iKey steps it up one notch by expanding its industrial keyboard line by rolling out a new series of membrane keyboards. These new membrane keyboards are tough as nails, or at least that’s what iKey wants you to believe. They are specially constructed to hold out and function normally even in the harshest of environments, and I suppose it will work long after your body has given up on surviving. Each iKey membrane keyboard comes with a hardcoated, textured, polyester film which claims to be way more rugged than industrial silicone rubber keypads. Each keyboard will also feature slightly raised, mechanical snap-dome keys and an integrated Synaptics touchpad, doing away with the need for a mouse.
The membrane line currently holds a desktop model as well as a panel mount model that comes in stainless steel cases along with an OEM kit that makes it a snap to integrate into industrial machinery. According to Joel East, Director of Technical Design at iKey, “What’s great about the membrane keyboard is there are no crevices. If you’re working around processing byproducts, grease, or other things that might accumulate between the keys of a regular keyboard, you can just spray it down and know that it’s clean.”
The membrane’s surface itself is slick and rugged, capable of holding up to direct hose water, disinfectants, environmental contaminants and heavy use. I don’t suppose it won’t be able to handle minor issues like a spilled cup of coffee or even a dropped pint of Kilkenny’s. Guess taking this keyboard out for a wash on a regular basis is definitely on the cards, although you might get strange stares from ordinary folk who don’t know any better. As for the Synaptics touchpad, this is completely sealed under an extra layer of PVC membrane that further helps extend the product’s life.
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