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iKey RDC-1000 Rackmount Rugged Keyboard
For rackmount environments requiring durable input devices, the iKey RDC-1000 Rackmount Rugged Keyboard delivers robust performance in confined industrial spaces. Its sealed steel construction with a corrosion-resistant black epoxy coating and chrome-plated ball-bearing slides ensures reliable operation under continuous use. The industrial silicone rubber keys provide tactile feedback with mechanical snap action, rated for over ten million actuations, supporting vibration tolerance and shock resistance suitable for industrial, broadcast, or military rack settings.
The RDC-1000 meets NEMA 12 certification for dust and humidity protection and withstands temperature ranges from -40°C to +70°C, alongside strong shock resistance withstanding 3 pulses of 50g across three axes. Compatible with Windows and Macintosh operating systems via PS/2 or USB interfaces, this keyboard is designed for extended deployment where rugged rackmount peripherals are essential. Its 19-inch rackmount size with varied handle options and 100% humidity resistance underline its field-ready, sealed construction optimized for demanding industrial use.
RDC-1000 Features
- 114 Keys and A Full-Size Number Pad
- Slide Load Rating: 130 Lbs/Pair
- USB, PS2 and AT/Serial Configurations Available
- ABS Polycarbonate Frame With Mounting Studs
- 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
Metal Rackmount
Certifications
NEMA 12, CE UL60950, FCC Part 15 Class B
Custom Options Products
Keyboard Layout,Keyboard Language,Cable Type,Cable Length,Interface
Dimensions
Pull Slot/Chrome Handle: 19" x 15" x 1U (1.75") 482.6mm x 381mm x 44.5mm T-Handle: 19" x 17" x 1U (1.75") 482.6mm x 431.8mm x 44.5mm
Housing Colour
Black
Humidity
100% Humidity Resistant
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
24 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. ACTUATION FORCE: 200g (+/- 20g) FEEDBACK: Tactile with mechanical snap
Lifespan
>10 Million Actuations
No. Of Keys
114
Pointing Device
No Pointer
Power
PS2: KEYBOARD: 40mA@5V (from Keyboard port) POINTER: 10mA@5V (from Mouse port) USB: 50mA@5V (from CPU port)
Product Weight
12.5 lbs (5.67 kg)
Shock
3 x 11 ms Pulses of 50g on each of 3 Axes
Switch Force
200g (+/- 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 RDC-1000 Rackmount Rugged Keyboard is designed and engineered for use in demanding environments where reliability, durability are essential. The RDC-1000 supports a wide range of industries and operational applications.
Common deployment industries include: Broadcast and Media, Defence And Military, Energy and Utilities, Industrial Manufacturing, Marine And Offshore, Offshore Operations, Oil and Gas, Security And Surveillance.
Across these sectors, the RDC-1000 is typically used in applications such as Industrial HMI And Machine Interfacing, Port, Terminal, And Cargo Handling, Predictive Maintenance And Condition Monitoring, Preventive And Corrective Maintenance, Process Control And Shop-Floor Monitoring, SCADA And Control-Room Access, Secure Access, Authentication, And Control Terminals, Yard, Dock, And Gatehouse Management.
These examples demonstrate the versatility of the RDC-1000 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 RDC-1000 is appropriate for your specific application, please contact us.
The iKey RDC-1000 Rackmount 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 RDC-1000 Rackmount Rugged Keyboard, must be presented to RUGGED in the United Kingdom.
For more information about the iKey RDC-1000 Rackmount 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 RDC-1000 Rackmount 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 RDC-1000 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-88-461-OEM
- MIL-STD-461E electromagnetic interference resilience
- NEMA 4X water and dust ingress protection
- Tactile mechanical snap keys over 10 million actuations
- Red LED backlit keys for low-light visibility

SLK-102-461
- MIL-STD-461 certified for EMI resistance
- NEMA 4X sealed dust and weatherproof case
- Industrial silicone rubber keys with tactile feedback
- Integrated HulaPoint II pointing device

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

PM-81
- Stainless steel housing
- Sealed NEMA 4X design
- Over 10 million key actuations
- Compatible with Windows and Mac OS

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
Rugged Limited offers a range of rugged keyboards that are ideal for use in food processing facilities due to their robust construction and hygienic design. These keyboards are built to endure frequent cleaning with harsh chemicals and high-pressure washing, which are common practices in maintaining sanitation standards within the food industry.
Many models feature a sealed, silicone-based construction, making them resistant to spills, dust, and debris. This design prevents the ingress of contaminants, which is crucial for preventing bacterial growth and ensuring food safety. The smooth, crevice-free surfaces of our rugged keyboard options also facilitate easy sterilisation, minimising downtime for cleaning and maintenance.
Furthermore, the durable nature of a rugged keyboard ensures reliable performance even with constant use and exposure to challenging conditions, contributing to operational efficiency in food processing plants.
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’s rugged keyboards are engineered with long lifecycle availability as a core consideration, making them a reliable choice for industrial and challenging settings. This focus on longevity means that the keyboards are built to withstand continuous use and harsh conditions, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
The design principles behind these rugged keyboards prioritise durability and sustained performance. By utilising robust materials and manufacturing processes, Rugged Limited ensures that their keyboards offer extended operational lifespans, providing consistent functionality over many years of service. This commitment to long-term availability is a significant advantage for businesses seeking dependable input solutions.
Absolutely, rugged keyboards are engineered to be highly compatible and functional with kiosks and Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs). These environments often require input devices that can withstand continuous use, potential spills, dust, and even vandalism. Rugged Limited provides a range of rugged keyboard solutions that are purpose-built to meet these stringent demands.
Our rugged keyboards feature durable construction, often including stainless steel or silicone, and are designed to offer protection against liquids and particulates. This makes them an ideal choice for public-access kiosks, industrial control panels, and other HMI applications where standard keyboards would quickly fail. The robust design ensures consistent performance and a long operational lifespan, reducing maintenance needs and improving user experience in challenging settings.
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.
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 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.
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.







