABS polycarbonate case for dust and water protection
- Backlit keys for low-light visibility
- Over 10 million tactile key actuations
- Certified MIL-STD-810G shock and vibration resistant

Having trouble finding what you're looking for?
Selecting the correct solution for your specific application and operating environment requires careful consideration.
At Rugged, our engineering and product specialists can advise on specifications, environmental suitability, mounting requirements, connectivity, and lifecycle planning to ensure the right fit for your deployment.
With extensive industry experience and a focus on reliability and performance, we help you select a solution aligned with your operational requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
RUGGED offers free technical support for the lifetime of products you purchase. This includes help with setup, troubleshooting, and integration. Support is available online or directly from the technical team
A rugged keyboard is specifically engineered for resilience, offering superior protection against elements like dust, dirt, liquids, and extreme temperatures. These keyboards are built with robust materials and construction techniques to ensure reliable performance in industrial, military, and outdoor settings where standard peripherals would fail.
Rugged Limited provides a range of rugged keyboards that are not only tough but also deliver consistent functionality when it matters most. They are an essential component for maintaining operational efficiency in challenging work conditions, ensuring data input remains uninterrupted and accurate.
Explore our selection of rugged keyboards designed for ultimate durability and performance.
Rugged Limited provides a range of rugged keyboards designed to withstand challenging industrial environments, including those found on forklifts and heavy machinery. These keyboards are built to be extremely durable, offering resistance to liquids, dust, and extreme temperatures, which are common conditions in such operational settings.
The design of many rugged keyboard models includes features that facilitate easy integration into various industrial setups. This often involves robust casings and adaptable mounting solutions, ensuring a secure and stable fit even with vibrations or impacts inherent to machinery operation. Their resilience makes them a reliable interface for data entry and control in demanding applications. Rugged Limited’s extensive experience ensures these keyboards meet the rigorous demands of industrial use.
Rugged Limited specialises in providing industrial-grade solutions, and our rugged keyboards are engineered to withstand harsh operating conditions, including exposure to shocks and vibrations. This resilience is achieved through robust construction and the use of durable materials, ensuring reliable performance where standard keyboards would fail.
Our selection includes a variety of rugged keyboard types, such as panel mount, desktop, and embedded options, all built with an emphasis on durability. They are designed to meet the rigorous demands of sectors requiring reliable human-machine interfaces that can endure constant motion, impacts, and other challenging environmental factors. Therefore, any rugged keyboard from Rugged Limited is an excellent choice for environments where shock and vibration resistance are critical considerations for uninterrupted operation and longevity.
Choosing a rugged keyboard over a consumer keyboard is essential in environments where standard equipment simply won’t withstand the conditions. Rugged keyboards are specifically engineered to endure extreme temperatures, dust, dirt, liquids, and vibrations, which are common challenges in industrial, medical, and military settings.
Unlike consumer keyboards, which are designed for typical office use, a rugged keyboard features robust construction, often incorporating sealed components and durable materials like stainless steel or silicone. This enhanced build quality prevents ingress of contaminants and protects internal electronics, ensuring reliable performance and a significantly longer lifespan.
Furthermore, Rugged Limited’s range of rugged keyboards are built for reliability in the harshest conditions, minimising downtime and maintenance costs often associated with frequent replacement of less durable alternatives.
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.
Industries such as manufacturing, logistics, military, and public safety frequently utilise rugged keyboards due to their ability to withstand harsh conditions. These keyboards are designed to operate reliably in environments that might involve exposure to dust, liquids, extreme temperatures, or frequent impacts. For example, in manufacturing facilities, a rugged keyboard can endure grease and grime, while in logistics, it can withstand bumps and spills that are common in warehouses and distribution centres.
The military and public safety sectors also rely heavily on Rugged Limited’s durable input solutions, as their equipment must function flawlessly in critical and often unpredictable situations. Rugged keyboards provide the necessary resilience for field operations, emergency services, and vehicle integrations where standard keyboards would quickly fail. Their robust construction ensures continued performance, contributing to operational efficiency and safety in these challenging fields.
Rugged Limited understands the importance of durability in demanding environments, which is why our rugged keyboards are often built with chemical resistance in mind. This feature is crucial for industries where keyboards are regularly exposed to harsh cleaning agents, disinfectants, or other industrial fluids.
Our rugged keyboards are frequently constructed from materials and with designs that prevent the ingress of liquids and corrosive substances, ensuring continued functionality and longevity. This chemical resistance contributes to the overall robustness and reliability of the keyboard, making it suitable for sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, and food processing, where hygiene and exposure to various chemicals are common.
The ability of a rugged keyboard to withstand such exposure means less downtime for cleaning and maintenance, and a longer operational lifespan, providing excellent value for our customers.
Rugged Limited provides a range of rugged keyboards specifically engineered to meet the demanding requirements of military applications. These keyboards are designed to withstand extreme temperatures, vibrations, shocks, and exposure to dust and liquids, making them ideal for deployment in challenging operational environments.
Our rugged keyboards feature robust casings, often manufactured from stainless steel or aluminum, and incorporate sealed keypads to prevent ingress of contaminants. Many models also include features like adjustable backlighting for use in varying light conditions, and some are night vision compatible, which is crucial for covert operations. The design prioritises reliability and consistent performance, ensuring that critical data entry functions remain operational when they are needed most.
Furthermore, the durability of a rugged keyboard from Rugged Limited ensures a longer product lifespan and reduced maintenance, offering a cost-effective solution for military organisations seeking dependable input devices.








