Modifying a uTron

[ghaz]

Doh! Just too late for me . Thanks anyway.

It's unfortunate that the screws are under the feet. I don't want to destroy them!

[ghaz]

It arrived today. I'll post some photos soon. It's going to take me a while to get used to how small the keys are compared to the kinesis. I think I'll prefer the smaller keys over the long run though. There are a few keys whose purpose I can't figure out.

As suspected, the cable between the halves are much too short, even without mounting the halves on my chair. The rubber feet on the bottom are stuck on really good, and I'm already wondering what I'm going to do about it.

[002]

Better just give it to me I think

Seriously though, I wonder if anyone *has* taken apart a uTron before...

[ghaz]

Better just give it to me I think

Seriously though, I wonder if anyone *has* taken apart a uTron before...

You'll give it back when you're done, right? I think I'll just buy a second one and half of each one on each side of my chair. Just kidding, I am already going to be eating ramen for the next month as it is . I actually managed to pull off one of the feet without destroying it, so it looks like I'll have some pictures of the insides at some point. I'm going to be drinking after work tonight, so tonight is not the night.h

It's taking me a bit to get used to the layout and small keys, but I'm getting there and I wasn't very frustrated writing this post. I can't figure out how to engage TRON mode yet (nor do I know what it is). I suspect I need the drivers installed?

[ghaz]

Also, where have Topre switches been all my life?!

[webwit]

Better just give it to me I think

Seriously though, I wonder if anyone *has* taken apart a uTron before...

Would..would I have to take it out of its box for that?

[ghaz]

I got anxious and took both of the feet off at work. Enjoy! https://www.dropbox.com/sh/goj93lwcvr7d9u9/UGPoHapuVY

I am hopeful about one day completing this mod... Off for a beer now

[002]

Better just give it to me I think

Would..would I have to take it out of its box for that?

Not at all! Just slap some postage on it and send it over
While you're being charitable, I'll take your 5576-003 off your hands too if you like.

[002]

I got anxious and took both of the feet off at work. Enjoy! https://www.dropbox.com/sh/goj93lwcvr7d9u9/UGPoHapuVY

I am hopeful about one day completing this mod... Off for a beer now

Great pics (model number revealed!), can we use 'em for DT wiki?
Could you also possibly show us the damage you did to the feet in order to get them off?

[ghaz]

Please consider the pictures public domain. Once I picked at the feet hard and long enough they popped right off. The glue that holds them on is especially strong, but once it was broke, it broke (and thankfully went back on afterwards). The build quality for the whole keyboard is pretty incredible. I didn't even notice a dot out of place, or a piece even slightly out of line. At least the price makes a little bit of sense.

Now for the meaty stuff that I care about. Does this connector resemble anything that I can buy? The best case that I dream about is that I can buy a kinesis freestyle 2 cable and plug it in directly, however I hope that I can build something to at least do the job. I'm also hoping it looks the same on the other side, because I hope that their dedication to build quality means a connector rather than direct soldering.

[ghaz]

Better just give it to me I think

Seriously though, I wonder if anyone *has* taken apart a uTron before...

Would..would I have to take it out of its box for that?

Any chance that you can enlighten me about what the TRON key does?

I've already started to remap the other keys. I initially thought that the space and backspace position were insane compared to the keys with kanji on them, but I've come around. What's interesting is that the backspace is in almost the same position as my mapping on my macbook pro, where I use the right command key as a backspace. Geniuses think alike or some nonsense...

[Muirium]

Tron mode: ENGAGE!

Presumably it's a layer control key, and may well be invisible to the host.

[webwit]

Research TRON! Come back, one year!

[ghaz]

Ah, TRON mode is otherwise known as dvorak mode. Looks like you still need the driver installed though...

