MAUREEN AZUH writes on flexible keyboards that can keep computers germ-free
A recent study suggests that some computer keyboards harbour more harmful bacteria than a toilet seat. According to the report, food particles that settle on the keyboard are potential health hazards while some "carry bugs that could cause food poisoning."
There is however the good news that one can get rid of bugs and food particles by using keyboards that are detachable and washable. This type of keyboards are called waterproof keyboards.
An example is the Seal Shield Silver Surf Wireless Keyboard. Mintgadgets.com explains that if a user accidentally spills liquids on the device, it will clean right up in a snap.
All that needs to be done is rinse off the waterproof keyboard under a faucet, and it will be back in operation in seconds for the user to use. The Seal Shield Silver is sturdy and designed to withstand plenty of abuse.
Its keys are laser-etched to prevent fading and hold up even under frequent washing and cleaning with mild abrasives. Besides, the gadget is designed to make typing comfortable with low-profile short travel keys that provide some amount of tactile response and an integrated wrist rest to reduce typing fatigue.
Wetkeys Keyboards are equally washable. These prepackaged keyboards are specifically designed for offices involved in manufacturing , medical, dental, food processing, automobile and academic including any other environment with multiple work stations that need frequent cleaning.
The device comes with comfortable keys with silent keystrokes, and equipped with 85 keys with 12 one-touch function keys to give fast, efficient control over e-mail, internet and multimedia applications. It is also portable and can be folded, rolled up or stuffed in a bag for travel or use with a laptop. It is made with durable silicon rubber that stretches and flexes without tearing, creasing or cracking and ideal for personal use with the "BYoCK: Bring Your Own Clean Keyboard" slang to its general appeal.
Another unique keyboard is the Roll & Go Flexible Keyboard with its versatile features. According to ergodirectusa.com, it is completely waterproof which makes it resistant to spills and easy to clean on a regular basis. It can be cleaned with water, detergent and a variety of disinfectants and is made of durable silicone material. The keyboard can easy be rolled up and taken on-the-go or neatly stored it away.
Not only is it waterproof, it is also resistant to dust, dirt, food, and beverages. Since it is hygienic, because it is easy to keep clean, this keyboard is ideal for use in places like schools, hospitals, laboratories and those in the food industry. It has soft keys that make it comfortable to type on and they also respond well to fast and precise key strokes while its low-rise ergonomic design minimises wrist flexing during use to reduce hand, wrist and forearm strain. It can withstand large temperature fluctuations, works with Windows 98/2000/ME/XP/Vista and Mac OS and comes with USB or PS2 connectivity.
There is also the Man and Machine U Hot Wireless Waterproof Keyboard that is fully submersible with a frequency of 2.42.4 GHz RF connectivity. This keyboard can be used in close proximity to other wireless devices without interference. It does not need drivers and it comes with fully rechargeable battery.
Apart from the water-resistant keyboards, there are others designed for good performance in harsh environments, such as iKey's keyboard. This type of keyboard comes in many case options including stainless steel, conductive plastic, polycarbonate and Epoxy, and is available in a variety of key layouts featuring backlit, 10-key number pads and a number of pointing device options that can easily accommodate specific environmental needs.
It is a fully sealed keyboard, ideal for use in extreme temperatures, and wet or dusty locations. Some are specially designed to have low emissions making them safe in hazardous locations.
