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iKey SK-79-OEM Rugged Keyboard
The iKey SK-79-OEM Rugged Keyboard is built around a tactile mechanical snap key switch design, supporting compact deployments in harsh field environments. Its sealed enclosure withstands dust and water ingress with NEMA 4X and IP68 certification, making it suitable for continuous-duty use in industrial and outdoor settings. The keyboard integrates a HulaPoint II pointing device with dual left-click functionality without expanding its ultra-small footprint. Constructed from industrial silicone rubber with a silicone overlay, it resists 100% humidity when installed correctly. Its shock and vibration tolerance comply with MIL-STD-810G, ensuring durability under mechanical stresses.
The device operates reliably across a wide temperature range from -20°C to +60°C, meeting varied environmental demands. Connectivity options include PS/2 and USB compatible with Windows and Macintosh systems. Key lifespan exceeds 10 million cycles, reflecting its industrial-grade endurance and precision in demanding applications.
SK-79-OEM Features
- 12 Function Keys
- Integrated Pointing Device
- Dual Left Click Function
- Meets NEMA 4X (IP66) Specifications
- 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
No Case
Custom Options Products
Keyboard Layout,Keyboard Language,Cable Type,Cable Length,Interface
Dimensions
9.00" x 3.60" x 0.45" (w-h-d) 228.6mm x 91.4mm x 11.4mm
Housing Colour
Black
Humidity
100% Humidity Resistant (when properly installed)
Cable
3' (0.91 m)
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
10 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: 135g FEEDBACK: Tactile with Mechanical Snap
Lifespan
>10 Million Actuations
No. Of Keys
79
Pointing Device
HulaPoint
Power
PS/2: KEYBOARD: 50mA@5V (from Keyboard port) POINTER: 35mA@5V (from Mouse port) USB: 85mA@5V (from CPU port)
Product Weight
0.75 lbs (0.34 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 +70C (-40F to +158F) OPERATING: -20C to +60C (-4F to +140F)
The iKey SK-79-OEM Rugged Keyboard is designed and engineered for use in demanding environments where reliability, durability are essential. The SK-79-OEM supports a wide range of industries and operational applications.
Common deployment industries include: Construction, Defence And Military, Emergency Services, Energy and Utilities, Industrial Manufacturing, Marine And Offshore, Offshore Operations, Oil and Gas.
Across these sectors, the SK-79-OEM is typically used in applications such as Emergency Dispatch And Incident Management, Fleet Management And Telematics, Industrial HMI And Machine Interfacing, Process Control And Shop-Floor Monitoring, SCADA And Control-Room Access, Secure Access, Authentication, And Control Terminals, Secure Communications And Command-And-Control, Vehicle-Mounted Computing (MDTs / VMCs).
These examples demonstrate the versatility of the SK-79-OEM 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 SK-79-OEM is appropriate for your specific application, please contact us.
The iKey SK-79-OEM Rugged Keyboard comes with a 90 Day 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, iKey SK-79-OEM Rugged Keyboard, must be presented to RUGGED in the United Kingdom.
For more information about the iKey SK-79-OEM 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 SK-79-OEM 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 SK-79-OEM 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.
PM-18
- NEMA 4X sealed design
- MIL-STD 810 shock resistant
- Tactile silicone keys rated 10M actuations
- Supports PS/2 and USB interfaces

DU-1K
- IP Rated and NEMA 4X ingress protection
- MIL-STD-810G shock and vibration tested
- Secure rack-mount design with 10-foot PS/2 or USB cable
- Operating temperature from -40°C to +70°C

DP-88
- NEMA 4X sealed design
- Over 10 million key actuations lifecycle
- Shock and vibration certified
- Wide operating temperature range

SL-86-911-461-FSR
- MIL-STD-461E EMI resistance
- NEMA 4X sealed design
- Integrated Force Sensing Resistor touchpad
- Tactile industrial silicone keys

