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FDA Approves Self-Sanitizing Keyboard

Posted by samzenpus on from the clean-zone dept.

jfruhlinger writes "Deep down, most people know that the germiest thing they touch all day is the thing they're touching all day: their keyboard. But what, if anything, can be done about it? A couple of former Microsoft hardware guys have launched a keyboard that sterilizes itself via ultraviolet light. While the FDA has signed off on it, tests show that the UV only kills about two-thirds of the germs living in it, and that it still needs to be cleaned by hand."

7 of 185 comments (clear)

  1. Can't wait to see... by doug141 · · Score: 4, Insightful

    the UV tolerant bugs evolving on this thing.

    1. Re:Can't wait to see... by Jake73 · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Why use UV? Why not build a waterproof keyboard that gets sprayed with a disinfectant each time it is retracted? It could be quickly dried and the disinfectant recycled.

      For a lower-cost keyboard, I could see UV being an advantage. But for $900, you could do much better.

    2. Re:Can't wait to see... by SpazmodeusG · · Score: 4, Informative

      Just make it with the same antibacterial metal that door handles in hospitals are made from. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antimicrobial_copper-alloy_touch_surfaces

      Seems to be a tried and testing technology that works well.

    3. Re:Can't wait to see... by milkmage · · Score: 4, Informative

      waterproof, sealed, dishwasher safe, antimicrobial keyboards.
      http://www.sealshield.com/

      $149 with a touchpad vs. $900 because it comes with lights?

    4. Re:Can't wait to see... by aaronb1138 · · Score: 5, Insightful

      That is exactly what I was thinking. All metals have significant antibacterial properties in pure form due to electron freedom. Stainless steel is similarly naturally antimicrobial.

      Since they are using UV, I hope they had the good sense to use a titanium dioxide finish on it as well, since that massively boosts UV efficacy. Actually titanium dioxide has the ability to actually clean small quantities of finger grease and dirt from the surface as well.

      The best approach would use a micro spattering of TiO2 (think polka dots smaller than most bacteria) on stainless steel or copper alloys with waterproof keys and construction. Once a month, throw it in the commissary dishwasher to remove dirt and grease which give the little germs homes.

      As others have pointed out, the price for this model is ridiculous as well.

    5. Re:Can't wait to see... by Yev000 · · Score: 4, Interesting

      Not fit for purpose.

      The application here is designed to kill MRSA type bugs within 90 seconds and be ready for use.

      The lights it comes with will make you blind very quickly, hence the enclosure.

  2. $900?! by rgbrenner · · Score: 4, Insightful

    It's $900?! Geez.. Why don't I just buy new keyboards every 3 months instead