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RUGGED RKP-B179 Industrial Rugged Keyboard
For teams working across industrial and field applications, the RUGGED RKP-B179 Industrial Rugged Keyboard provides a durable numeric input solution. Its stainless steel construction and sealed design protect against dust, moisture, and vibration, making it suitable for demanding environments like manufacturing lines, control rooms, and outdoor kiosks. The keypad offers a compact 28-key layout with gold-on-gold key switch technology, delivering reliable tactile feedback and a short travel distance that supports efficient data entry.
The IP65 ingress protection ensures resistance to dust and water, enabling dependable operation in challenging conditions. Designed for secure mounting with threaded bolts, it incorporates a fully shielded metal dome PCB to maintain stable electrical performance even under EMI stress. The RKP-B179 operates within a temperature range from -20°C to +60°C, meeting IEC 61000 series EMI and EMS standards, including protection against electrostatic discharge and electrical fast transients. It features an expected lifecycle of over five million keystrokes and an MTBF exceeding 50,000 hours, ensuring long-term availability in continuous-duty deployments.
RKP-B179 Features
- Rugged Panel Mount Keypad
- IP65 Rated
- Stainless Steel Construction
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Product Type
Manufacturer
Ruggedness
IP Rating
Mounting Format
Country Of Manufacture
China
Case Material
Stainless Steel
Certifications
RoHS Compliant, CE and FCC, ESD
Custom Options Products
Cable Type,Cable Length,Interface,Keypad Layout
Dimensions
179.0mm x 130.0mm
Humidity
30-90% Humidity Resistant
Compatibility
All Windows, Linux, Unix, Mac OSX, Vxworks, Android
EMC
IEC 61000-4-2:2008; IEC 61000-4-3:2006+AI:2007+A2:2010; IEC 61000-4-4:2004
EMI
EN 55022: 2010
EMS
EN 55024:2010
Frontplate Material
Brushed Stainless Steel
Key Switch
Gold-on-Gold key Switch Technology
Lifespan
> 5 Million Actuations
MTBF
>50000H
MTTR
<30min
No. Of Keys
28
Operating Force
2.0N
Supply Voltage
+5V DC +/-5%
Switch / Key Travel
0.45mm
Length
130.0mm
Operating Temperature
Operating temperature:-20C to +60C
Storage Temperature
Storage temperature: -30C to +70C
Temperature Rating
Operating temperature:-20C to +60C - Storage temperature: -30C to +70C
Width
179.0mm
The RUGGED RKP-B179 Industrial Rugged Keyboard is designed and engineered for use in demanding environments where reliability, durability are essential. The RKP-B179 supports a wide range of industries and operational applications.
Common deployment industries include: Construction, Industrial Manufacturing, Public Sector, Retail, Security And Surveillance.
Across these sectors, the RKP-B179 is typically used in applications such as Field Data Capture And Reporting, Fleet Management And Telematics, 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, Warehouse Picking And Put-Away.
These examples demonstrate the versatility of the RKP-B179 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 RKP-B179 is appropriate for your specific application, please contact us.
The RUGGED RKP-B179 Industrial Rugged Keyboard comes with a 1 Year Limited Warranty 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, RUGGED RKP-B179 Industrial Rugged Keyboard, must be presented to RUGGED in the United Kingdom.
For more information about the RUGGED RKP-B179 Industrial 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 RUGGED RKP-B179 Industrial Rugged Keyboard, or would you like to discuss a customised solution?
At RUGGED, we recognise that every project has its own unique demands. If you have any questions about the RUGGED RKP-B179 or need a custom Industrial 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.
RKB-B340KP-DWP
- IP67 sealed stainless steel housing
- Gold-on-gold key switch technology
- Compliance with IEC 61000-4 EMC standards
- Operating temperature range -20°C to +60°C

RKB-B255TP
- Stainless steel IP65 sealed construction
- Gold-on-gold key switches for precise tactile feedback
- Electromagnetic compatible and ESD resistant
- Long life over 5 million key actuations

RKB-8656B
- Stainless steel corrosion-resistant housing
- IP65 sealed against dust and moisture
- Carbon contact keys rated for 10 million actuations
- MIL-STD vibration tested for harsh environments

RKB-M398KP-FN-BL
- IP65 ingress protection
- Carbon-on-gold tactile switches
- Anti-vandal and ESD protection
- Over 50,000 hours MTBF

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 specialises in providing industrial peripherals built to withstand harsh conditions, including marine settings. Our rugged keyboards are engineered with features like IP (Ingress Protection) ratings, which are crucial for protecting against water and other liquids commonly found in marine applications. This ensures that the keyboard can endure exposure to moisture, salt spray, and even submersion, depending on the specific IP rating.
Furthermore, the materials used in our rugged keyboard manufacturing are selected for their durability and resistance to corrosion, which is a significant factor in saltwater environments. This robust construction guarantees reliable operation and a long lifespan, reducing downtime and maintenance in challenging marine conditions.
Rugged keyboards are designed for durability and consistent operation in demanding conditions, and their connection types reflect this need for reliability. The primary connection type used for Rugged Limited’s range of rugged keyboards is USB.
USB connections offer several advantages for industrial and harsh environments, including broad compatibility, ease of use, and a secure physical connection that can withstand vibrations and impact. This ensures that the rugged keyboard maintains a stable link to the host system, critical for uninterrupted data entry and control in sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, and marine applications.
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 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.
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.
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 keyboards are engineered to perform reliably in environments where conventional keyboards simply cannot, making them essential for a wide array of rugged keyboard applications. These durable input devices are frequently found in industrial settings, such as manufacturing plants and warehouses, where they endure dust, spills, and extreme temperatures. Their robust construction also makes them ideal for marine applications, including on ships and offshore platforms, where exposure to saltwater and vibrations is common.
Beyond these, other rugged keyboard applications include use in public access kiosks, military and defence operations, and medical facilities. In these environments, features like sealed enclosures, chemical resistance, and the ability to withstand impact are crucial for continuous operation and data integrity. Rugged Limited provides keyboards specifically designed to meet these demanding requirements, ensuring seamless performance even in the most challenging conditions.
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.








