Silver Seal keyboard April 2009
The first washable keyboard
Seal Shield's Silver Seal keyboard claims to be dishwasher safe and boasts an antimicrobial coating. We put it to the test to see whether it could survive the Which? dishwasher.
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If you've ever ruined a keyboard thanks to spilt coffee – or if you need to use a PC in an area that needs to remain clean and germ-free – then Seal Shield may have the answer. It specialises in washable IT accessories such as the Silver Seal antimicrobial washable keyboard. Read our first look review to see what we thought of it.
Antimicrobial plastic
Made of an antimicrobial plastic that claims to reduce bacterial growth by using 'silver ion nanotechnology', the Silver Seal keyboard looks much like any other keyboard. Its modest black appearance isn't too different from the generic keyboards shipped with many PCs, and its performance is similar: this feels like a functional keyboard rather than a luxury one.
The markings on the keys – which the manufacturer claims will resist being washed off – are rather dim, and we thought the keys felt slightly spongey, though serviceable. However, it’s the washability of this keyboard that makes it stand out from the crowd.
Even the USB cable for connecting to the PC has this in mind: the section of the cable that’s actually attached to the keyboard is only a few inches long, and comes equipped with a rubber cap to seal it when washing. You're provided with an extension cable to connect to your computer via USB, or the supplied PS2 adaptor for older computers.
Waterproof keyboard
The keyboard is waterproof, so will resist spills, and can be washed by spraying with disinfectant, washing under the tap, or even by putting through a dishwasher.
We popped it into a dishwasher alongside a normal keyboard, to see how well they held up. The Silver Seal keyboard emerged unscathed. After shaking off excess water and leaving it to dry thoroughly, it looked, and performed, as good as new – unlike our standard keyboard, which was unusable.
Overall, this is a serviceable keyboard that lives up to its dishwasher-proof claims. If you need to keep your keyboard especially clean, then it may be worth a look, but for regular use you can find better keyboards for less money.
The Seal Shield Silver Seal keyboard is available now online for around £30.
Pros: Dishwasher proof
Cons: Lacklustre performance
