iKey FZ-G1 Jumpseat fully rugged keyboard unveiled

During CES 2013 Panasonic launched a new rugged tablet called the Toughpad FZ-G1. That tablet offered no physical keyboard from Panasonic and was a touchscreen only device. There are plenty of keyboard accessories on the market that might work with that Toughpad, but there are few rugged options that can survive the environment the FZ-G1 is meant to live in.

iKey has announced a new ruggedized keyboard accessory that is designed to look like the keyboard that Panasonic made for the rugged tablet. The keyboard is called the FZ-G1 Jumpseat. The keyboard is designed to make data entry easier and offers protection for the screen of the tablet.

The Jumpseat keyboard is made using a magnesium case with a rubber keypad that is fully sealed. The keyboard is resistant to dust, dirt, and spills. iKey also integrates a trackpad onto the keyboard that recognizes gestures.

Power for the keyboard comes from a lithium ion battery good for two months of use per charge with typical use. The keyboard can be recharged from the tablets USB port. The iKey keyboard will be sold directly through Panasonic starting this month at an undisclosed price.

SOURCE: iKey