iKey PM-18 Panel Mount Rugged Keyboard

Designed for panel mounting in harsh industrial environments, the iKey PM-18 Panel Mount Rugged Keyboard offers 18 tactile keys housed in a corrosion-resistant stainless steel frame. It features industrial silicone rubber keys with mechanical snap feedback, rated for over 10 million actuations, ensuring long-term durability for continuous numeric input. The device meets NEMA 4X standards when installed correctly, providing sealing against dust, moisture, and harsh contaminants, suitable for manufacturing and public utilities sectors.

This keyboard supports PS/2 and USB interfaces, compatible across Windows and Mac systems. It withstands vibration and shocks to MIL-STD 810 standards, with 50g pulse tolerance, and operates reliably from -40 0 0C to 70 0 0C, allowing deployment in extreme temperature conditions. Its sealed design prevents ingress, supporting 100% humidity resistance, while its compact 5.85″ x 7.05″ panel size optimises integration in tight spaces for industrial control applications.

PM-18 Features

  • Rugged Stainless Steel Bezel
  • Numlock Key For Secondary Keyboard
  • Resists Corrosion
  • USB, PS2 and AT/Serial Configurations Available
  • Various Keyboard and Language Layout Options
  • Customisation Available On Request

Request a Quote

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, CE UL60950, FCC Part 15 Class B

Custom Options Products

Cable Type,Cable Length,Interface

Dimensions

5.85" x 7.05" x 0.20" (w-h-d) 148.6mm 179.1mm x 5.1mm SCREWS: 0.50" (12.7mm) CUTOUT: 4.50" x 5.30" (w-h) 114.3mm x 134.6mm

Extended Warranty

Available On Request

Humidity

100% Humidity Resistant (when properly installed)

Cable

LENGTH: 10 feet (3 meters) DESIGN: PS/2 or AT Cable

Compatibility

PS/2 KEYBOARD: All Windows Operating Systems USB KEYBOARD: 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

No Pointer

Power

PS/2: 50mA@5V (from Keyboard port) USB: 50mA@5V (from CPU port)

Product Weight

1.00 lbs +/- 0.10 lbs (0.92 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 +90C (-40F to +194F) OPERATING: -40C to 70C (-40F to +158F)

The iKey PM-18 Panel Mount Rugged Keyboard is designed and engineered for use in demanding environments where reliability, durability are essential. The PM-18 supports a wide range of industries and operational applications.

Common deployment industries include: Construction, Defence And Military, Energy and Utilities, Food And Beverage Processing, Industrial Manufacturing, Oil and Gas, Public Sector, Transportation and Rail.

Across these sectors, the PM-18 is typically used in applications such as Asset Tracking And Management, Field Data Capture And Reporting, Health, Safety, And Compliance Inspections, Industrial HMI And Machine Interfacing, Preventive And Corrective Maintenance, Process Control And Shop-Floor Monitoring, SCADA And Control-Room Access, Secure Access, Authentication, And Control Terminals.

These examples demonstrate the versatility of the PM-18 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 is appropriate for your specific application, please contact us.

The iKey PM-18 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 Panel Mount Rugged Keyboard, must be presented to RUGGED in the United Kingdom.

For more information about the iKey PM-18 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 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 or need a custom 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.

    • Brushed stainless steel housing
    • IP68 and NEMA 4X sealed design
    • Integrated HulaPoint touchpad
    • MIL-STD-810G shock and vibration certified
    • Sealed construction for contamination control
    • Certified to IP65 and NEMA 4X standards
    • MIL-STD-810G shock and vibration resistant
    • Temperature-hardened for -40°C to +70°C operation
    • ATEX Zone 2 and 22 certified
    • IP67 and NEMA 4X sealed design
    • Bluetooth and USB connectivity
    • Backlit keys with integrated touchpad
    BT-870-TP-EX2-ATEX-Keyboard
    • MIL-STD-461E EMI Compliance
    • NEMA 4X Sealed Housing
    • Over 10 Million Key Actuations
    • MIL-STD-810G Shock and Vibration Tested
  • 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.

    Speak to a Product Specialist
  • Frequently Asked Questions

    • If you are unsure which product is best suited to your requirements, you can contact us directly for expert guidance. Share details such as your use case, environment, compatibility needs, and budget, and we will help you select the most appropriate solution.

    • 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

    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.

    Many of Rugged Limited’s rugged keyboards are indeed designed with a high level of ingress protection, making them dust-proof. This means they are engineered to prevent the intrusion of dust and other small particles, ensuring reliable operation even in harsh or challenging environments. The sealed designs and robust materials used in these keyboards contribute to their ability to withstand exposure to dust without compromising functionality. This dust-proof characteristic is a key feature that makes a rugged keyboard an ideal choice for industries where cleanliness and environment control can be difficult.

    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 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 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.

    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.

    Rugged Limited’s range of industrial keyboards are rigorously tested and certified to meet the demands of challenging environments. Our rugged keyboards are designed to withstand conditions that would compromise standard peripherals.

    Key certifications and ratings for our keyboards include:

    • IP Ratings: Our keyboards often feature high Ingress Protection (IP) ratings, such as IP65, IP67, and IP68. These ratings indicate resistance to dust, dirt, and liquids, making them suitable for washdown areas and environments prone to spills.
    • IK Ratings: Many models also possess IK ratings, signifying their resistance to external mechanical impacts. An IK rating ensures the keyboard can endure significant physical stress without functional impairment.
    • ATEX Certification: For hazardous environments where explosive atmospheres may be present, selected rugged keyboard models are ATEX certified. This certification confirms compliance with essential health and safety requirements relating to explosive atmospheres, ensuring safe operation in such critical zones.

    These certifications collectively ensure that a Rugged Limited rugged keyboard delivers reliable performance and longevity, even in the most demanding industrial, marine, and outdoor settings.

    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.

    How Can We Help You?

    We're here to assist and guide you with any enquiries you may have.

    Simply complete the online form or reach out using the contact details provided below.

    Quality Refurbished Products

    Tell us what you need and how the devices will be used. Share details such as product type, quantities, condition requirements, budget, and timeframe so we can recommend the most suitable refurbished rugged solution for your application.

    Need to Recover Your Data?

    No need to panic — at Rugged we can help. Complete the online form or get in touch using the contact details below.

    How Can We Help You?

    We're here to assist and guide you with any enquiries you may have.

    Simply complete the online form or reach out using the contact details provided below.

    How Can We Help You?

    We're here to assist and guide you with any enquiries you may have.

    Simply complete the online form or reach out using the contact details provided below.