Hula Point: the perfect solution for an IP68 keyboard that works with gloves

If you work in industrial environments where dust, liquids, and harsh conditions are part of everyday life, you already know how essential it is to have reliable and durable hardware devices.

These devices must withstand water, vibrations, chemicals, and all the harsh conditions that industrial hardware (such as mice and keyboards) encounters in demanding environments.

If you’ve found yourself reading this article, chances are you work in such an environment—perhaps you're an IT manager overseeing a team in a tough setting where all operators must wear thick gloves throughout their entire shift for hygiene and safety reasons.

Now, let’s say you need a touchpad device, but you always wear thick gloves…

You can’t use a trackball, and you can’t use a touchpad either.

Do you know why?

Keyboards with Touchpad: pros and cons

The touchpad has many features that make it truly useful in an industrial setting.

Let’s look at the advantages.

The Pros of the Touchpad

It provides a high level of protection—up to IP68 rating—at an affordable price for the keyboard that integrates it.

This means that if you purchase a keyboard with a touchpad, you can fully submerge it in water or sanitize it completely with a cleaning solution without affecting its functionality in any way.

Silicone keyboards are usually equipped with a touchpad for this very reason.

Now, let’s look at the cons...

Cons: why the Touchpad doesn’t work if you wear thick work gloves

Not very convenient to use, if in your production environment you're required to wear thick gloves at all times without removing them, using a touchpad can become a problem.

Generally, using a touchpad with thick gloves is strongly discouraged because it simply doesn't work.
The touchpad doesn’t respond, it doesn’t move: it doesn’t detect the input.

For this reason, you can’t use a keyboard with a touchpad if you’re wearing thick gloves.

Keyboards with Trackball: pros and cons

Similarly, when talking about trackballs, keyboards that typically incorporate them are made of stainless steel, a material that is more robust, durable, and suitable for use in vandal-proof environments.

The trackball is more comfortable, as it is much closer to the experience of using a mouse... this is true.

But is it the most suitable option when considering environments that require a high level of sanitation or the use of thick gloves?

Let’s find out right away.

The pros of the Trackball

As we mentioned, we’re talking about strong, durable, and resistant keyboards. Whether made of steel or silicone, keyboards with trackballs are well-suited for industrial environments.

So far, so good.

Additionally, the trackball is convenient, closely resembling a mouse, and it’s integrated into the keyboard, saving a significant amount of space.

So, what’s the downside, then?

Trackball: here's why you can't use it with work gloves

Due to its rotation, the trackball doesn't offer an IP68 protection rating (in this case, it’s more like an IP54 rating). So, you won’t be able to use a keyboard with a trackball in environments that require extreme sanitation, as you won’t be able to submerge the keyboard in water or clean it thoroughly without risking permanent damage.

Another point to consider: if you or the operators on your team always wear thick gloves, this prevents you from using the trackball, as it doesn't function properly with thick gloves.

It’s important to know this before you waste money and time on choosing the wrong device for your production environment.

So, how can you achieve total IP68 protection if you can't use the touchpad?

Why the Hula Point is the right device

If you're looking for a completely waterproof keyboard that can also function while wearing gloves, the Hula Point is the solution!

What is the Hula Point?

The Hula Point is a pointing device similar to the trackpoint found in some laptops, integrated directly into the keyboard.

Strategically positioned between the 'G', 'H', and 'B' keys, it allows precise control of the cursor without the need for external peripherals.

Equipped with two directional buttons, you also have the option of having a device that moves like a mouse, integrated within the keyboard!

Although not very widespread, this solution offers the advantage of having a perfectly waterproof and washable hardware device that you can use without needing to remove your gloves!

Additionally, it not only optimizes workspace but also ensures greater operational efficiency.

In which sectors is the Hula Point suitable for use?

Industrial sector, automation, medical field, food industry, military…

In reality, the Hula Point can be used in all industrial sectors.

This is because all industrial sectors are considered harsh environments, where dust, dirt, or liquids are commonly present.
These are environments where high levels of hygiene and sterilization are often required.

Since the Hula Point doesn’t require rotation, it can be covered in silicone and integrated into applications where keyboards need to come into contact with liquids.

4 (Concrete) benefits the Hula Point offers you

To recap…

What advantages can this tool offer you?

1. Complete protection against dust and liquids (IP68);
2. Use the keyboard with Hula Point even while wearing thick gloves: this way, you won’t need to stop to use the keyboard and can continue working seamlessly.
3. Significant space savings: by integrating the pointing system into the keyboard, external devices like a mouse or trackball are eliminated, optimizing the available space.
4. Affordable costs: The keyboard with Hula Point costs the same as a keyboard with a touchpad or trackball.

Many customers prefer this solution as it is more convenient.

Check out our catalog of keyboards equipped with Hula Point

The choice is yours: there are many factors to consider when making an informed decision about which keyboard to integrate into your production environment...

But remember: be very careful with the product you choose!

We've already seen how selecting a keyboard that is completely unsuitable for your industrial sector can lead to significant time loss and excessive costs for both you and your company.

That’s why, if you work in the industrial sector and aren’t sure which keyboard to use in your application, we recommend consulting a team of experts on the subject: this way, you’ll have the chance to explain your needs to a specialist who will guide you to the most appropriate solution!

CONTACT US

We will help you make an informed choice, without the risk of making the wrong decision.

Read our blog articles!

Here are some other articles you might find interesting:

• [Case study]: 10 compact silicone keyboards with Hula Point
• Glass touch keyboards: 3 reasons why they are best suited for clean rooms