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iKey RDC-5K-1 Rackmount Rugged Keyboard
For teams working across industrial control rooms and data centres, the iKey RDC-5K-1 Rackmount Rugged Keyboard offers reliable input functionality within tough environments. Its reinforced metal housing with black epoxy coating and chrome-plated ball-bearing slides provide durability against mechanical wear. The sealed design meets NEMA 12 standards, ensuring resistance to dust and humidity. Featuring an industrial silicone rubber overlay with tactile mechanical snap keys rated for over 10 million actuations, this keyboard supports continuous-duty use with consistent feedback.
The unit withstands shock pulses of 50g across three axes and vibration within a broad frequency range, confirming its resilience to operational stress. It functions across a wide temperature range from -20°C to 60°C and stores safely between -40°C and 70°C, enhancing its suitability for varied industrial settings. Cable options include PS/2, AT/serial, or USB interfaces, compatible with Windows and Macintosh systems. The inclusion of a HulaPoint pointing device further aids precise control within rackmount systems.
RDC-5K-1 Features
- Integrated Pointing Device
- 20 Function Keys + 10-Key Numeric Pad
- Slide Load Rating: 130 Lbs/Pair
- USB, PS2 and AT/Serial Configurations Available
- 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
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 or AT/serial Cable (providing separate keyboard and mouse connections), or Single-Cable USB
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
24 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. ACTUATION FORCE: 200g (+/- 20g) FEEDBACK: Tactile with mechanical snap
Lifespan
>10 Million Actuations
No. Of Keys
116
Pointing Device
HulaPoint
Power
PS/2 or AT/Serial: KEYBOARD: 50mA@5V (from Keyboard port) POINTER: 35mA@5V (from Mouseport) USB: 85mA@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 (+/- 20g)
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 +70C (-40F to +158F) OPERATING: -20C to +60C (-4F to +140F)
The iKey RDC-5K-1 Rackmount Rugged Keyboard is designed and engineered for use in demanding environments where reliability, durability are essential. The RDC-5K-1 supports a wide range of industries and operational applications.
Common deployment industries include: Defence And Military, Energy and Utilities, Industrial Manufacturing, Logistics And Supply Chain, Public Sector, Security And Surveillance.
Across these sectors, the RDC-5K-1 is typically used in applications such as Emergency Dispatch And Incident Management, 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, Utilities Inspection And Meter Reading.
These examples demonstrate the versatility of the RDC-5K-1 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-5K-1 is appropriate for your specific application, please contact us.
The iKey RDC-5K-1 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-5K-1 Rackmount Rugged Keyboard, must be presented to RUGGED in the United Kingdom.
For more information about the iKey RDC-5K-1 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-5K-1 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-5K-1 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.
MEM-114-OEM
- IP65 and NEMA 4X sealed construction
- MIL-STD-810G certified shock and vibration tolerance
- Programmable keys with tactile mechanical snap feedback
- Wide -40°C to +70°C operating temperature range

SL-88-OEM
- Over 10 million key actuations
- IP66 NEMA 4X dust and water protection
- MIL-STD-810G shock and vibration tested
- PS/2 and USB connectivity with downstream port

SLK-101
- NEMA 4X sealed enclosure
- MIL-STD-810G shock and vibration tested
- Red LED backlit keys
- Over 10 million keystroke lifespan

DT-5K-FSR-IS
- Intrinsically safe for hazardous locations
- NEMA 4X sealed stainless steel housing
- Over 10 million key actuations lifespan
- Integrated Force Sensing Resistor (FSR) pointing device

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 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.
Yes, rugged keyboards are designed with hygiene and durability in mind, making them remarkably easy to clean. Many models are constructed with surfaces that are sealed to prevent the ingress of liquids, dust, and contaminants. This often includes features like medical-grade silicone keypads that can be easily wiped down or even washed without damaging the internal components.
This design consideration is particularly beneficial in harsh environments or settings that require stringent cleanliness. The robust sealing means that spills, dirt, and debris can be quickly and effectively removed, helping to maintain a hygienic workspace and prolonging the life of the device. For a comprehensive selection of these durable and easy-to-maintain input solutions, explore our rugged keyboard range.
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.
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 keyboards are specifically engineered to withstand various forms of abuse, including vandalism. This resistance is achieved through robust construction using materials like stainless steel or industrial-grade silicone, which can endure impacts, sharp objects, and attempts at key removal.
Features such as sealed casings protect internal components from dust, dirt, and liquids, which can often be part of vandalisation attempts. Additionally, some models incorporate reinforced keys and tamper-proof mounting options to deter and prevent damage. When looking for a durable input solution, a rugged keyboard offers significant protection against vandalism, making it ideal for public access terminals, industrial settings, and other environments where durability is paramount.
Rugged Limited provides a range of these highly durable and vandal-resistant rugged keyboards designed for long-lasting performance in challenging conditions.
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.
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 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.






