TSC 99-117A002-0000 KP-200 PLUS Keyboard Black
The TSC 99-117A002-0000 KP-200 PLUS is a compact input keyboard designed to provide direct operator control during label design, configuration, and print workflows on TSC thermal printers. Connected via RS-232 serial interface, it enables real-time data entry and menu navigation without requiring a host PC, reducing operator footprint at the printer station and lowering data-entry error rates in high-volume warehouse, logistics, and retail labeling environments. The keyboard is engineered for stationary mounting or nearby placement in production-floor settings where immediate printer access is essential.
Key Features
- RS-232 Serial Interface: Standard serial connection enables plug-and-play compatibility with TSC thermal printers supporting external keyboard control. No additional host PC required for basic label configuration and print triggering.
- Direct Operator Control: Keyboard input bypasses software-based label design; operators can modify print settings, select label templates, and enter SKU or lot data directly at the printer station. Reduces workflow interruptions on high-speed production lines.
- Compact Form Factor: Black keyboard integrates into standard production stations and mounting arms; lightweight design (impact on total printer footprint is minimal) supports both printer-adjacent and remote-cable routing configurations.
- TSC Printer Compatibility: Works with TSC thermal transfer (TTP, MB240/MB340 series) and direct thermal printer models equipped with RS-232 keyboard interface. Verify your specific printer model supports external keyboard input before purchase — not all TSC compact or entry-level models include this feature.
- Operating Environment: Rated 5–40°C operating, 25–85% non-condensing humidity; storage range −40–60°C ensures functionality in temperature-controlled warehouse spaces and resilience during shipping or off-season storage.
- Windows Labeling Software Support: Keyboard integrates with TSC labeling software workflows on Windows-based print-job submission and label-template management; standard input protocols ensure compatibility across TSC printer generations.
The KP-200 PLUS keyboard eliminates the need for a dedicated PC or mobile terminal at every printer station, a significant cost and space advantage in multi-printer warehouse deployments. Direct RS-232 control means operator input is registered at the printer firmware level — no network latency, no software licensing overhead. High-volume facilities with SKU-switching or label-reprinting workflows benefit most from station-mounted keyboards that allow supervisors and line operators to override templates or emergency-reprint batches without leaving the production floor.
Serial connectivity ensures compatibility with legacy TSC printer models still in service across larger enterprises. The keyboard's compact design supports both stand-alone operation (placed on a work surface adjacent to the printer) and permanent mounting on printer-mounting arms or VESA-compliant station frames. Operator familiarity with physical keyboards — versus software-based touchscreens — typically translates to faster error correction and fewer accidental configuration changes on high-throughput lines.
Before purchasing, confirm your printer model includes RS-232 keyboard interface support in its technical documentation. Some TSC models rely exclusively on network-based printing or USB-only peripherals; GPIO and wireless keyboard options are available as dealer add-ons on select models. Installation involves a single serial cable connection; no software drivers or host PC interaction is required. Operating temperature and humidity ranges are suitable for climate-controlled warehouse environments; extended outdoor or high-humidity storage may require protective enclosure.
The KP-200 PLUS keyboard is backed by a 2-year manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. TSC provides Windows labeling software on included CD disk, compatible with standard printer-control applications on Windows 7 and later. For integrators managing multi-site label printing deployments, the keyboard represents a proven peripheral that reduces operational complexity and training overhead compared to software-based print clients on shared workstations. Explore the full TSC printer and accessory catalog for compatible printer models and complementary station-integration components.
Marty AllisonPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
We've deployed the KP-200 PLUS keyboard across warehouse and logistics sites where high-volume label printing is the daily norm. The real operational win is decoupling label control from a PC or mobile device — operators can trigger reprints, override templates, or manually enter lot numbers without walking back to a workstation. In facilities running 10+ TSC printers on a single floor, keyboard-equipped stations reduce print-error callbacks by roughly 20% because supervisors can correct label defects in real time. That said, the keyboard only works on TSC models explicitly supporting RS-232 keyboard input; we've seen integrators assume compatibility only to discover the target printer lacks the firmware or hardware to accept serial keyboard commands. Always verify against the printer's technical datasheet or reach out to TSC support before speccing. The serial connection is rock-solid — no Bluetooth dropout or USB hub contention — but it does mean the keyboard must be physically tethered to the printer or mounted in close proximity. We've had good luck pairing the KP-200 PLUS with TSC's TTP-244 Plus and MB340 series in retail distribution centers where label changes happen multiple times per shift.
Technical Highlights:
- RS-232 Serial Interface: Direct serial control bypasses network latency and eliminates dependence on host-PC scheduling. In environments with unreliable WiFi or network congestion, keyboard-driven printing is more predictable and faster to execute.
- 32-bit RISC CPU Support: The keyboard communicates with the printer's 32-bit RISC processor, ensuring compatibility with TSC's current and legacy printer architectures. Firmware compatibility is transparent to the operator — the keyboard is recognized as a standard input peripheral.
- 128 MB Flash Memory (Printer-Side): TSC printer firmware memory is separate from the keyboard, but the keyboard's command protocol leverages the printer's flash capacity to store label templates and configuration profiles. This means operators can select from multiple pre-configured label designs without re-uploading from software.
- Color LCD Display (Printer-Mounted): When paired with TSC printers featuring a color LCD control panel, the keyboard integrates with the visual workflow — operators see real-time feedback on label settings and print-job status on the printer's screen while typing commands on the keyboard.
- 203 DPI (8 dots/mm) Resolution Workflow: Keyboard support extends to label design adjustments at standard thermal print resolution; operators can adjust text size, barcode density, or graphic placement parameters via keyboard input without requiring full software reconfiguration.
- Windows Labeling Software Integration: Included CD provides Windows-based label-design software that syncs with keyboard-controlled printer operations. Template uploads and batch-print workflows remain software-driven, while station-level overrides and emergency reprints stay keyboard-local.
Deployment Considerations:
- Verify RS-232 keyboard support in your exact printer model's datasheet before purchase. TSC's compact or cloud-only printer models may lack external keyboard interface — contact TSC or your distributor if you're unsure.
- Serial cable routing is critical in high-vibration warehouse environments (conveyors, pallet jacks nearby). Coil or clip the RS-232 cable away from printer ribbon and media path to avoid accidental disconnects or cable chafing.
- Operating temperature 5–40°C; keep the keyboard in a climate-controlled station. Exposure to direct heat from printer exhaust or outdoor temperature swings may degrade key response over time.
- The keyboard is a stationary input device — not portable. If you need mobile label editing or multi-station printing, consider a Windows print client or TSC's mobile SDK instead.
- Include the keyboard in your NVR or data-logging design if audit trails for label reprints are required; some regulatory environments mandate print-job history. Pair the keyboard with TSC's logging software to maintain compliance.
The KP-200 PLUS keyboard is the right choice for integrators building fixed-position label stations where operators need immediate control without leaving the printer. It's a proven peripheral for retail distribution, pharmaceutical compliance labeling, and logistics shipping-dock workflows. Explore the full TSC catalog to identify compatible printer models and station-integration components.
