S2E6 Man & Machine: Must haves for the Infection Control Coordinator

Level Up Infection Prevention Podcast

Keyboards and mouse are essential computer peripherals. Keyboards are used to input data while the mouse interacts with anything on the screen. These two components are the most used peripherals, exposed to the environment, and the ones that we are always in contact with. Thus, it is crucial for these peripherals to always be cleaned and disinfected to ensure our safety. But how can you disinfect keyboards and mice without damaging them? In this episode, we invited Natasha from Man & Machine. Natasha shares how Man & Machine revolutionized the industry through washable keyboards and mice commonly used in the medical field and military, such as the Marines.

What is Man & Machine?

[01:04]

Man & Machine started as a small computer repair facility in Landover, Maryland. They slowly transitioned to enhancing computer monitors in marine applications. Because of their work in marine applications, many customers started asking for waterproof keyboards and mice that they could use on boats. That’s what led them to their current focus: washable mice and keyboards.

[02:11]

Currently, they have two different variations that they offer: Medical Grade and Sealed keyboards and mice. The other one is the washable line of keyboards and mice that are more traditional and open-style and internally sealed so you won’t damage them when you wash them. They also offer mouse pads, laptop keypad covers and large silicone sheets that can be sterilized.

Specifications

[5:32]

Man & Machine offers the traditional scroll wheel mouse that everyone is used to. You can spray, wipe, and sink rinse them without damaging anything internally. Same with their keyboards which range in size from 13 inches to 17 inches wide with numerical keypads. They designed them with a fitted drape containing the legend keys printed on them to allow the user to see what keys are being pressed.

Preventing accidental key presses when cleaning the keyboards

[08:48]

Except for the It’s Cool Variant, all of their keyboards have a feature called “TruLock.” TruLock is a technology they developed that allows users to lock the keys on their washable keyboard. After pressing the Function + F11 Key, the indicators from the Scroll Lock and Num Lock will flash, telling you that you can safely wipe your keyboards without inputting gibberish or unwanted commands to your system. Their Premium keyboards use the Control Keys to enable the “TruLock” feature.

Other Features and Specs

[16:37]

Man & Machine’s products have the “cool” moniker to them. The Very Cool and It’s Cool are recommended for operatory. The L Cool is recommended for administrative or front-desk areas where there may not be as many germs or aerosols, but you can still disinfect them if you want to. They also have fully-sealed keyboards, Really Cool to Slim Cool, which can be submerged in a 1:10 bleach solution.

[17:29]

Their Premium keyboards can be customized with custom-made cables from 12 inches to 16 feet. Their wireless keyboards operate on RF USB Dongle. Another amazing feature is you can pair both the keyboard and mice with the same USB dongle, so it only takes one USB port on your computer. Man & Machine is now launching a wireless keyboard that uses either Bluetooth or RF wireless.

To learn more about Man & Machine, visit:

Website: https://www.man-machine.com/ Use code LevelUP for 10% off!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ManAndMachine

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/man-machine-inc/?viewAsMember=true

Twitter: https://twitter.com/manandmachineco

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/man_and_machine_inc/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIN6hqKVjaXB4tooZoPXl9w