μTRON Keyboard
The μTRON Keyboard (aka microTRON, muTRON, uTRON.) is from Japan, came out in 2007.
μTRON Keyboard is discontinued since .
![utron keyboard](i3/utron_keyboard.jpg)
Total key count: 76.
The μTRON keyboard is a modern version of the TRON TK1 keyboard of Japan.
Design Review
![utron keyboard 02](i3/utron_keyboard_02.jpg)
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.
![utron keyboard 06](i3/utron_keyboard_06.jpg)
![utron keyboard 09](i3/utron_keyboard_09.jpg)
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. To understand Japanese input methods and what does TRON mode do, see: Japanese Keyboard Layouts
![utron keyboard layout normal mode](i3/utron_keyboard_layout_normal_mode.png)
![utron keyboard layout tron mode](i3/utron_keyboard_layout_tron_mode.png)
μTRON vs Happy Hacking
μTRON compared with Happy Hacking Keyboard
![utron vs hhkb keyboard 1](i3/utron_vs_hhkb_keyboard_1.jpg)
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.
![utron vs hhkb keyboard 2](i3/utron_vs_hhkb_keyboard_2.jpg)
The key switch mechanism is Topre switch. Some people prefer Topre over Cherry MX switches. [see Keyboard Key Switch Mechanisms]
![utron vs hhkb keyboard 3](i3/utron_vs_hhkb_keyboard_3.jpg)
μTRON vs Cherry Ergoplus
![utron keyboard 13885](i3/utron_keyboard_13885.jpg)
Unboxing
![utron keyboard 03](i3/utron_keyboard_03.jpg)
![utron keyboard 04](i3/utron_keyboard_04.jpg)
![utron keyboard 05](i3/utron_keyboard_05.jpg)
![utron keyboard 10](i3/utron_keyboard_10.jpg)
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
Note that TRON is a operating system kernel design, from Japan. [see TRON Operating System]
Video Intro and Official Website
Official website: www.personal-media.co.jp
As of list price is JPY$50000, which is about USD$418.