The document discusses rugged keyboards that can withstand harsh conditions. It introduces the iKey BT-80 and BT-80-TP keyboards, which are ultra-compact, rechargeable, Bluetooth keyboards designed for industrial settings. They have fully sealed, waterproof and dustproof cases. Despite their durability, they are lightweight and comfortable to type on. The keyboards are customizable and can be integrated with tablets to provide mobile computing in challenging work environments.

1. If the A-Team needed a keyboard?
They'd pick the iKey BT-80 for sure!
You're looking for a keyboard that's tougher than the rest that are out there.
That can withstand as much dirt, water, oil and grease as you can throw at it. A
keyboard that's compact but fully-functional. That won't let you down in the
extreme conditions that, for you, are just another day at the office.
Asking too much?
The need for rugged
If your job takes you out in the field, you want your technology to come with you. That
much is a given in this day and age. But when your work takes you to places where
conditions are extreme - hot, cold, wet, dirty or downright dangerous - most computers
and keyboards simply aren't up the job. Buy something on the high street and it'll last
10 minutes in a sandstorm! If that!
There are a huge number of jobs and industries that require rugged computer equipment
for one reason or another. Most obviously, exploration, mining and energy companies
whose operatives may be employed over rough terrain and in harsh conditions. But
they're not the only ones. Workers in factories and distribution centres may not be at the
mercy of the elements but their equipment will still need to stand up to wear and tear,
moisture, dust, chemical or paint spray. Similarly medical and healthcare environments
require equipment that can withstand harsh cleaning, while marine and submarine
environments demand keyboards that are 100% humidity proof.
Many users of rugged computer equipment also place a premium on portability—the
need for a mobile office that allows fast data input and internet connectivity while in the
field is growing exponentially. In particular, compact keyboards that can transform
tablets into fully-functioning laptops are of particular use to those who are always on the
move in a hostile environment.
Features to look for in a rugged keyboard
You know that a high-street bargain-basement keyboard isn't going to do the job you
need it to do. So what should you look for when you're buying a rugged keyboard for use
on the road and in harsh environments?

2. Work out which of the following features are most important to you and then use the
resulting checklist to help make your decision.
 Compact design for easy portability.
 Lightweight - if you're likely to carry your equipment over long distances, try to
find a keyboard that weighs less than a kilo.
 Long battery life - a keyboard with a dead battery is no good to anyone, so look
for one that will give you several weeks of life between charges.
 100% humidity resistant - particularly if you are likely to use it out of doors, on
board ships or boats, or in a factory or workshop setting where there may be
water or other liquids in the atmosphere. Some keyboards are even fully
submersible, which may be useful in marine applications.
 Temperature resistant - a good rugged keyboard will give you a working range of
between -20C and +60C and allow for storage at even more extreme
temperatures.
 Resistant to harsh disinfectants and cleaning products - this is especially
important for keyboards which will be used in medical settings and by the
emergency services.
 Resistant to dust, dirt, sand, grit, grease, ice and water.
 Tough outer casing - look for a fully-sealed ABS polycarbonate case and
IP68/NEMA 4X specifications. You need a keyboard that can take knocks and
bumps.
 If you choose one with an integrated touchpad, this will make a separate mouse
redundant.
 Sealed USB points will maintain the integrity of the sealed case.
 Dongle-free Bluetooth® connectivity will allow you to work wherever you are.
It might seem like a lot but there are keyboards out there that fit the bill!
Meet the iKey BT-80 and iKey BT-80-TP
Here's a pair of keyboards that can live up to all these demands and more. In the BT -80
or the BT-80-TP, you'll have the ideal keyboard for the harshest conditions. Either one is
easy to transport, tough as old boots and able to resist whatever you might throw at it in
the way of water, dirt, dust and grease. The difference between them? The BT -80 is an
ultra-compact rechargeable rugged keyboard and the BT-80-TP is identical but with the
addition of an integrated touchpad.

3. So what other advantages do these two keyboards have? They've been designed with
harsh industrial settings in mind. The fully sealed ABS polycarbonate cases are
IP65/IP68 certified, making them resistant to dirt, water, ice and corrosives. But it's not
just about being tough. Typing on either of these keyboards is a pleasure. The silicone
rubber keypads feature tactile, mechanical snap key switches, and there is the option of
adjustable LED backlighting so they can be used in dim conditions. And weighing in at
just over half a kilo each, they couldn't be easier to carry with you, wherever you need
to go.
The icing on the cake here is customisation. Clients can request additional specifications
on either of the two to bring them into alignment with exact requirements. For example,
they can be ordered with a VESA mounting pattern and optional magnetic mounting,
making them ideal for vehicular or medical cart applications. There's a choice of 22
different language layouts and an integrated pointing device can be incorporated if
needed. Furthermore, the BT-80 and BT-80-TP can be fully personalised with private
labelling and branding - ideal if you need to provide mobile computing equipment across
your whole organisation.
Small, light and tougher than the rest - these keyboards are ideal for personnel
working in hostile environments and harsh work places. In combination with a
tablet, they represent the easiest way of taking your office into the field - and
they have the strength to outlast the competition.