Key Automation manufactures and exports metal illuminated keyboards (German: hinterleuchtete Metalltastaturen) for customers in Germany. They combine a robust metal surface on the outside with LED backlighting inside, so the keys stay clearly readable in low light.

We supply metal illuminated keyboards and keypads with computer-compatible interfaces, as well as versions for outdoor machines such as kiosks and ATMs. Read on for the types, benefits and applications.

We offer several designs that deliver reliable performance in dark environments:

• Standard Metal Illuminated Keyboards: Our basic, widely used model for rugged conditions. It connects easily to machines and computer-compatible interfaces. The outer surface is made from stainless steel or aluminium for durability, and layouts such as QWERTY and the German QWERTZ layout can be discussed.
• Ruggedized Metal Illuminated Keyboards: Even more durable thanks to their tough outer surface, they are suited to military, defence and automotive applications. A high ingress-protection (IP) design protects the internal components against water and chemicals.
• Watertight Illuminated Keyboard: Designed to keep working in rain and during spills. A spill-proof layer and an IP-rated seal reduce the risk of damage from water, dust, chemicals and other contaminants. The smooth metal surface is easy to clean.
• Illuminated Dark Metal Keyboard: A dark metal finish gives a refined appearance, while LEDs on the inside keep the keys visible in low light. Brightness, colours and adaptive brightness modes can be customised.

The table lists the key technical data for each model:

Category	Specifications	Standard Metal Illuminated Keyboards	Ruggedized Metal Illuminated Keyboards	Watertight Illuminated Keyboards	Illuminated Dark Metal Keyboards
Material	Type of Metal	Stainless Steel / Aluminum Alloy	Hardened Steel / High-Grade Aluminum	Marine-Grade Stainless Steel	Blackened Stainless Steel / Aluminum Alloy
Illumination	LED Backlight Color	White / Blue / Red	White / Red	Blue / Green	Red / Blue / Customizable Colors
Key Switch Type	Mechanical or Membrane Switch	Mechanical / Membrane	Heavy-Duty Mechanical / Sealed Membrane	Sealed Membrane	Mechanical / Membrane
Key Travel Distance	Actuation Distance	2.0 mm to 4.0 mm	3.5 mm to 4.0 mm	2.5 mm to 3.5 mm	2.0 mm to 4.0 mm
Actuation Force	Force Required for Key Press	45g to 60g	60g to 75g	50g to 65g	45g to 60g
Ingress Protection (IP) Rating	Resistance to Dust and Water	IP54	IP65	IP67	IP54
Vibration Resistance	Resistance to Vibration (G)	5G	10G	10G	5G
Shock Resistance	Resistance to Shock (G)	10G	20G	20G	10G
Interface	Connection Interface	USB / PS2	USB / PS2	USB / PS2	USB / PS2

Our metal illuminated keyboards offer the following features:

• Dark Metal Finish: The dark finish gives a professional look and adds practical value: corrosion resistance and resistance to scratches and smudges.
• Illuminated Keys: Backlighting is the core function. Options include adaptive brightness, brightness control and several colours, so the keyboard can be used in low light without input errors.
• Water and Dust Resistance: Our metal illuminated keyboards are designed for all-weather use. A spill-proof layer inside protects against water, dust and chemicals. The protection level depends on the model, as the table shows.
• Ergonomic Design: The smooth metal finish and well-placed keys make operation easy and comfortable.

Rugged construction and reliable backlighting make these keyboards suitable for many industries and applications, such as:

Backlit keyboards are often chosen for round-the-clock operation in control rooms, machines and public terminals. We help you choose the right protection class and backlight colour.

• Protection: Models are available with IP54, IP65 and IP67 ratings, as shown in the specification table.
• Layout: Layouts such as QWERTY and the German QWERTZ layout can be discussed.
• Illumination: Backlight colour and brightness control can be matched to your operating environment.
• Delivery: Export to Germany by air or sea freight, with Incoterms agreed in the quotation.

As a manufacturer of metal illuminated keyboards for the German market, Key Automation is committed to replacing outdated keyboards with robust, modern, illuminated solutions.

They combine high-quality metal with reliable electronics and interfaces for machines and computer-compatible systems. Contact us today for more information.