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iKey SLK-101-8L-OEM Backlit Rugged Keyboard With 8 Lighting Levels
The iKey SLK-101-8L-OEM is a rugged keyboard built around NEMA 4X-sealed construction, supporting reliable data input in harsh industrial environments such as military and aerospace. Its reinforced profile and industrial-grade silicone rubber keys provide field-ready durability with tactile feedback and a lifespan exceeding 10 million cycles, suitable for continuous-duty use. The keyboard features eight adjustable green backlight levels, including an option compatible with night vision, aiding visibility in low-light conditions. It meets MIL-STD-461 for electromagnetic interference resistance and withstands operating temperatures from -40°C to +70°C.
The device is vibration tolerant and shock tested to 50g pulses across multiple axes, enhancing its robustness for field deployment where exposure to moisture, dust and impact is common. Compatible with Windows and Mac OS systems, it operates on a USB connection consuming 210mA at 5 volts, ensuring seamless integration with industrial computers.
SLK-101-8L-OEM Features
- Green Backlit Keys with Eight Levels of Backlighting
- Option NVIS Compliant -Green B backlighting
- Integrated 10-Key Numeric Pad
- OEM Kit: PCB, rubber overlay, and cable
- High EMI Standards
- Designed to meet MIL-STD-461E Specifications
- Industrial Silicone Rubber Keypad
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Product Type
Manufacturer
Certifications & Standards
Ruggedness
IP Rating
Mounting Format
Country Of Manufacture
United States
Backlight
Green, Option for NVIS Green
Custom Options Products
Keyboard Layout,Keyboard Language,Interface,Backlight Colour,Custom Logo,Epoxy Coating,Conformal Coating,PU Coating,Matt Silicone Coating
Dimensions
14.40" x 5.05" x 0.25" (w-h-d) 365.7mm x 128mm x 6.4mm
Function Keys
12 Keys
Housing Colour
Black
Humidity
100% Humidity Resistant
Backlight
Green Backlit Keys with Eight Levels of Backlighting - Optional NVIS Compliant -Green B backlighting
Compatibility
All Windows and MAC OS
Dimensions
14.40" x 5.05" x 0.25" (w-h-d) 365.7mm x 128mm x 6.4mm
EMI
Ideal for harsh EMI environments
Function Keys
12 Function Keys
Humidity
100% Humidity Resistant
Key Feedback
Tactile with mechanical snap
Key Material
Industrial silicone rubber
Key Switch
Carbon Contact
LED Indicators
Caps Lock, Num Lock
Lifespan
10 million cycles +
Mounting Type
OEM
No. Of Keys
101
Operating Force
7.05 oz +/- 1.06 oz (200g +/- 30g)
Power
USB: 210mA@5V (from CPU port)
Product Weight
0.45 kg +/- 0.05 kg
Shock
3x11 ms pulses of 50g on each of 3 axes
Supply Current
210mA
Supply Voltage
5 Volts
Switch Force
7.05 oz +/- 1.06 oz (200g +/- 30g)
Switch / Key Travel
0.055 in. (1.4mm)
Temperature Range
STORAGE: -40C to +90C (-40F to +194F) OPERATING: -40C to +70C (-40F to +158F)
Vibration
POWER SPECTRAL DENSITY: 0.04g/Hz FREQUENCY RANGE: 20Hz - 2 kHz DURATION OF TEST PER AXIS: 3 hours
Lifetime
10 million cycles
Operating Temperature
OPERATING: -40C to +70C (-40F to +158F)
Shock
3x11 ms pulses of 50g on each of 3 axes
Storage Temperature
STORAGE: -40C to +90C (-40F to +194F)
Temperature Rating
STORAGE: -40C to +90C (-40F to +194F) OPERATING: -40C to +70C (-40F to +158F)
The iKey SLK-101-8L-OEM Backlit Rugged Keyboard With 8 Lighting Levels is designed and engineered for use in demanding environments where reliability, durability and application suitability are essential. The SLK-101-8L-OEM supports a wide range of industries and operational applications.
Common deployment industries include: Aerospace, Defence And Military, Energy and Utilities, Industrial Manufacturing, Marine And Offshore, Natural Resources and Mining, Offshore Operations, Oil and Gas.
Across these sectors, the SLK-101-8L-OEM is typically used in applications such as Aircraft Cockpit And Avionics Support Systems, ATEX And Hazardous-Area Data Capture, Emergency Dispatch And Incident Management, Industrial HMI And Machine Interfacing, Marine Bridge And Vessel Control Systems, Process Control And Shop-Floor Monitoring, SCADA And Control-Room Access, Secure Access, Authentication, And Control Terminals.
These examples demonstrate the versatility of the SLK-101-8L-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 SLK-101-8L-OEM is appropriate for your specific application, please contact us.
The iKey SLK-101-8L-OEM Backlit Rugged Keyboard With 8 Lighting Levels comes with a 90 Days 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 SLK-101-8L-OEM Backlit Rugged Keyboard With 8 Lighting Levels, must be presented to RUGGED in the United Kingdom.
For more information about the iKey SLK-101-8L-OEM Backlit Rugged Keyboard With 8 Lighting Levels 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 SLK-101-8L-OEM Backlit Rugged Keyboard With 8 Lighting Levels, 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 SLK-101-8L-OEM or need a custom Rugged Keyboard solution designed specifically for you, our team of technical experts are ready to assist you.
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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.
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 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 specialises in providing industrial-grade solutions, and our rugged keyboards are engineered to withstand harsh operating conditions, including exposure to shocks and vibrations. This resilience is achieved through robust construction and the use of durable materials, ensuring reliable performance where standard keyboards would fail.
Our selection includes a variety of rugged keyboard types, such as panel mount, desktop, and embedded options, all built with an emphasis on durability. They are designed to meet the rigorous demands of sectors requiring reliable human-machine interfaces that can endure constant motion, impacts, and other challenging environmental factors. Therefore, any rugged keyboard from Rugged Limited is an excellent choice for environments where shock and vibration resistance are critical considerations for uninterrupted operation and longevity.
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.
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.
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.









