Medical Keyboards

Not necessarily, but IP (Ingress Protection) ratings are a good indication that the keyboard will withstand the rigours which a medical keyboard is likely to encounter during washing, disinfection and daily use. IP65 being the most relevant showing that the device is tested to withstand water jets and dust.

There are some medical keyboard models which do not carry an IP rating. Often these are fully sealed across the top and sides where the user would touch them allowing for them to be wiped, but underneath may not be so well protected or sealed.

Some full travel switched keyboards look like a standard keyboard but achieve IP65 rating with the use of internal gaskets and O Rings such that the important internal electronics are protected while liquids can pass through the case itself.

A full explanation on IP ratings is available from the International Electrotechnical Commission

Wipeable is a term used since it was stipulated by the British Dental Association as an ideal standard for keyboards in dental use. 

There is some interpretation possible but we take it to mean a 100% flat typing surface. Such that the device can be disinfected quickly and easily with the use of a sanitising wipe.  

• CleanWipe 101Pro
• Medical Glass Pro
•  Sterile Flat
• PK99

The flat surface enhances cleanability but detracts from ease of typing. So a silicon keyboard with low bumps for each key is often desirable as a compromise. 

• SealSilk. (Not set up yet)
• SK400

The demands of the medical environment dictate that other considerations take precedence and medical keyboards tend to be less user friendly from a typist’s perspective. With a range of construction techniques some are better than others but on the whole the more robust the keyboard for disinfecting the less good they are to type on.

However we do have a range of keyboards, sealed within to IP65 or IP68 standards that give a very good typing experience on a par with most office keyboards whilst also being washable and disinfectable. They look and feel much the same as an office keyboard.

• Silver Seal 208
• GCQ CleanType

Most do not. We have many medical mice to buy separately with similar attributes to the keyboards. We do have some Medical Keyboards with Touchpads or Hula Point devices built in. 

This can be very useful on carts or in clinical areas where space is at a premium and it allows for the mouse and keyboard to be sanitised all in one operation.

• SK407T