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iKey PM-18-HP Panel Mount Rugged Keyboard
The iKey PM-18-HP Panel Mount Rugged Keyboard is built around its impact-resistant silicone rubber overlay, supporting panel integration in industrial settings. It features an industrial-grade sealed construction rated IP and NEMA 4X for protection against dust, moisture, and harsh chemicals common in factories and control rooms. The two-button Hula Point industrial pointing device adds precise control without increasing the keyboard footprint. Designed for continuous-duty operation, the PM-18-HP withstands 100% humidity when installed correctly and endures mechanical stress withstanding 3 x 11 ms pulses of 50g shock on multiple axes.
Compatible with PS/2 and USB interfaces, the keyboard supports Windows and Macintosh systems. It meets UL60950 safety standards and FCC Part 15 Class B emissions requirements, confirming its suitability for reliable industrial input across diverse environments. Its tactile mechanical key feedback and durable silicone key material ensure responsiveness and longevity with over 10 million keystrokes expected. The PM-18-HP’s compact dimensions and reinforced design make it fit for deployments requiring consistent performance under demanding conditions.
PM-18-HP Features
- Integrated Pointing Device
- Numlock Key For Secondary Keyboard
- USB, PS2 and AT/Serial Configurations Available
- Customisation Available On Request
- Various Keyboard and Language Layout Options
- Customisation Available On Request
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Product Type
Manufacturer
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
Cable Type,Cable Length,Interface
Dimensions
5.85" x 8.51" x 0.31" (w-h-d) 148.6mm x 216.2mm x 7.9mm SCREWS: 0.50" (12.7mm)
Extended Warranty
Available On Request
Humidity
100% Humidity Resistant (when properly installed)
Cable
LENGTH: 10 feet (3 meters) DESIGN: "Y" PS/2 or AT/serial Cable (providing separate keyboard and mouse connections)
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
12 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: 4.74 oz. +/- 1.06 oz. (135g +/- 30g) FEEDBACK: Tactile with Mechanical Snap
Lifespan
>10 Million Actuations
No. Of Keys
18
Pointing Device
HulaPoint
Power
PS/2 and USB KEYBOARD: 40mA@5V (from Keyboard port) PS/2 and USB POINTER: 10mA@5V (from Mouse port)
Product Weight
2.00 lbs +/- 0.10 lbs (0.91 kg +/- 0.05 kg)
Shock
3 x 11 ms Pulses of 50g on each of 3 Axes
Switch Force
135g (+/- 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 +65C (-40F to +149F) OPERATING: -0C to +60C (+32F to +140F)
The iKey PM-18-HP Panel Mount Rugged Keyboard is designed and engineered for use in demanding environments where reliability, durability are essential. The PM-18-HP supports a wide range of industries and operational applications.
Common deployment industries include: Construction, Defence And Military, Energy and Utilities, Industrial Manufacturing, Marine And Offshore, Offshore Operations, Oil and Gas, Public Sector.
Across these sectors, the PM-18-HP is typically used in applications such as Aircraft Cockpit And Avionics Support Systems, Industrial HMI And Machine Interfacing, Marine Bridge And Vessel Control Systems, Process Control And Shop-Floor Monitoring, Robotics And Autonomous System Control, SCADA And Control-Room Access, Secure Access, Authentication, And Control Terminals.
These examples demonstrate the versatility of the PM-18-HP 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 PM-18-HP is appropriate for your specific application, please contact us.
The iKey PM-18-HP Panel Mount 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 PM-18-HP Panel Mount Rugged Keyboard, must be presented to RUGGED in the United Kingdom.
For more information about the iKey PM-18-HP Panel Mount 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 PM-18-HP Panel Mount 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 PM-18-HP or need a custom Rugged Keyboard solution designed specifically for you, our team of technical experts are ready to assist you.
Alternative Products
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TMLT-890-TP-OEM
- MIL-461E EMI resistance
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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
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.
Rugged keyboards are engineered to perform reliably in a variety of challenging outdoor environments. They are built with robust materials and often feature sealed designs to protect against ingress from dust, dirt, and water, which are common concerns in outdoor applications. Many models of rugged keyboards are also designed to withstand extreme temperatures, vibrations, and shocks, making them ideal for field operations, industrial settings, and other outdoor work where standard keyboards would quickly fail.
For those requiring a dependable input solution in harsh conditions, a rugged keyboard provides the necessary resilience. Rugged Limited offers a range of these durable keyboards that ensure continuous functionality, even when exposed to the unpredictable elements of an outdoor environment.
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.
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 versatility in industrial and demanding environments. That’s why our range of rugged keyboards is designed to accommodate global users by supporting multiple language layouts. This means that whether you require a keyboard with a UK, US, German, French, or another specific language layout, Rugged Limited can provide a solution tailored to your operational requirements.
This adaptability in language options ensures that users worldwide can operate our durable keyboards efficiently and comfortably, without compromising on the ruggedness and reliability that our products are known for. When sourcing a rugged keyboard, it’s important to specify your language layout needs to ensure the best fit for your application.
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.
Yes, many of the rugged keyboards available from Rugged Limited are engineered to be compatible with both Windows and Linux operating systems. This broad compatibility ensures that users can integrate a durable and reliable rugged keyboard into diverse computing environments without issues.
Rugged Limited provides a selection of rugged keyboards that are built to withstand challenging conditions while maintaining essential functionality across different platforms. When selecting a rugged keyboard, it is always advisable to check the specific product’s technical specifications to confirm compatibility with your intended operating system.
Rugged Limited specialises in providing industrial-grade solutions engineered for extreme conditions, and a
Rugged Keyboard
is built with longevity in mind. Keyboards from Rugged Limited are designed to withstand challenging environments, including exposure to dust, dirt, liquids, and extreme temperatures, which significantly contributes to their extended operational life compared to standard consumer keyboards. Many models feature high ingress protection (IP) ratings, indicating their resistance to environmental factors. For example, some keyboards come with IP65 or even IP67 ratings, signifying protection against dust ingress and submersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, respectively.
These robust construction methods and high-quality materials mean that a
Rugged Keyboard
is a reliable investment, reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimising downtime in critical operations. To explore the full range and specifications of our durable input solutions, you can visit our rugged keyboards page.








