Keyboards Eye The Web And Harsh Environments January 2003 Issue Published Date: January 01, 2003
New mechanical and touch-sensitive keyboards have been developed for web pay phones, kiosks, and other applications required to operate in harsh environments. They can resist fluids, cleaning agents and vandalism, have dedicated shortcut keys, such as www. or .com, and can be tailored to user-specific needs. They can also be wired to Windows, Linux and Mac OS9 and OSX systems. The mechanical keyboards are built from stainless steel and zinc alloy and have anti-pull-off keys that can be laser engraved for high-definition and wear-resistant markings. They are sealed against liquid penetration using a one-piece membrane that extends to the edges of the keyboard and are available in the standard layout of 10 different languages. Customer-specific layouts can be made for other applications, such as industrial control panels and ticket issuing machines. Sealed under a glass cover up to 10 mm thick, the 74-key, touch-sensitive keyboards can resist abrasive public and factory settings and are configurable out of the box by using Studio Creative Box software included in the package. Keyboard shape can be altered as well. EAO SWITCH CORP., Milford, CT. (203) 877-4577.