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 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 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.
Rugged keyboards are an excellent choice for control rooms, where reliability and durability are paramount. These environments often require equipment that can endure continuous use and potential exposure to dust or spills without compromising performance.
Specifically designed with robust materials, a rugged keyboard offers superior protection compared to standard keyboards. This resilience ensures that critical operations in control rooms can proceed uninterrupted, even in challenging conditions. Rugged Limited provides a range of these specialized input devices, built to meet the rigorous demands of such settings, ensuring long-lasting functionality and consistent performance.
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.
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.
The rigorous demands of medical environments necessitate equipment that can withstand constant use, frequent cleaning, and potential exposure to contaminants. Rugged Limited specifically designs and manufactures rugged keyboard solutions that meet these stringent requirements, making them ideal for healthcare settings.
Key features that make a rugged keyboard suitable for medical use include:
- Sealed Construction: Our keyboards are typically sealed to IP ratings such as IP65, IP67, or even IP68, meaning they are completely protected against dust ingress and can withstand liquid spills, making them easy to disinfect thoroughly without damaging internal components.
- Antimicrobial Materials: Many models incorporate antimicrobial additives in their construction, inhibiting the growth of bacteria and viruses, which is crucial for infection control in hospitals and clinics.
- Easy to Clean: The smooth surfaces and lack of crevices on a rugged keyboard prevent the accumulation of dirt and germs, allowing for quick and effective cleaning with medical-grade disinfectants.
- Durability: Built to last, these keyboards can endure the high-traffic and demanding conditions of a medical facility, reducing downtime and replacement costs.
- Customisation Options: Rugged Limited offers various layouts and mounting options to seamlessly integrate with existing medical carts, workstations, and equipment.
By providing a reliable and hygienic input solution, a rugged keyboard from Rugged Limited contributes significantly to maintaining sterile environments and enhancing efficiency in medical applications.
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 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.
iKey is a US manufacturer that specialises exclusively in rugged input devices: sealed keyboards, keypads and pointing devices built for harsh and mission-critical environments. Rather than spreading across many product types, iKey concentrates on industrial-grade human interface hardware, which is reflected in its deep catalogue of desktop, panel mount, mobile mount, rackmount and OEM keyboards. Its products are engineered around sealed silicone rubber keys, reinforced housings and certifications such as IP66, NEMA 4X and MIL-STD-810G. This focus makes iKey a recognised choice for defence, emergency services, industrial manufacturing, marine and offshore, oil and gas, and other sectors where standard keyboards quickly fail.
iKey ruggedises its keyboards through sealed construction and durable materials rather than added covers. Keys use industrial silicone rubber with a dust-sealed overlay, giving tactile mechanical-snap feedback and a rated life exceeding 10 million actuations. Housings are typically ABS polycarbonate or stainless steel for impact and corrosion resistance. Many models are sealed to IP65, IP66, IP67 or IP68 and meet NEMA 4X for protection against dust and liquid ingress. iKey keyboards are also tested to MIL-STD-810G for shock and vibration, with models such as the SL-86-911 withstanding 50g shock pulses and operating across wide temperature ranges. This combination supports continuous-duty use in vehicles, control rooms and industrial settings.
iKey is known for sealed, industrial-grade rugged keyboards and pointing devices designed to keep working where consumer hardware fails. Its reputation rests on durable silicone rubber keys rated beyond 10 million actuations, sealed ABS polycarbonate and stainless steel housings, and certifications including IP66, NEMA 4X and MIL-STD-810G for shock and vibration. iKey is also recognised for its breadth: desktop, panel mount, mobile mount, rackmount, wearable and OEM formats, with options for backlighting, integrated pointing devices and hazardous-area protection. This makes the brand a frequent specification in defence, emergency services, industrial manufacturing, oil and gas, marine and offshore, and similar demanding sectors.
Yes. iKey produces dedicated keyboards for hazardous and explosive atmospheres. The BT-870-TP-EX2, for example, is rated for ATEX Zone 2 and 22 use, sealed to IP67 and NEMA 4X, and tested to MIL-STD-810G. iKey also offers intrinsically safe (IS) models such as the DT-1000-IS, which uses a stainless steel enclosure, optical isolation and separate bulkhead cables and is certified for Factory Mutual Class I, II and III hazardous zones, along with non-incendive (NI) variants. These options suit oil and gas, offshore operations, chemical, pharmaceutical and mining environments. Always confirm the specific certification on the chosen model, as ratings differ between IS, NI and ATEX variants.
Yes. iKey offers an extensive range of backlit rugged keyboards, identifiable by SLK and SLP model families, with backlighting integrated beneath the sealed silicone overlay rather than added externally. Standard backlighting is typically red, and some models such as the SLK-101-8L provide multiple adjustable lighting levels. For night-vision operations, iKey produces NVIS-compatible green backlit models, including the AK-39-NV wearable keyboard, which combines a green NVIS backlight with several adjustable brightness levels. Backlit options span desktop, panel mount, mobile mount and OEM formats, making iKey well suited to low-light control rooms, vehicle cabs, defence and emergency-services deployments where key visibility is essential without compromising the sealed, rugged design.
Yes. iKey has substantial OEM and custom capability and maintains a dedicated OEM range covering panel mount keyboards, keypads and trackballs. Many standard products are also available in OEM versions for integration into larger systems and enclosures. Customisation options recorded across the catalogue include keyboard and keypad layout, language, backlight colour, cable type and length, interface, custom logo, and epoxy or PU key coatings. iKey also produces device-specific snap-on keyboards, such as the IK-PAN-FZG1 series that latches directly onto Panasonic FZG1 tablets, and the IK-SAM-AT for Samsung. This flexibility makes iKey a practical partner for integrators and manufacturers needing input hardware tailored to a specific platform or application.
iKey builds its keyboards from materials chosen for sealing, durability and environment. Most housings use ABS polycarbonate for impact resistance and dust sealing, while models intended for corrosive, wash-down or hazardous settings, such as the DT-102-SS and DT-1000-IS, use stainless steel enclosures. Keys are made from industrial silicone rubber with a dust-sealed overlay, providing tactile mechanical-snap feedback and a rated life exceeding 10 million actuations. Some snap-on models use magnesium alloy housings with carbon-contact key technology. iKey also offers optional epoxy or PU key coatings for additional wear resistance. These material choices underpin the brand’s IP66, NEMA 4X and MIL-STD-810G performance across continuous-duty deployments.
A buyer chooses iKey when a standard keyboard would not survive the environment or the duty cycle. iKey keyboards are sealed against dust and liquids to ratings such as IP66, IP67 and IP68 with NEMA 4X, tested to MIL-STD-810G for shock and vibration, and built with silicone rubber keys rated beyond 10 million actuations. The range covers specialist needs that consumer hardware cannot meet: ATEX and intrinsically safe hazardous-area models, NVIS green night-vision backlighting, wide operating temperatures, and integrated pointing devices such as HulaPoint, FSR, touchpad or trackball. With desktop, panel mount, mobile mount, rackmount and OEM formats plus extensive customisation, iKey gives engineers a single, durable input solution for defence, industrial, marine and emergency-services use.










