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iKey PM-81 Panel Mount Rugged Keyboard
Designed for industrial control panels and harsh environments, the iKey PM-81 Panel Mount Rugged Keyboard offers reliable input through its stainless steel housing and sealed NEMA 4X compliant design. The keyboard features industrial silicone rubber keys with tactile mechanical feedback, optimised for over 10 million actuations, ensuring long service life in dusty, humid, and vibration-prone settings. It integrates easily into panel-mounted systems with a compact footprint measuring 356.9mm by 198.4mm by 40.1mm.
The PM-81 supports multiple interfaces, including PS/2 and USB, compatible with all Windows systems and Macintosh OS for USB. Tested to operate from -40°C to 70°C and withstand 100% humidity when installed correctly, this keyboard endures demanding industrial conditions with resilience to shock and vibration. Certifications including CE, FCC Part 15 Class B, and UL60950 validate its continuous-duty readiness and compliance for industrial applications.
PM-81 Features
- Rugged Stainless Steel Bezel
- Small-Footprint Package
- USB, PS2 and AT/Serial Configurations Available
- Various Keyboard and Language Layout Options
- Various Keyboard and Language Layout Options
- Customisation Available On Request
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Product Type
Manufacturer
Certifications & Standards
CE, FCC, IP66, NEMA 4X, UL 62368-1
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
Keyboard Layout,Keyboard Language,Cable Type,Cable Length,Interface
Dimensions
14.05" x 7.81" x 1.58" (w-h-d) 356.9mm x 198.4mm x 40.1mm CUTPIT: 12.75" x 6.50" (w-h) 323.9mm x 165.1 mm
Housing Colour
Stainless Steel
Humidity
100% Humidity Resistant (when properly installed)
Cable
LENGTH: 10 feet (3 meters) DESIGN: PS/2, AT or Single-Cable USB
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: Greater than 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
81
Pointing Device
No Pointer
Power
PS/2: 50mA@5V (from Keyboard port) USB: 50mA@5V (from CPU port)
Product Weight
3.50 lbs +/- 0.10 lbs (1.59 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 +90C (-40F to +194F) OPERATING: -40C to +70C (-40F to +158F)
The iKey PM-81 Panel Mount Rugged Keyboard is designed and engineered for use in demanding environments where reliability, durability are essential. The PM-81 supports a wide range of industries and operational applications.
Common deployment industries include: Construction, Defense and Military, Energy and Utilities, Industrial Manufacturing, Logistics And Supply Chain, Marine And Offshore, Oil and Gas, Public Sector.
Across these sectors, the PM-81 is typically used in applications such as ATEX And Hazardous-Area Data Capture, Construction Site Supervision 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-81 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-81 is appropriate for your specific application, please contact us.
The iKey PM-81 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-81 Panel Mount Rugged Keyboard, must be presented to RUGGED in the United Kingdom.
For more information about the iKey PM-81 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-81 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-81 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.
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

SK-101-M
- NEMA 4X sealed housing
- 10 million keystroke durable silicone keys
- Wide -40°C to +70°C temperature range
- MIL-STD shock and vibration compliant

SLK-77-M
- Sealed NEMA 4X construction
- Red LED backlit keys
- Vibration and shock resistant
- Over 10 million key actuations

DU-5K-FSR-NI
- NEMA 4X sealed reinforced enclosure
- Non-incendive Class I Division II certified
- Force Sensing Resistor pointing device
- MIL-STD 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.
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
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 specialises in providing industrial solutions, and this includes offering customisation options for their rugged keyboard range. We understand that different industries and applications have unique demands, which is why our rugged keyboards can be tailored to incorporate various features.
For instance, standard options like integrated pointing devices, backlighting, and different mounting solutions are available to enhance functionality and usability. Beyond these, Rugged Limited can implement bespoke modifications to ensure the rugged keyboard seamlessly integrates into your specific setup and operational environment. This commitment to customisation ensures that you receive a product perfectly suited to your needs, rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.
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 specialises in providing industrial peripherals that are engineered to withstand harsh conditions, making a rugged keyboard an ideal companion for industrial PCs. These keyboards are built to offer durability and consistent functionality in environments where standard office equipment would quickly fail.
Our rugged keyboards are developed for high compatibility and robust performance, ensuring they can stand up to the demands of various industrial settings. They are designed to prevent contamination from dust, dirt, and liquids, which are common in many industrial applications. Some models also feature backlight options, crucial for low-light conditions often found in industrial environments, and integrated pointing devices to streamline operations.
The construction and features of a rugged keyboard from Rugged Limited are perfectly matched to the operational requirements of industrial PCs, providing a reliable and long-lasting input solution.
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 Limited specialises in providing industrial-grade input solutions, including rugged keyboards, designed to operate reliably in challenging conditions. These keyboards are built to withstand elements such as extreme temperatures, dust, dirt, liquids, and heavy usage, which are common causes of failure for standard peripherals.
By preventing premature failure and reducing the need for frequent replacements or repairs, a rugged keyboard inherently contributes to less operational downtime. Their robust construction ensures consistent performance, enabling uninterrupted work in industries where reliability is paramount. Rugged Limited’s keyboards are engineered for longevity and resilience, giving businesses peace of mind and supporting continuous operations.
Explore Rugged Limited’s range of rugged keyboards to find a solution that meets your specific industrial needs and helps minimise downtime.
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.
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.







