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iKey SLP-81 Panel Mount Backlit Rugged Keyboard
Designed for industrial and panel mount applications, the iKey SLP-81 Backlit Rugged Keyboard combines a compact, sealed design with impact-resistant ABS polycarbonate housing. Its dust-sealed construction meets NEMA 4X standards, offering resilience to moisture and contaminants suitable for continuous-duty use in demanding environments. The keyboard features tactile mechanical snap silicone rubber keys with a lifespan exceeding ten million keystrokes, supporting long-term reliable data entry under vibration and shock conditions typical of mobile platforms and industrial machinery.
Visibility is ensured through red backlighting, aiding operation in low-light environments. Electrically certified with CE, UL60950, and FCC Part 15 Class B compliance, the SLP-81 supports PS/2 and USB interfaces compatible with Windows and Macintosh devices. Its operational temperature ranges from -40°C to +70°C with extended storage tolerance up to +90°C, making it suitable for a wide range of climates and industrial scenarios. At a weight of 1.59 kg, this reinforced keyboard balances durability with panel integration requirements in industrial manufacturing, outdoor, and control room contexts.
SLP-81 Features
- 12 Function Keys
- 81-Key Functionality
- Industrial Silicone Rubber Keypad
- Numlock Key For Secondary Keyboard
- 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
Red
Case Material
ABS Polycarbonate
Certifications
NEMA 4X, CE UL60950, FCC Part 15 Class B
Custom Options Products
Keyboard Layout,Keyboard Language,Cable Type,Cable Length,Interface
Dimensions
14.05" x 7.81" x 1.58" (w-h-d) 356.9mm x 198.4mm x 40.1mm
Housing Colour
Black
Humidity
100% Humidity Resistant
Cable
LENGTH: 10 feet (3 meters) DESIGN: PS/2, USB or AT Cable
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
12 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. (1.4mm) ACTUATION FORCE: 6.35 oz. +/- 1.06 oz. (180g +/- 30g) FEEDBACK: Tactile with Mechanical Snap
Lifespan
>10 Million Actuations
No. Of Keys
81
Pointing Device
No Pointer
Power
PS/2: 200mA@5V (from Keyboard port) USB: 200mA@5V (from CPU port)
Product Weight
3.50 lbs (1.59 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 SLP-81 Panel Mount Backlit Rugged Keyboard is designed and engineered for use in demanding environments where reliability, durability are essential. The SLP-81 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, Oil and Gas, Rail And Transport.
Across these sectors, the SLP-81 is typically used in applications such as ATEX And Hazardous-Area Data Capture, Emergency Dispatch And Incident Management, Industrial HMI And Machine Interfacing, Process Control And Shop-Floor Monitoring, SCADA And Control-Room Access, Secure Communications And Command-And-Control, Utilities Inspection And Meter Reading, Vehicle Diagnostics And Onboard Systems.
These examples demonstrate the versatility of the SLP-81 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 SLP-81 is appropriate for your specific application, please contact us.
The iKey SLP-81 Panel Mount Backlit Rugged Keyboard comes with a 3 Years 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 SLP-81 Panel Mount Backlit Rugged Keyboard, must be presented to RUGGED in the United Kingdom.
For more information about the iKey SLP-81 Panel Mount Backlit 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 SLP-81 Panel Mount Backlit 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 SLP-81 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-75-OEM
- Sealed NEMA 4X protection
- MIL-STD-810F vibration and shock tested
- Over 10 million key actuations
- PS/2 and USB interface compatibility

SK-102-461-M
- MIL-STD-461 EMI resistant
- NEMA 4X sealed housing
- Over 10 million key actuations
- Extreme temperature range -40°C to +70°C

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

SLK-79-M
- Backlit keys for low-light operation
- Sealed industrial silicone keypads
- MIL-STD-810 vibration tested
- Dual PS/2 and USB interfaces

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 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 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 keyboards are ideal for warehouse environments because they are specifically engineered to withstand conditions that would quickly damage standard peripherals. Warehouses often present a harsh environment with varying temperatures, dust, dirt, and the potential for spills or impacts. A rugged keyboard is built to resist these elements, featuring sealed enclosures that protect internal components from particulate matter and liquids.
Rugged Limited specialises in providing industrial-grade solutions, and their rugged keyboards are designed with an emphasis on durability and longevity in demanding settings. This ensures continuous operation and reduces downtime, making them a cost-effective choice for maintaining productivity in busy warehouse operations. The robust construction of a rugged keyboard also means it can endure accidental drops or bumps, which are common occurrences in active industrial spaces.
Rugged Limited understands the importance of customisation and efficiency in demanding environments, which is why several of their rugged keyboard models are designed with programmable keys. This feature allows users to assign specific functions, macros, or shortcuts to individual keys, tailoring the keyboard to their unique operational needs and workflows. The flexibility offered by a
rugged keyboard
with programmable keys can significantly enhance productivity and ease of use in various industrial, public service, and specialized applications where rapid and precise input is critical. This commitment to adaptable and robust input solutions ensures that professionals can achieve optimal performance even in challenging conditions.
Rugged Limited specialises in providing industrial peripherals that are engineered to withstand harsh conditions, making a rugged keyboard an ideal companion for industrial PCs. These keyboards are built to offer durability and consistent functionality in environments where standard office equipment would quickly fail.
Our rugged keyboards are developed for high compatibility and robust performance, ensuring they can stand up to the demands of various industrial settings. They are designed to prevent contamination from dust, dirt, and liquids, which are common in many industrial applications. Some models also feature backlight options, crucial for low-light conditions often found in industrial environments, and integrated pointing devices to streamline operations.
The construction and features of a rugged keyboard from Rugged Limited are perfectly matched to the operational requirements of industrial PCs, providing a reliable and long-lasting input solution.
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.
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 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.







