Shop Keyboard

Any recommendations on a good dust proof and rugged keyboard?

Waterproof is not necessary, but keeping metal crud out between my keys is important for me.

Since I will no longer use my laptop in the shop, I need a keyboard to use for a mini PC.

Ten-keyless a plus.

Keep seeing these Vandal and other similar keyboards on Ebay but I've never heard of them. Something where easy-to-remove keys will help to remove any crud build-up.

My laptop will require a complete disassembly just to get rid of metal bits that otherwise leave the keys unusable.

 

Jus buy a cheapie and throw it out when you can’t get it cleaned with shop air

 

I'll go through keyboards like crazy.

I've had to pull the keys off tons of times on the laptop and I was only having to use the arrow keys (and still have issues).

Now, I'll actually be using the remainder of the keyboard hence my need for a robust one.

Just figured someone would throw a "this brand has done well in my wood/metal shop" sort of thing.

 

No experience but maybe something for medical settings, like this https://www.purekeys.com/

Or one of those gimmicky roll up silicone keyboards if you want something cheap.

Just something with no gaps to collect junk in the first place

 

Medical keyboards were the second thing that popped up with the first being kiosk type and/or industrial keyboards. The industrial type had either PS/2 plugs or were meant as a replacement for specific machinery.

I'll check those medical type next.

 

The Keychron K1 has a flat, aluminum body that the (sealed) keys just appear to hover/float on. There's still room for larger chips to get stuck under key caps though.

https://www.keychron.com/products/keychron-k1-wireless-mechanical-keyboard

The purekeys mentioned above seems like a good bet.

 

If a regular one can hold up to a dishwasher just buy two and clean and rotate them…

 

For small Fusion adjustments, checking messages or running FireControl a touchscreen monitor works well.

Anything more involved I make sure chips/shavings aren't flying on the keyboard.

 

I'll be ordering the Purekeys after my new table arrives then report back later!

 

None of that applies - I'll be using a Linux-based computer and will be running different programs hence the need for a new keyboard.

It's funny that you mention touchscreen though. I would use my laptop's touchscreen in lieu of properly working keys

I may go touchscreen again but I was planning to put my extra gaming monitor to use on the new PC. Sucks too cause it's a $500+ monitor that got replaced by my curved monitor

 

@Gen3TacomaOBX I ordered an STV CNC table a few days ago, and my Crossfire Pro is pending 'sale' and apparently will get picked up this Sunday.

Having owned two CNC tables I now want to be a bit more prepared and buy stuff I'll need. Going to be rearranging stuff and tossing my air dryer below the table allowing me to make room for a sort of "cart" for my PC.

If not a cart, at least a small station to sit at.

 

Have you considered a laser projection keyboard? I used one years ago. I thought it would take some getting used to without the tactile feedback of buttons, but it really isn't any different than typing on a touchscreen, except that you could do it with MIG gloves on a wet surface if you needed.

 

Cool. Which model/size? Will be curious to hear your experiences.

 

I never have no

 

Sparx 4400 (4' x 4')

I was going to opt for the Pro model, and even considered renting a forklift, but it'd be really tight getting a much larger table in the corner the way I've got things set up.

Benefit for not going Pro is I'm not spending money on something I don't need (the gear reduction system).

Added the auto homing kit, leveling feet, and they're hooking me up with a Hypertherm CPC cable kit.

I do have experience with the Sparx Pro 5' x 10' that my friend has, and it uses all the same movement and parts as the non-Pro and I've been impressed by it's durable build quality. Up until yesterday (my friend bought two large laser tables), he was running his Pro table a minimum of 6-7 hours a day, 5 days a week, for almost an entire year straight.

Only issue he had was something happened with his mini PC. STV over-nighted a new one right away without question.

 

https://a.co/d/9Mgy2d6

 

I'll have to watch a video on that later.

Fortunately I won't be doing typing as I am here and now.

Just naming files, inputting figures, and other such things.

I'll be having to do all my CAM at the shop computer with the new setup vs how I've always done things where everything is done inside the bedroom PC.

 

I don’t know if you remember the old keyboard condoms that had the fitted clear plastic overlay on the old standard keyboard that was flexible to provide easy use of all the buttons. They prevent anything getting down inside them. I don’t even know if they still make them anymore

Sure do…keyboard condom search works everytime.

 

Shit I could go with the mentioned Keychron and use 'condoms' on it. I say this cause I've owned them before and always liked them.

Will see if I can find one of similar size for such a keyboard.

Wanted to keep with a tenkeyless design. I hate tenkey.