Glossary
Ambulance Keyboard
A keyboard that has been designed to work in Ambulance environments. 'iKey SL-86-911' is an example of an Ambulance keyboard.
Biometric
Biometric Keyboards measure a humans physical qualities and interaction to gain access/authentication. Examples of physical characteristics are fingerprints or retina scanning. 'Cherry' Keyboards such as the 'G83-14503' and 'Cherry' Mouse like the 'M-4250' use biometric technology as a built-in fingerprint...
Clean-Me Alert System
Esterline patented technology which tells the user when the keyboard needs cleaning via audible sounds and visible lighting. Suitable for medical environments such as hospitals and dentists. 'Medigenic Compliance Keyboard' has this technology.
Compact Keyboard
A small, mini, micro, compact keyboard which is ideal for mobility. Usually having an integrated/embedded numeric keypad, rather than a dedicated keypad to the side.
Custom Keyboard
If you have a specific requirement or want a personalised keyboard, if an 'off the shelf' peripheral does not meet your needs, KBS can offer custom built, specialist keyboards for any given environment. Please call us for more information.
Dental Keyboard
These keyboards have been designed specifically for dental environments. They are fully wipeable or washable, fully HTM01-05 compliant and auditable by CQC (pass). Examples of dental keyboards include the 'Purekeys', 'Accumed', 'Clinell' and 'Cleankeys' ranges.
DoH Approved
Department of Health (DoH) Approved equiptment - tested and passing by the UK's governing bodies standards and legislation.
Embedded Numeric Keypad
Numbers are embedded into the keyboard, usually on the 'U, I, O, J, L, M' buttons. This eliminates the need for a separate keypad and makes the keyboard more compact, space saving and maneuverable.
Flexible Keyboard
Keyboards that are made out of rubber, so therefore can be rolled up for easy storage and carriage. As the keyboards are made out of rubber they can be cleaned and used in medical environments including dentists.
Grade 304 Stainless Steel
Used for standard industrial keyboard manufacturing. It is also known as '18/8' for its compestion of 18% Chromium and 8% Nickel. The grade 304 Stainless Steel is the most common grade to use for kiosk and weather-proof keyboards, including the...
Grade 316 Stainless Steel
Also known as 'Marine Grade Steel', ideal for Naval Applications. It is the second most common grade of Stainless Steel and is primarily used for its increased resistance to corrosion. It is also known as '18/10' for its composition of...
Hospital Keyboard
Keyboards that have been medically approved for hospitals. Therefore they have to be cleanable, washable or wipeable and be IP rated. Hospital grade keyboards include the 'Medigenic', 'Cleankeys' and 'Purekeys' ranges.
HTM01-05
The Department of Health technical Memorandum HTM 01-05 suggests replacing conventional keyboards with 'easy-clean', waterproof, washable keyboards as recommended in the Department of Health's (2008) 'Clean, safe care: reducing infections and saving lives'. Specific to the Healthcare (such as hospitals...
Infection Control Keyboards
Keyboards which comply with infection control legislation; cleanable, waterproof, washable. Suitable for use in healthcare environments such as hospitals and dentists.
Intrinsically Safe (IS)
By limiting the energy used to ignite for safe operation of electrical equipment in hazardous areas, Intrinsically Safe (IS) is used as a protection technique to ensure this is done. IS is also one of the methods available for ex-hazardous...
Keyboard Covers
Keyboard covers such as 'WetEx' covers fit perfectly a specific keyboard to make them spill proof. They can also be removed for ease of cleaning.
Kiosk Keyboard
Keyboards that are suitable for use in all weather conditions and public access areas. An example of a kiosk keyboard is the 'CKS 72Ti'
Language Variants
Keyboards with language options avaliable. Both compact and full size keyboards are avaliable like this. The 'Accuratus - KYBAC260-U' keyboard is avaliable in a variety of languages.
Medical Peripheral
IT hardware such as keyboards, mice and smart card readers which can be used in medical environments such as hospitals as they can be cleaned to help reduce HCAI's.
Mouse Buttons
Buttons built-in to a keyboard which work either as a mouse or a left/right click. An example of this is the 'InduKey TKG-086-MB-IP68'
MX switches
Mechanical switches manufactured by Cherry. High quality, long lasting and used by a number of manufacturers including X-Keys, Tipro and of course, Cherry.
Nanoarmour
Anti-bacterial protection built using silver particles which help eliminate bacteria and micro-organisms upon contact. Ideal for hospital wards and medical environments
N-Key Rollover (NKRO)
This is where you can press as many keys as you want at the same time, and all of them go through. Some gaming keyboards call this 'anti-ghosting'. Please note that only PS2 keyboards can truly offer full n-key rollover...
Non-Incendive (NI)
Non-Incendive (NI) keyboards can be used in conditions where circuitry may spark under normal working conditions. By limiting the energy to a circuit, there is a lower chance of explosion occuring. The 'iKey PM-1000-NI' is an example of an NI...
Panel Mount
Panel Mount keyboards and keypads can be attached to a panel (from the front or rear) and bolted into place. These are mainly used in industry and kiosk sectors. An example of a panel mount keyboard is the 'KBS-PC-D'
PCI Certified
Programmable to work with secure information. Usually cash cards or pin-access systems. The 'KBS-KP-3688' is fully PCI certified
Police Keyboard
A keyboard designed to be used in Police environments. Accuratus KYB500-K82E is an example of a Police keyboard
Programmable
A number of keys can be re-configured to perform functions such as shortcuts, hotkeys, additional letters and commands. X-Keys and Tipro 'Free' keyboards are fully programmable meaning all buttons are programmable
Rack Mount
A 19-inch rack is a standardized frame or enclosure for mounting equipment. Rack Mount means the keyboard is suitable for 19-inch mounting or a 19-inch drawer application.
Relegendable
Key caps can be taken off and different key caps/wording can be added to them. Usually on a programmable keyboard where you can re-program to suit.
Soft Touch
Technology which is light to the touch and does not require a high pressure to activate a key press. Keysonic use this technology and the 'ACK-540UPLUS' is a very popular model for this reason.
Ruggedised
This is the act of making a piece of equipment rugged, by strengthening it to resist abuse. The 'KBS' Stainless Steel range is rugged and vandal proof.
Vandal-proof
Keyboards which can be used in public access environments without supervision. Keys cannot be pulled off and sealed to a minimum of IP65. A good example of a vandal-proof keyboard is the 'KBS-PC-I-3' which is commonly used in bank kiosks....
Waterproof
Various IP ratings determine the level of waterproofing. If something is waterproof it generally can be used in outdoor weather conditions. The 'KBS' Stainless Steel range is a great example of this.
Weather-proof
Weather-proof keyboards can be used in all weather conditions and outdoors. Usually IP65+ rated and ruggedised, these units are built to withstand public access. An example of a weather-proof keyboard is the 'KBS-PC-DT'.