Industrial keyboards are USB keyboards made for workshops, production lines, laboratories and control rooms, where a standard office keyboard would wear out quickly. Our range is small and focused: membrane models from CHERRY and CONTOUR, in black, with US English and German layouts.
How to choose an industrial keyboard
Working environment. Dust, splashes, cleaning chemicals and vibration decide how much protection you need. Check the ingress protection (IP) rating on the product page, because a higher dust and water rating matters wherever a keyboard is wiped down or sprayed.
Temperature range. Models in our range list a storage temperature of -20 to 60 °C, which covers shipping and storage in unheated warehouses and warm plant rooms. Operating temperature is a separate figure, so look at it as well if the keyboard will sit in a cold store or next to machinery.
Key switch type. Membrane keyboards, which is what our range offers, have a closed surface that is easy to wipe and copes with dirt better than open mechanical switches. Mechanical switches feel better for long typing sessions but are less common in sealed industrial designs.
Layout and language. US English and German layouts are both available in our range. Choose the layout the operators actually read, since printed key legends matter more on a shared machine than on a personal desk.
Connection and pointing device. The models with a power source listed are USB-powered, so no separate power supply is needed. The models with pointing device information have none built in, so plan for a separate mouse, trackball or touchscreen if operators need to navigate software. Some keyboards also have LED indicators, which help when the lock status needs to be visible at a glance.
Industrial keyboard brands we carry
- CHERRY: a German manufacturer best known for its MX mechanical key switches and a long history in keyboards for professional use. It accounts for most of the industrial keyboards in our range.
- CONTOUR: Contour Design is known for ergonomic input devices, in particular the RollerMouse, a pointing bar that sits in front of the keyboard. It is a sensible name to look at if comfort during long shifts matters.
Industrial keyboards: frequently asked questions
What is an industrial keyboard?
An industrial keyboard is a keyboard designed for harsher conditions than an office, such as dust, moisture, temperature swings and frequent cleaning. Most have a sealed or flat surface and a sturdier construction. They are used on factory floors, in workshops, in laboratories and with machine controls.
Can I clean an industrial keyboard with water?
It depends on the IP rating of the specific model. Many sealed industrial keyboards can be wiped with a damp cloth, and some tolerate washing, but others are only splash resistant. Check the rating and the manufacturer's cleaning advice before using water or disinfectants.
Do industrial keyboards connect by USB?
Yes, the industrial keyboards in our range with a listed power source connect and draw power through USB. They need no separate power adapter, which keeps cabling simple on a machine or workstation. Check the connector and cable length on the product page for your installation.
Should I choose a US English or German layout?
Choose the layout that matches the language the operators read and write in. Our range includes both US English and German versions. Set the keyboard language in the operating system to match the layout, otherwise some characters will not appear as printed.