Metal vs Silicone Industrial Keyboard – Which One Should You Choose?
Metal industrial keyboards offer maximum mechanical durability and vandal resistance, making them ideal for production floors and public terminals. Silicone industrial keyboards provide full sealing, chemical resistance and superior hygiene, making them perfect for food processing, laboratories and washdown environments.
Why choosing the right industrial keyboard matters
In industrial environments, operator input devices are exposed to dust, liquids, vibration and intensive use. Choosing the wrong keyboard can lead to failures, costly downtime and operator frustration. Selecting a keyboard designed for the specific working environment improves reliability, hygiene and long-term operational efficiency.
Metal industrial keyboard – strengths and advantages
Metal industrial keyboards are built for extreme durability and resistance to mechanical damage. Their rigid stainless-steel construction makes them ideal for environments where equipment is exposed to heavy use or potential vandalism.
- exceptional mechanical strength
- vandal-resistant construction
- long service life
- resistance to impacts and abrasion
- easy cleaning and hygienic surface
If your environment requires a robust operator interface, see: metal industrial keyboard IP65 .
Silicone industrial keyboard – when it is the better choice
Silicone industrial keyboards provide complete sealing and superior resistance to liquids and chemicals. Their flexible surface makes them comfortable to use and extremely easy to clean, which is critical in hygienic environments.
- fully sealed design
- excellent chemical resistance
- easy washdown and disinfection
- quiet and comfortable operation
- ideal for hygienic environments
For environments requiring maximum sealing and hygiene, check: silicone industrial keyboard IP68 .
Comparison: metal vs silicone
| Feature | Metal Keyboard | Silicone Keyboard |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical durability | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Sealing level | IP65 | IP68 |
| Hygiene & washdown | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Comfort & ergonomics | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Vandal resistance | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ |
Which keyboard fits your application
- Heavy industry & production → metal keyboard
- Public terminals & kiosks → metal keyboard
- Food processing & pharmaceuticals → silicone keyboard
- Laboratories & clean environments → silicone keyboard
- Logistics & warehouses → metal keyboard
Summary and recommendation
The best choice depends on your environment. A metal industrial keyboard provides unmatched durability and resistance for heavy industrial use and public installations. A silicone industrial keyboard delivers superior sealing, hygiene and comfort, making it ideal for clean and washdown environments.
