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iKey KYB-81-OEM Rugged Keyboard
Designed for industrial and field use, the iKey KYB-81-OEM Rugged Keyboard integrates a full 101-key layout within a compact form factor, ideal for deployments that require space efficiency without sacrificing input functionality. Its industrial-grade silicone rubber keys with tactile mechanical snap switches ensure precise and reliable data entry, rated for over 10 million keystrokes. The keyboard enclosure meets NEMA 4X and IP standards, providing a sealed housing that withstands wet, dusty, and harsh environmental conditions with 100% humidity resistance when properly installed.
Certified to FCC Part 15 Class B and UL60950 safety standards, the KYB-81-OEM supports PS/2 and USB interfaces compatible with Windows and Macintosh operating systems. The device operates across a wide temperature range from -40°C to +70°C and endures shock and vibration per MIL-STD-810G testing. A dual-layer numeric keypad function enhances usability without adding bulk, supporting efficient numeric input for industrial applications.
KYB-81-OEM Features
- 12 Function Keys
- 81-Key Functionality
- OEM Kit: PCB, Rubber Overlay and Cable
- 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
No Case
Certifications
IP Rated, NEMA 4X UL60950, FCC Part 15 Class B
Custom Options Products
Keyboard Layout,Keyboard Language,Cable Type,Cable Length,Interface
Dimensions
11.35" x 5.11" x 0.42" (w-h-d) 288.3mm x 129.8mm x 10.7mm
Housing Colour
Black
Humidity
100% Humidity Resistant (when properly installed)
Cable
LENGTH: 10 feet (3 meters) DESIGN: "Y" PS/2, AT or Single-Cable USB
Compatibility
PS/2: All Windows Operating Systems USB: All Windows and Macintosh OS
Flammability
PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD: 94 VO SILICONE OVERLAY: 94HB INTERFACE CABLE: 94 VO
Function Keys
10 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 ACTUATION FORCE: 180g (+/- 30g) FEEDBACK: Tactile with Mechanical Snap
Lifespan
>10 Million Actuations
No. Of Keys
81
Pointing Device
No Pointer
Power
KEYBOARD: 5mA @ 5V (from keyboard port) USB: 50mA @ 5V (from CPU port)
Product Weight
1.5 lbs (0.68 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 +90C (-40F to +194F) OPERATING: -40C to +70C (-40F to +158F)
The iKey KYB-81-OEM Rugged Keyboard is designed and engineered for use in demanding environments where reliability, durability are essential. The KYB-81-OEM supports a wide range of industries and operational applications.
Common deployment industries include: Construction, Defence And Military, Emergency Services, Energy and Utilities, Industrial Manufacturing, Natural Resources and Mining, Transportation, Warehousing.
Across these sectors, the KYB-81-OEM is typically used in applications such as Fleet Management And Telematics, Industrial HMI And Machine Interfacing, Mobile Workforce Operations, Preventive And Corrective Maintenance, Process Control And Shop-Floor Monitoring, Quality Control And Inspection, Secure Access, Authentication, And Control Terminals, Vehicle-Mounted Computing (MDTs / VMCs).
These examples demonstrate the versatility of the KYB-81-OEM 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 KYB-81-OEM is appropriate for your specific application, please contact us.
The iKey KYB-81-OEM Rugged Keyboard comes with a 90 Day Limited Warranty 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 KYB-81-OEM Rugged Keyboard, must be presented to RUGGED in the United Kingdom.
For more information about the iKey KYB-81-OEM 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 KYB-81-OEM 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 KYB-81-OEM 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.
RDC-5K
- Sealed metal rackmount housing
- Hula Point II integrated pointing device
- Rated for over 10 million key actuations
- NEMA 12 and shock resistant

DT-5K-NI
- Class I Division II certified
- IP65 ingress protected
- Stainless steel corrosion-resistant housing
- Over 10 million tactile key actuations

PM-5K-NI
- Non-incendive design for hazardous zones
- NEMA 4X dust and moisture sealing
- Built-in Hula Point II pointing device
- Over 10 million key actuations durability

RDC-5K-1
- Reinforced metal housing with epoxy coating
- NEMA 12 sealed and humidity-resistant
- Tactile mechanical keys rated for 10 million actuations
- Shock and vibration tested for durability

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
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 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.
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.
Rugged Limited specialises in providing industrial-grade input devices built to withstand challenging conditions, including very cold and very hot temperatures. These devices are engineered with robust materials and design principles to ensure consistent performance where standard keyboards would fail.
A key feature of a rugged keyboard is its ability to function across a broad temperature range. This resilience makes them ideal for use in industrial settings, outdoor applications, or any environment where temperature fluctuations are common. Rugged Limited ensures that each rugged keyboard meets stringent durability standards, providing dependable operation no matter the thermal extremes.
Rugged Limited offers a variety of rugged keyboards, and many of these models come equipped with backlit keys. This feature is particularly beneficial for professionals operating in environments with challenging lighting conditions, such as during night shifts or in dimly lit industrial settings. The backlighting ensures that each key is clearly visible, thereby reducing errors and improving operational efficiency.
Our selection of rugged keyboards includes options where the backlighting is a standard feature, designed to meet the demands of rigorous use. This ensures that regardless of the ambient light, the keyboard remains fully functional and easy to use, supporting continuous productivity.
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 keyboards are engineered for environments where standard keyboards would quickly fail. Unlike typical office keyboards, a rugged keyboard offers enhanced durability and protection against elements such as dust, dirt, liquids, and extreme temperatures. They feature robust construction, often incorporating sealed casings and industrial-grade components to ensure reliable performance in demanding conditions.
Key differences include:
- Durability: Rugged keyboards are designed to endure significant impact, vibration, and continuous use in challenging settings.
- Environmental Protection: They typically boast high Ingress Protection (IP) ratings, indicating resistance to water and dust—essential for industrial, marine, or outdoor applications.
- Material and Build: Constructed from rugged materials like stainless steel or silicone, they offer longevity that standard plastic keyboards cannot match.
- Functionality: Many rugged keyboards include features such as integrated pointing devices (e.g., trackballs or touchpads), backlighting for low-light conditions, and specialised key layouts for specific industrial tasks.
Rugged Limited provides a range of rugged keyboard solutions tailored for various harsh environments, ensuring sustained operation where standard peripherals would falter.







