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iKey's AK-39 wearable keyboard is about as weapon-like as it sounds

by Donald Melanson posted Jul 14th 2009 at 5:42PM

iKey's churned out plenty of rugged keyboards in its day, but it looks to have really stepped up its game with its new AK-39 wearable keyboard intended specifically for military use. Among other things, this one conforms to full MIL-461 standards, is able to be used in environments with harsh electromagnetic interference and, of particular importance, it's designed to be used with a glove, and in either left or right-hand configurations. As for the keyboard itself, you'll get a basic 39-key layout, an integrated pointing device that uses Force Sensing Resistor (or FSR) technology, and some adjustable green backlighting that is, naturally, also available with night vision compatibility. No word on pricing just yet, nor is there any indication that iKey will actually sell these to the general public.

[Via Test Freaks, thanks Nicholas R]

iKey's Membrane keyboard is built for the nastiest of environments

by Darren Murph posted May 16th 2008 at 11:17PM

iKey's done this whole rugged keyboard thing a time or two before, so when it builds one meant to operate like a champ around environments laden with grease, you know it means business. The new line of Membrane keyboards -- which arrives in a trio of flavors -- boasts a stainless steel enclosure, or customers looking to integrate can snag the OEM edition and do as they please. The board possesses a "hard-coated, textured, polyester film that is more rugged than industrial silicone rubber keypads," and it's designed to withstand "directed hose water, disinfectants and environmental contaminants." Seems as though you'll have to phone up iKey to find out what this Apocalypse-approved device will run you, but it should get along quite well with that impenetrable Iron Drive of yours.

[Via Coolest-Gadgets]

iKey unveils night-vision compatible keyboards

by Nilay Patel posted Oct 11th 2007 at 5:43AM

We're assuming the "bloom" caused by using traditional backlit keyboards with night vision goggles is really only a problem for a small handful of you, but if you're in the military (or just really want to bring that sci-fi aesthetic to your den), iKey's new line of night vision keyboards is probably right up your alley. Normal LEDs can be hard to read with night vision gear, but iKey's units use filtered LEDs that avoid those nasty flareouts -- which also means your ability to blind Buffalo Bill with a keyboard is no more. Thanks a lot, iKey.

iKey intros rugged, mobile keyboard with LED-backlit keys

by Darren Murph posted Aug 16th 2007 at 1:12AM

Sure, we've seen our fair share of rugged input peripherals, but iKey's FT-86-911-TP hits a niche that isn't often covered. This ruggedized mobile unit is resistant to spills and sealed to IP55 specifications, and the universal mounting holes make it ideal for placement in "police, emergency, transport, service, and marine vehicles." Notably, this here device also boasts a built-in trackpad, a one-touch emergency key, and LED-backlit keys in case you're left typing after hours. No word yet on pricing nor availability, but considering just how expensive one of its rebadged siblings is, don't count on it coming cheap.