Choosing the right industrial keyboard

Your choice of keyboard depends on your application and should be based on:

• The number of keys: it is up to you to determine if you need numbers, letters, function keys (F1, F2) etc. A standard keyboard has 101 or 102 keys, but there are multiple configurations available with a variable number of keys (from 24 to 128).
• Mounting: you can choose between many mounting options: VESA & AMPS mounted (on external support), front panel mount, rack mount, etc.
• The necessary protection: vandal-proof, waterproof, explosion-proof, electromagnetic field compatible, etc.
• The desired pointing device: trackball, touchpad, pointing button or joystick.

Desktop: these closed or encased keyboards are configured for office applications. Desktop keyboards often use an inclined casing or folding feet to tilt the keyboard surface towards the operator.

Panel mount: these are built-in keyboards allowing for easy integration on the upper or front surface of an instrument panel or equipment, for example on the control panel of a machine.

Rack mount/rack drawer: keyboards with optimized dimensions for perfect integration into shelves or drawers in order to access video, keyboard and touchpad functions from a single workstation and manage one or more servers.

OEM /open frame: this version without a frame or casing is intended to be integrated into a machine or kiosk.

Keyboards can have an integrated pointing device replacing the mouse:

• A trackball: allows for more precise cursor control and is usable by both right-handed and left-handed people. The trackball also has the advantage of being user-friendly.
• A touchpad (or trackpad): moves the cursor by simply sliding a fingertip over the surface.
• A Force-Sensing Resistor (FSR): this force sensor pointing device measures the pressure exerted on a sensor cell with variable resistance. This technology can be integrated into thin and flexible applications.
• A joystick: with this type of system, the operator moves the mobile part (joystick) to control the movement of the cursor. Single-axis or multi-axis joysticks are available depending on the complexity of the application.

A good industrial keyboard must meet safety standards:

• Vandal-proof keyboards: are very robust, almost indestructible, often made of steel and waterproof, they are designed for outdoor use, for example in kiosks and terminals for the public.
• IP index: you must know the operating conditions and environment in order to select the necessary protection index (IP index). The first digit indicates protection against solids, the second digit indicates protection against water and/or liquids. Industrial keyboards are generally rated IP65 or IP68.
• IK rating: the 2-digit IK rating indicates the mechanical protection index for protection against impact energy, given in joules. It indicates the equivalent to the fall of a mass of a certain weight from a certain height. For example IK01 => material protected against an impact energy of 0.15 joules (impact equivalent to the fall of a 150 g mass from a height of 10 cm).
• ATEX standards: concern the protection of people working in environments sensitive to explosion risk. There are industrial monitors that comply with ATEX standards for use in explosion risk areas.
• MIL-STD-810G/F is an American standard that indicates the robustness of a device. This standard was developed for the US military and is now used commercially to indicate to what degree a product is suitable for the environmental conditions.
• MIL-STD-461 also comes from the US military and indicates electromagnetic compatibility.

Connectivity refers to the physical connections used for data transmission and electrical connections. You can choose between:

• PS2 (Personal System/2): this was the connector used to connect the keyboard and/or mouse before the arrival of USB. With this connection, it is essential to connect the device to the computer before turning it on, otherwise the keyboard/mouse will not work.
• USB: is the most versatile and widespread connector technology. USB is used for connecting devices.
• Wireless: There are two main technologies: the IEEE 802.11 standard, better known as Wi-Fi; and the wireless keyboard that works with Bluetooth via a receiver connected to a USB port.
• Serial ATA (or SATA): allows you to connect devices compatible with this standard (hard disk, DVD drive, etc.) to a motherboard. It specifies a data transfer format as well as a cable format.
• CANbus: uses an approach known as multiplexing, which consists in connecting a large number of ECUs to the same cable (a bus), which then communicate one at a time, thus avoiding having too many cables (depending on the application). The CAN (Controller Area Network) data bus is a serial system bus that is widely used in many industries, including the automotive industry.

The connectors you choose depend on the computer or terminal you are going to connect the keyboard to and what ports are available on it.

There are other options when choosing an industrial keyboard in addition to the type of mounting, pointing device and connectors best suited to your application. The elements left to consider include:

• Integration of USB hubs for optimal connectivity.
• Backlighting, for use in poorly lit areas.
• Custom keyboards: most industrial keyboard manufacturers can provide you with a custom solution, so that you have a keyboard that is perfectly adapted to your use.