A rack mount keypad is designed for installations that need to minimize the use of space and access to hardware. One way to do this is to use a space-saving rack and components, such as a rack-mount keyboard. These units are made of industrial-strength steel and consist of a keyboard and mouse or trackball housed in a metal frame. The shelf mounts inside a shelf or cabinet.

A 1U rackmount keyboard is most often found in a 1U height model. The rack slides in and out of the rack on heavy-duty ball bearings. The rack drawer locks into place when in use or if the rack is being moved. A rack-mount keyboard drawer allows rack-mount storage space for compact keyboards. The keyboard fits inside the shelf, not on top.

These trays come with a combination USB and PS2 interface cable that allows connection to any style of PC port. Designed to mount inside a 19-inch rack, the Rackmount Keyboard Unit can be mounted on all four rails or two rails, but the 2-rail configuration requires additional mounting brackets.

A different type of 1U unit is equipped with an integrated PS2 KVM switch. The KVM switch allows connection to a keyboard, video monitor, and mouse (KVM) system. Several computers connect to the switch. In this scenario, a single KVM set controls multiple servers.

This eliminates the need to have multiple monitors, keyboards, and monitoring devices connected to a server in a 1-to-1 configuration. Integrated 4-, 8-, or 16-port USB or PS2-style KVM switches are available. When paired with a KVM switch, the rack mount keyboard is best used to save space. Fewer monitors are required inside a cabinet and this frees up space. Plus, fewer monitors means less power is consumed.

A 1U rackmount keypad is easy to install and handle. An administrator can add or disconnect a computer without turning off the device. This results in less downtime due to system maintenance by allowing a hot swap of a keyboard system. These heavy-duty steel drawers meet CE, FCC, and RoHS specifications. Most commonly used in the field of information technology, these keyboards are also found in control equipment from the floor of a manufacturing plant, in back office server rooms for commercial purposes or in support of financial institutions. , medical facilities, in military command centers and university settings. .