Germophobes Rejoice: Antibacterial Keyboard Skins For Macs
11:26 am, October 15th, 2009, Nicole Martinelli
An iSkin ProTouch "Vibes" keyboard cover
iSkin just launched a new line of silicone keyboard covers treated with Microban, a secret germ-fighting sauce adding in during the manufacturing process.
Whether you believe in the germ-fighting power of the additive or not, keeping a skin on your keyboard will certainly keep the falling crumbs from your breakfast and bits of ick from settling in — since most office workers are exposed to more germs from their keyboards than toilet seats.
Plus, you can wash it with warm, soapy water.
The new line covers external keyboards and laptop models, prices range from $24.99 – $34.99.
Not sure I would’ve sprung for a keyboard condom in the past, but the amount of grit that never seems to come out of a keyboard plus paranoia over swine flu makes it seem like a small price to pay.
Via iSkin
Posted by Nicole Martinelli in News | Comment on this article
Also for germophobes: the Nexcare (3M) Tattoo band aides work through your fingers (even the pad part of the bandage) and allow you to still use your trackpad (at least on the MBP). I was going crazy with normal Band Aids after I cut the pad of my middle finger and I couldn’t use the scroll or all windows functions.
Kate, on October 15th, 2009 at 11:49 am
I heard from an Apple “genius” that these keyboard covers are potentially harmful to your macbook (which has no air vents), because they block the bit of air that escapes from around the keyboards and cause the temperature to rise. I was all set to buy one, and he talked me out of it!
Amy Stewart, on October 15th, 2009 at 12:37 pm
Suggesting Mac users are dirty? For shame!
solar, on October 15th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
I’ve been using a keyboard cover from iSkin for the last 2 years and it kept my kids from getting their a**es kicked. They thought it would be really funny to scare me when I had a mouth full of coffee. I had to clean up the skin, but it completely protected my keyboard. Not a single drop on it.
Barbara, on October 15th, 2009 at 1:10 pm
LOL Barbara — they sound like great kids, that so sounds like something I’d have done…
Nicole Martinelli, on October 16th, 2009 at 2:02 am
I wouldn’t consider myself a germophobe, but this seems like a great investment. It would keep my keyboard a lot cleaner and wouldn’t have to worry about all that gross dirt that gets between the keys over time…or should I say dead skin cells
Bmonkey.net
Bmonkey.net, on October 16th, 2009 at 10:15 am
Keep your keyboard clean but attach all that gunk to your monitor when you close the lid.
MacRat, on October 16th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
These covers are pretty convincing! Not only for office use, but also for home use! I think they will finally rid us off our cleaning worries too. I always need to grab a nice brush and “tools” to rid my keyboard of all the dirt and grime that accumulates on it. Moreover, you get ani-bacterial protection at the same time! Though the cost seems high, I hope the colors and designs do the rest of the convincing!
EthanR316, on October 19th, 2009 at 8:33 am