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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
Format
IP Rating
Manufacturer
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 require a custom 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.
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Having trouble finding what you're looking for?
Selecting the right product for your specific application and environment can be quite challenging. At Rugged, our team of experts is on hand to assist you in making the best choice. Whether you have questions about product specifications or require guidance through our range of solutions, we’re here to help.
With our extensive industry knowledge and commitment to quality, we can ensure you find the ideal solution tailored to your needs.
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
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 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 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.
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.
An Ingress Protection (IP) rating is a critical standard for rugged keyboards, specifying the degree of protection provided against dust, dirt, and water. This two-digit code is internationally recognised and helps users understand how well a device can withstand environmental factors.
The first digit in an IP rating signifies protection against solid objects, ranging from 0 (no protection) to 6 (dust-tight). A higher number here means greater resistance to particles entering the device.
The second digit indicates protection against liquids, ranging from 0 (no protection) to 9 (withstanding high-pressure, high-temperature jet sprays). This is particularly important for a rugged keyboard that might be exposed to spills, rain, or even submersion. Rugged Limited offers a range of peripherals engineered to meet these demanding standards.
Rugged keyboards are an excellent choice for vehicle integration due to their robust construction and ability to withstand challenging conditions. These keyboards are engineered to operate reliably in environments subject to constant vibration, extreme temperatures, and exposure to dust and liquids, which are common occurrences in vehicles.
For instance, one such rugged keyboard solution features a compact design, making it suitable for dashboards or other space-constrained areas within a vehicle. It includes a fully sealed IP67 trackball for precise cursor control and is equipped with an integrated red backlight, ensuring readability in low-light conditions often experienced in vehicle cabins. Additionally, its 2.5m USB cable provides flexible connectivity options for various vehicle setups.
The durability of a rugged keyboard ensures consistent performance, whether it’s used in emergency services, logistics, or field operations, where reliability is paramount.
Rugged keyboards are engineered to perform reliably in a variety of challenging outdoor environments. They are built with robust materials and often feature sealed designs to protect against ingress from dust, dirt, and water, which are common concerns in outdoor applications. Many models of rugged keyboards are also designed to withstand extreme temperatures, vibrations, and shocks, making them ideal for field operations, industrial settings, and other outdoor work where standard keyboards would quickly fail.
For those requiring a dependable input solution in harsh conditions, a rugged keyboard provides the necessary resilience. Rugged Limited offers a range of these durable keyboards that ensure continuous functionality, even when exposed to the unpredictable elements of an outdoor environment.
Rugged Limited’s rugged keyboard range is engineered from high-quality, durable materials designed to withstand harsh operating conditions. These materials commonly include silicone, which offers excellent resistance to liquids and dust, making them easy to clean and sanitise. Many models also feature stainless steel for their casings or keycaps, providing superior strength against impacts and corrosion, ideal for industrial or public use.
Furthermore, industrial-grade ABS plastic is often utilised for its robust and lightweight properties, contributing to the overall resilience of the rugged keyboard. The choice of these materials ensures that our keyboards can endure extreme temperatures, vibrations, and constant use without compromising performance or longevity.







