μTRON Keyboard

The μTRON Keyboard (aka microTRON, muTRON, uTRON.) is from Japan, came out in 2007.

μTRON Keyboard is discontinued since 2017-03 .

Total key count: 76.

The μTRON keyboard is a modern version of the TRON keyboard of Japan.

[see TRON Keyboard]

Design Review

“μTRON Keyboard” (img by webwit)

This is a excellent design. The only design issue i found is that it doesn't have dedicated function keys. The function keys are merged with the number keys. However, the other quality design makes up for it.

For why the μTRON is a excellent design, see: Keyboard Design Flaws.

For why dedicated function is important, see: Function Keys in Computer Keyboard.

excellent quality LEDs. (img by webwit)

A keyboard with such a physical logo on it means it's EXPENSIVE. Also, here you can see the quality of the keycap labels. Probably by a process called Dye Sublimation, a very expensive process. The label will NEVER rub out because it's part of the plastic. (img by webwit)

μTRON Keyboard Layout

μTRON keyboard has 2 modes. Normal mode, and the TRON mode.

Normal mode is using standard JIS input method. (which is very inefficient.)

TRON mode is based on the TRON keyboard, a very efficient input method for Japanese.

[see TRON Keyboard]

To understand Japanese input methods and what does TRON mode do, see:

Japanese Keyboard Layouts

Normal mode

TRON mode

μTRON vs Happy Hacking

μTRON compared with Happy Hacking (HHKB) Keyboard .

HHKB vs μTRON, size compared. (img by webwit)

The μTRON's keys are smaller. Note that, the width of four keys (ASDF) on HHKB measures 7.5 cm, but 6.8 cm on the μTRON.

Sizes of Keys, and also showing the Topre key switch underneath. (img by webwit)

The key switch mechanism is Topre switch, which is even better than the famed Cherry MX switches. [see Keyboard Key Switch Mechanisms]

(img by webwit)

μTRON vs Cherry Ergoplus

Unboxing

All the big photos are by the keyboard expert webwit, at http://webwit.nl/input/utron/ and http://forum.hardware.fr/hfr/HardwarePeripheriques/Clavier-Souris/unique-clavier-mecanique-sujet_6902_27.htm. Used with permission. Thanks to webwit for real quality photos.

TRON Operating System, TRON Encoding

Note that TRON is a operating system kernel design, from Japan.

[see TRON Operating System, TRON Encoding]

Video Intro and Official Website

《はじめてみようμTRONキーボード》 (img by webwit)

Official website: www.personal-media.co.jp

As of 2015-05 list price is JPY$50000, which is about USD$418.

DIY μTRON

μTRON Keyboard Manual

utron_keyboard_manual.pdf