Glass keypads: The safest option for data entry when hygiene is a concern

GETT has the largest portfolio of glass keypads.

On the one hand, there are many different options, but, on the other hand, just as many possible fields of application.

They range from design-oriented settings to industrial operating places and even medical and hygiene-sensitive environments. A glass keyboard provides a completely different operating feeling than a traditional PC keyboard.

But why do glass or touch keyboards exist at all? What are the advantages of this material and what specific benefits does it provide for users?

In specialist terms, any type of glass that is used for operating devices and therefore touch keyboards is assigned to so-called technical glass forms. As they work using a capacitive mode of action, the glass initially has to satisfy purely physical requirements. The types of glass therefore may not have any metallic structures or air gaps, like safety or heat-proof glass forms. Untreated glass is just as unsuitable because it is not robust enough. The material is selected with different thicknesses and various finishes, depending on the type of product and where it is going to be used.

Which advantages does glass have as an operating surface for keyboards?

Suitable for hygiene

Thanks to its flat, even and strong surface, glass is ideal if hygiene and cleanliness are important criteria. It is easy to remove fats, oils, bacteria and germs – or use disinfectants too.

Resistance

Glass is surprisingly more resistant than other supposedly robust materials. It resists mechanical effects like impacts or vibrations as a result of tempering processes. It hardly ages, so to speak, and is not prone to corrosion.

Design value

Touch keyboards can incorporate almost unlimited designs, because glass can be printed. Apart from displaying the keys and their symbols, which are tied to fixed positions, completely free designs can be included comparatively easily.

How do users benefit?

Admittedly, the first time that you type on a completely flat surface, it does seem rather strange. However, let us be honest – who has not been making full use of the screen keyboard on their smartphone for some time? And if your smartphone uses a different technology (projected capacitive touch screens), the principle is still the same.

Read more on our website www.washable-keyboards.com