The Silicone Industrial Backlit Keyboard from Solidtek features a compact financial layout with 18 mm key pitch spacing and large centered backlit shine-through legends. The result is an overall keyboard width of just 15.0". The Function Keys have smaller (10 mm) keycaps to accommodate the compact layout. The "soft touch" rubberized surface is easy on the fingers and also keeps the keyboard firmly positioned. A full numeric keypad makes this keyboard ideal for stations where primarily numeric data is being entered.

This keyboard from Solidtek is designed for use in wet or dirty environments that would quickly render traditional keyboards inoperable or greatly shorten their life expectancy. It is fully enclosed in silicone and meets IP68 standards for protection from dust and moisture. Potential applications might include manufacturing equipment data input, medical or dental environments in which equipment must be sterilized, and any location where data entry is necessary but where moisture or dirt are prevalent. Key activation provides distinct tactile feedback that may be necessary where gloves might hide more subtle response. For locations with reduced lighting the backlit shine-through keycaps can increase accuracy and speed as well as reduce eye-strain. The backlighting can be set to two intensities or be turned off as desired.

The small footprint means that this keyboard can be deployed where space is limited, while still providing full functionality. The slightly compact key pitch will still work for most individuals but the slightly closer spacing needs to be considered when determining the suitability. Keying accuracy can be ensured for those with large hands if a two-fingered typing style that eliminates the chance of overshooting the targeted keys is adopted. For these reasons this keyboard is more suitable for short bursts of data or numeric entry than for periods of extended typing, exactly the type of use that is required in keyboard unfriendly environments.

The Washable Backlit Keyboard with 2-in-1 10-key Touchpad from Solidtek offers an innovative combination of features. Despite its narrow width of just 15" this keyboard retains all functions offered on full size keyboards but goes a step further by also incorporating a large touchpad zone for cursor control and numeric entry. This means that both keyboard entry and cursor control can be accomplished within the 15" zone, making this keyboard ideal for the space constraints of dental operatories, medical offices, or any area where space is restricted. Ideal for low- (or no-) light environments, the integrated Blue LED backlighting with 10-step brightness control provides increased visibility to ensure accurate data entry. This rugged, rigid, waterproof and washable industrial keyboard features a fully sealed 100% silicone cover with an IP68 rating which also means that the keyboard can be easily washed or cleaned with soap and water or other non-petroleum based cleaners.

The touchpad surface (2.75" W x 3.75" D) to the right of the keys can quickly be toggled to function either as a cursor control device or as a numeric keypad. This feature effectively eliminates overreach by bringing the pointing device and the numeric keypad within the comfort zone. Three buttons below the touchpad zone serve as the left and right mouse buttons and the touch surface function toggle.

The keyswitches feel soft but still offer reasonable tactile response to indicate when a key has been activated. Unlike some similar keyboards, the keys have minimal rock and the vertical movement is clean. A convenient On/Off switch in the upper left corner can be used to temporarily disable all keyboard and touch surface input.

The CLEAVE Keyboard features the Truly Ergonomic split design to achieve a natural typing position. This non-traditional and slightly separated fixed-splay key layout aids in achieving a neutral wrist alignment by orienting the keys closer to the natural inward angle of the forearms and hands when using the keyboard.

Unlike traditional keyboards where the rows are offset horizontally, the CLEAVE features a columnar layout, with each column adjusted vertically to optimize key positioning by matching the length and reach of each finger, with the keycaps of each row being individually sculpted to optimize finger contact. The symmetrical layout also encourages a natural ergonomic central positioning of the keyboard.

In order to reduce the strain on the weaker pinky fingers, the most commonly used keys like Backspace, Delete, Shift, and Enter, are positioned centrally to be activated using the index fingers and thumbs. This also reduces awkward reaches that can reduce typing speed.

The CLEAVE is also the first keyboard to incorporate Optical Infrared Mechanical Switches and features a minimalist, almost flat design. Rather than keys being recessed into a housing, it features a base that houses the PCB, with the keys rising above the machined aluminum housing. The integrated self-skinned polyurethane palm supports are easily cleaned and help to reduce wrist extension while providing a cushioned rest for the palms.

The CLEAVE Keyboard is first and foremost an ergonomically-focused high-performance keyboard. However, the compact footprint achieved with the modified key layout and elimination of the numeric keypad also results in an overall width of just 13.6", reducing the reach for a mouse on the right by several inches and significantly lowering the risk of shoulder issues arising from overreach. This combination of high performance mechanical keyswitches, advanced ergonomic layout, quality structural design, and compact dimensions make this keyboard stand out from the crowd.