The μTRON Keyboard

Xah Lee, 2011-11-24, 2011-12-28

utron keyboard — “μTRON Keyboard” img src

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 dedicated function is important, see: Function Keys in Computer Keyboard. For why the μTron is a excellent design, see: Keyboard Hardware Design Flaws.)

utron keyboard 06 — excellent quality LEDs.

utron keyboard 09 — A keyboard with such a physical logo on it means it's EXPENSIVE.

μTRON Keyboard Layout

Here's its manual utron_keyboard_manual.pdf.

utron keyboard layout normal mode — Normal mode.

utron keyboard layout tron mode — TRON mode.

μTRON vs Happy Hacking

μTRON compared with Happy Hacking (HHKB) Keyboard.

utron vs hhkb keyboard 1 — The μTRON is slightly 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 — Sizes of Keys.

Video Intro ＆ Official Website

〈はじめてみようμTRONキーボード〉

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

The list price is JPY$52500, which is about USD$570.

How to Buy

Here's ways you can buy it:

Get a Japanese friend to buy for you and ship it to you.
Travel to Tokyo, then visit Akihabara (Akihabara Electric Town).
You might be able to buy it online, from a Japanese site. Either the official site, or amazon japan www.amazon.co.jp

Unboxing

All the big photos are by webwit, at http://webwit.nl/input/utron/ and Source forum.hardware.fr. Used with permission.