"Some of our systems might have up to 1000 visits a month at peak volumes," says NMR Technician Duncan Howe, "so we needed a keyboard solution that would stand up to a lot of robust cleaning and hand-sanitiser!"
After a great deal of searching, Duncan and his colleague Andrew Mason found this "Ceratech" glass keyboard, and decided it would be an excellent option. Duncan says he has been able to perform all the operations he needs, although you do have to get use to the different touchpad functionality (instead of having a mouse), and a few problems with the space bar. Overall, he feels it's been a great solution.
"We purchased 13 in the end, one for each of our NMR spectrometers," says Duncan. "After a week of them being deployed, it's clear there's definitely a bit of a learning curve, and I'm sure they are a source of frustration to some - including me - at times! However, as the automated systems have run 900 samples in the first week, compared to 1200 during the same time last year, I'd say they are working well!"
Andrew agrees: "Having a keyboard which is robust enough to stand up to a rough and ready sanitising procedure means researchers don't need to wast valuable instrument time trying not to dissolve the keys or gum the whole thing up. I am very happy that we went down this route."
After talking to Duncan, Dijana Matak Vinkovic realised this option could also work for the Mass Spec team. They now have six of the keyboards in use on their instruments. "They are all working well," says Dijana, "although we allow people to bring their own mouse if they wish. I also use a mouse instead of a touch screen."
Annette Steward in MPACC has ordered one, and they are currently evaluating its usefulness. The keyboard has also appeared in the Reception office, where both reception and security staff have access to it.
The keyboard can be easily sanitised between every use. and is suitable for any computer which has multiple users.
Mass Spec technician Roberto Candela uses the keyboard.