Keyboard per application

My CF-29-MK2 (Hopefuly, upon receipt of a tracking number) has the standard plastic laptop style keyboard. I'm thinking of getting a rubber keyboard. I will be using the laptop outside in adverse weather conditions. (Skywarn/NWS Storm Chaser; Amateur radio operator volunteer during disaster situations) as well as to keep PDF Vehicle service manuals (My other hobby is working on cars.) in the garage as well as tune programmable ECU's and datalog.

Oil, Grease, and other automotive fluids aren't rubber friendly. Though I may just use some kitchen plastic wrap in the garage.

1.) How water resistant are the normal plastic keyboards?

2.) Is this what's known as the "chicklet" keyboard?

3.) How difficult is it to type on the rubber? I'm used to a standard laptop keyboard or a desktop keyboard. (I'm somewhere between a touch typer and a hunt and pecker. My typing style is kinda a mix of either; Basically, closest finger at the moment get s the key.)

4.) If I do decide to get the rubber keyboard, I need to just plug in three connectors and I'm done? No other modifications? I've seen some two connector versions floating around.

 

the rubber keyboards are alot stiffer to input key strikes,

 

The rubber keyboards are a little harder to type on but you get used to it after a while. If you are used to typing by hitting just the corner of the key... You will need to re-learn how to type by pushing straight down on the KB... Like I say... You DO get used to it. For what you want it for I'd say that is probably what you should get. It is a totally sealed system. Every Toughbook keyboard is "waterproof" to some degree. Most you just tip over to the side and the water runs off... No harm, no foul. But if you drop oil or anything gooey or sticky.... You'd definitely want the rubber keyboard. Just be careful wiping off whatever may be on the KB... The keys can tear easily as they are only held down with a VERY thin membrane of silicone rubber!

Swapping out keyboards is VERY easy on the 29... Four screws on back... Four in front... Then another 9 or so and the hinge covers and the main cover comes off. Then open the connectors and pull out the ribbon cable... Swap the KB and then reverse.

TBTech... Please answer me this..... It looks as though there is a small sensor underneath the keyboard where, if water were to puddle, it would shut down the laptop. It also seems to be the case as I have seen/heard others that have poured something onto the keyboard and the laptop shuts down until they pour the liquid off the KB.... Is there such a critter? I don't see anything on the schematics but then I'm not Alfred Einstein. (I know!)

Hope this helps... And please answer when you can.

Rick

 

i know of no such sensor, i have seen units with oil puddled under the kb and the unit functioned normally.