keyboard covers for shop computers (that make it easy to type)

[Vinko]

could do the old plastic bag trick but looking for something that will fit well and keep out oil, grease, metal shavings etc. Anyone got any suggestions for sources?

Thanks

 

[nehog]

https://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&page=1&rh=i:aps,k:membrane keyboard

 

[a52-830]

i kept keyboards from previous computers, since they were not the reason i upgraded. today, i am using the oldest one i have, when it gets too nasty, or fails, i'll get the next oldest one.

i have also found that "tub o towels" sheets (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00022W4ZU/?tag=atomicindus08-20) are great for getting grease and gunk off keys. just dont do it when the computer is on, or will be on soon. last thing before you leave for the evening kind of thing.

i have been forced to use a keyboard protector before, and i hate them.

 

[nafterclifen]

Any keyboard with a cover is going to be a pain to type on. But if you have to use a cover, check out DataCal (http://www.datacal.com/c-211-keyboard-covers.aspx). They make exact fit covers for a variety of keyboards. If they don't make a cover for your keyboard, you might want to consider purchasing another keyboard that they do make a cover for rather than having one custom made.

 

[TK-421]

One of the best things you can do for ease of typing is get a mechanical keyboard, that should help with typing difficulties, even with a cover on it.

 

[BillK]

vinco,
I gave up at my business. Keyboards are so cheap now that its not worth it. You can get them at the Goodwill store for $3 I just always have a spare on hand. I try to keep them wiped off and halfway presentable but when they start sticking or acting up I just unplug one and plug in the next one

 

[Viper98912]

I'd say the same as above - just buy a bunch of cheap keyboards and keep them in stock. Not worth having your guys struggle to type and wasting more $ time than a new keyboard costs

 

[Fixin'Stuff]

Haven't seen a keyboard condom in use in a very long time. Back when keyboards cost $100+ and the key layouts were pretty standard, they were quite popular. Now I have a stack of old keyboards, so I don't worry about one dying.

 

[bobmulry]

Hi,

Back in the day I was working at a Cadillac Dealership and ADP installed a paperless repair order system. We killed a lot of keyboards out in the shop and back then they cost a bunch. They went out and bought computer condoms to cover the keyboards and that stopped the problem. It didn't keep STD's or computer viruses out......The covers had to brand specific to fit because all of the keys fit into recesses in the soft plastic or vinyl cover..

This might work also:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0179N39KS/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Bob

 

[wrench409]

There's always a wireless flexible keyboard. My problem is dust on my screen. It's a 19" touch screen and the dust makes it tough to respond.

 

[rayra]

saran wrap, you rocket scientists.

 

[crewchief888]

There's always a wireless flexible keyboard. My problem is dust on my screen. It's a 19" touch screen and the dust makes it tough to respond.

we tried these kind of keyboards out in the shop. they always seemed to be a PITA to type on. it crapped out after about 3 years, and we went back to std keyboards.
they are so cheap now-a-days, when they start acting up we just **** can them.

 

[Outlander]

We provide Cherry Keyboards to some clients in industrial situations

 

[mmb617]

I have a big cover I throw over the whole deal - keyboard, computer and monitor when not in use. The same things that damage a keyboard are also not good to the other components. It's not hard to do that in my own garage. If you're talking about a commercial shop that's a different animal.

 

[Olyar15]

Just give them a good wash periodically.

 

[Spdstr280Z]

I support a couple hundred PCs in a manufacturing environment. I don't use them for the reasons listed above. Difficult to use, especially with gloves, only fit specific models, and now they aren't much cheaper than the keyboards themselves. We keep spare keyboards, and really replace fewer than you would expect. Mostly it's hydraulic fluid or physical damage that causes problems.

Jason

 

[Vinko]

vinco,
I gave up at my business. Keyboards are so cheap now that its not worth it. You can get them at the Goodwill store for $3 I just always have a spare on hand. I try to keep them wiped off and halfway presentable but when they start sticking or acting up I just unplug one and plug in the next one

Makes sense

Thanks to all who replied. The consensus is just replace (and it really isn't too frequently that one needs to do that). That said, the idea about mechanical keyboards is a good one too.

 

[RWorth]

I tried using them years ago and hated it. I'm another vote for use it 'til it dies and replace it. I too have several around, and they're cheaper than a 1/2 inch wrench.

 

[PCMusicGuy]

You could always get a rugged keyboard from someone like iKey and not have to worry about it.

 

[bdbecker]

To support what others have already said, we run dozens of PCs/keyboards in a production weld shop environment (carbon dust, sparks, etc) and rarely ever have to replace one. Hit it with a shot of compressed air (we use shop air, not the fancy canned stuff) if the keys start hanging up.

 

[bwringer]

You can find dirt and oil resistant keyboards:
http://www.man-machine.com/product/really-o-cool-oil-resistant-keyboard/
However, they're stupid expensive -- this one is $300, which is frickin' ricockulous.

As noted above, buy a stack of $5 - $10 cheapies (Newegg.com has several under $10), blow 'em out with compressed air once in a while, and replace 'em when they act up. Keyboard condoms are expensive and a pain to type on. Besides, they always rip open anyway and then you're right back where you started.

Some things are just too cheap to waste any staff time on. If swapping a glitchy keyboard saves ten minutes over the course of a day, it's already paid for itself.

 

[RobSmith]

I'm not too computer savvy .. but unless you are machining, grinding or sanding whilst you are using your keyboard. Why not just turn it over ? Keep it upside down to keep the **** out then turn it over to use it.

 

[CJ7VFR]

saran wrap, you rocket scientists.

That was my first thought.

What about keeping a simple piece of cardboard or something on top of the keyboard when your not using it? Or maybe the lid off of a shoe box?

If your using the keyboard, that means your not doing anything in the shop at that moment to get **** in it, other than what might be on your hands as you type.

Jim

 

[couch67]

not sure of your setup, a slide out drawer could keep it clean and free up bench space while not in use

Couch

 

[Outlander]

saran wrap, you rocket scientists.

Very professional.