Cherry Electrical Products has introduced its new J84-2120 Series washable keyboards for industrial and commercial applications. The keyboards offer a NEMA 4 rating, providing protection against dirt and moisture and making them suitable for applications ranging from clean manufacturing facilities to in-vehicle computing.

The J84-2120 keyboard features backlit keys and an integrated pointing device, all in a compact, easy-to-wipe package that measures 11.4" wide by 6.4" high. It also includes pre-tapped mounting holes for easy installation. The backlit keys have four levels of brightness. Cherry's J84-2120 keyboards also feature a CLEAN key that disables key functions during the cleaning process to prevent accidental data transfer and ensure cleaning and infection control procedures can be carried out without disruption to operations or costly downtime to system hardware.

Keyboards have been identified as a likely "bacteria trap" in medical facilities and other commercial and public locations. A Northwestern Memorial Hospital (Chicago, IL) study found that MRSA bacteria can survive on the surface of a computer keyboard for more than 24 hours. MRSA outbreaks in hospitals and schools have been linked to deaths in both the U.S. and the U.K. The Committee to Reduce Infection Deaths also recommends the adoption of washable keyboards in schools.