The Future of Electro Mechanical Input Devices: Customisation, Innovation and Hygiene

In an era where human–machine interfaces are everywhere, from control rooms to surgical suites, the next generation of electro-mechanical input devices are challenged to deliver more than mere functionality. They must also be robust, intelligent, customisable and in some cases, hygienic. At Devlin Electronics, we are already shaping that future.

As a trusted UK manufacturer with over 40 years of expertise in input solutions, Devlin Electronics specialises in precision-engineered, tailored keyboards and control panels. With the recent addition of Purekeys’ medical-grade peripherals to our offering, we are now uniquely positioned to serve the evolving needs of both industrial and clinical environments.

Why is customisation key for electro-mechanical input devices? 

Generic, off‑the‑shelf keyboards and switch panels are no longer suitable for complex, fast-paced workspaces. Whether in a broadcast studio, hospital theatre, industrial control room, or clean lab, businesses need input devices that:

• Match their exact workflows and physical environments
• Incorporate sector-specific functionality (macros, backlighting, control logic)
• Withstand harsh operating conditions (moisture, EMI, wear, cleaning agents)
• Reflect their brand or system architecture through custom design

At Devlin Electronics, we specialise in building bespoke solutions around your requirements. From custom keys to integrated pointing devices and from specialist firmware to ruggedised enclosures, we ensure every solution is engineered for its exact purpose to save you time and stay operationally efficient.

Devlin Electronics’ Core Services: From Design to Delivery

What sets Devlin Electronics apart isn’t just our vast experience; it’s the fact that we own the full development and production process, right here in the UK. Which means a host of benefits for our customers, including. 

In‑House Design and Engineering

Our experienced team handles mechanical design, PCB layout, firmware and enclosure tooling internally. This allows for faster development, tighter quality control and easier customisation. You can bring your product to market faster because one UK team handles the entire process seamlessly, minimising errors and delays.

Rapid Prototyping

We turn concepts into working prototypes in weeks, not months. With on-site 3D printing, laser legend testing and firmware simulation, we help customers iterate quickly ultimately lowering development costs.

Standards & Compliance

Devlin Electronics products are built from the ground up to meet EMC, CE, UKCA and RoHS standards. In-house testing ensures early compliance and reduces costly rework and delays later in the production cycle.

Flexible Manufacturing

Whether you need a one-off prototype or a full production run, our UK-based facilities can adapt to your volume needs. We combine electronics assembly, plastic moulding, programming and final assembly in-house.

Long-Term Support

We offer extended repair services, spare parts availability and lifecycle support, ensuring longevity and lower total cost of ownership for our clients.

Innovation That Drives the Industry Forward

Devlin Electronics is committed to continuous innovation across materials, usability and embedded technology. Our R&D efforts explore and integrate:

• Haptic feedback systems: Enhancing user interaction and response confidence
• Modular and reconfigurable interfaces: Simplifying upgrades and adaptability
• Hybrid input platforms: Combining mechanical, capacitive and touch elements
• IP-rated rugged enclosures: For cleanroom or outdoor use
• Smart peripherals: With embedded intelligence, data tracking and diagnostics

This focus on innovation ensures that Devlin Electronics solutions don’t just solve problems today, they’re ready for tomorrow.

Fit for the Future: Purekeys Medical Keyboards

The future of medical environments demands more than just functionality; it demands hygienic, smart and adaptable interfaces that support infection control, digital transformation and ergonomic performance. That’s why Devlin Electronics’ recent acquisition of Purekeys UK Ltd is more than just a strategic expansion; it’s a step toward future-proofing medical input solutions.

As the exclusive UK and Ireland distributor for Purekeys, Devlin Electronics now offers cutting-edge medical keyboards and mice that are purpose-built for the evolving demands of healthcare, dental and cleanroom applications.

What sets Purekeys apart is not just hygiene; it’s how each feature aligns with where medical environments are heading:

• Rapid disinfection – Flat silicone surfaces and a Clean Key enable fast, thorough cleaning between patients or users, ideal for infection-controlled workflows.
• Tactile performance – Unlike most sealed keyboards, Purekeys offers full tactile feedback, supporting comfortable and accurate clinical data entry.
• Plug-and-play integration – No drivers needed. Compatible with standard medical IT systems and ideal for embedding into custom control panels.
• Built to last – Withstands repeated cleaning using hospital-grade disinfectants, crucial as device longevity becomes more important in cost-controlled environments.
• Regulatory alignment – Designed to support compliance with infection control and equipment safety standards as they continue to evolve.

The Devlin Electronics Advantage: Built for What Comes Next

Here’s why Devlin Electronics continues to lead in electro-mechanical input devices:

• Made in the UK – Full in-house design, testing and production
• Built to spec – Tailored solutions for medical, industrial, defence and broadcast
• Rapid turnaround – Prototypes in weeks, production scaling as needed
• Modular and integrable – Hybrid systems with smart input, security and feedback
• Hygienic & compliant – Now offering Purekeys for future-ready medical environments
• Service for life – Repair, spare parts and long-term technical support

The future of electro-mechanical input devices is personalised, connected and clean. As systems become more complex and standards more demanding, the need for custom, hygienic and high-performance input technology will only grow.

At Devlin Electronics, we’re not just following this future; we’re building it from the ground up.

Whether you're designing a control interface for an operating theatre, industrial plant or broadcast truck, we can engineer a solution that fits perfectly, both for your users and for the road ahead. Contact us today to start your project.