[ghaz]

I popped open the other side. Here are some shots. I tried to pull the connector with the 8 coloured wires off, but I couldn't figure out how. It's connected very tightly and I couldn't see any mechanism to disconnect it. Any ideas?

https://www.dropbox.com/s/nj76bhkh2imkqxx/IMG_1885.JPG
https://www.dropbox.com/s/362v5imwx4phbea/IMG_1886.JPG
https://www.dropbox.com/s/putfbpvjcxzjly9/IMG_1887.JPG

[Muirium]

The usual trick is use a pin to "shoogle" the head of connector from side to side, via the holes in the mount. A little bit of that should work it loose. Tricky on the usual little ones.

[ghaz]

Ah, I was wondering whether the connector actually clicked into those holes but it didn't look like it. Now I understand what they're for. I'll give it a go soon.

[uTRON-Dave]

My name is David. I live in Australia and here we use keyboards the same as US keyboards. I currently use a Filco Cherry Blue which I think is excellent but not ergonomic though.

I'm interested in a keyboard that has a great feel and is also ergonomic. I've heard so many great things about topre key switches but I must admit I've never used one. I have, however, ordered a topre key switcher on ebay that I am due to receive on May 3.

I don't have RSI or any other problems like that. I type at 60 WPM and I type at home and at work, but not much constantly at that speed. But according to my online research anyone who uses a computer 2 to 4 hours a day, like me, is at risk of RSI.

I bought a Maltron but am unhappy with it because it has reliability problems but I like the design of it. I had it customised with Cherry Blue switches. It has keyboard chatter and sticky control key.

I'm tossing up between buying a Realforce variable topre keyboard and the uTRON. I'm not sure how much the uTRON's Japanese layout is going to be a problem though, eg the quotes being on a different key (but I think I could adjust to it). The Realforce is not ergonomic of course but topre is a more ergonomic keyboard switch though.

I can only find one review of the uTRON online. I would love to hear comments from other users about it. What is the feel like? Does the shorter 17mm pitch make much difference? Feel better or worse this way? Is it hard to adjust to? Does it feel too cramped? Is it okay for average sized hands?

Are the smaller keys a way of reducing RSI risk because your fingers don't stretch so far?

Is the uTRON really comfortable and nice to use? How does it compare with a conventional topre keyboard like the Realforce? How does it compare to using a Maltron?

How would I print the @ symbol using the uTRON? I have a cheap Japanese keyboard at home and even though it has a key with the @ symbol I can't work out how to print it.

Does it work with Ubuntu 14.04 LTS? And if not, can it be made to?

Thanks for reading my post.

I look forward to hearing from you.

[cookie]

Hello David and welcome to DT!

The thing with the uTRON is that it is rare, expensive and I haven't seen much reviews of it.
I'd recommend to first try out a regular keyboard with Topre switches before committing yourself to a uTRON.
Realforce/HHKB have a great re-sell value in case you don't like the switch.

A uTRON could be more difficult to re-sell, because of its uncommon layout.

Another good board to try out Topre switches, is the CoolerMaster Novatouch.
It is not as expensive as a Realforce and needs a bit modification to reduce rattle and improve the overall typing experience.

I doubt that the uTRON is implementing some sort of custom layout, I think you can type an @ the way you are used to (Depends on the keyboard layout you are using ofc.)

[jacobolus]

Hi Dave,

I don’t recommend buying a µTRON for regular use unless either (a) you can return it if you don’t like it, or (b) you’ve tried one in person for a few days, or (c) you’re getting a used one, and you think you can resell it at not too much of a loss. [If you are an ergonomic keyboard collector and can afford buying one on a whim, go ahead and do whatever you want.]

If you are an average-sized Australian (i.e. your hands are larger than an above-average-sized Japanese person’s hands), you will very likely find the keys too small and close together to type comfortably on.

Even if you have small hands, the µTRON will take you at least a few weeks to get used to, and you may decide after weeks or months of serious practice that it still doesn’t really match your needs or preferences.

If you can try it first for a few days, or even for a few hours, it should be easier to make an informed decision. I don’t think trying a different Topre keyboard will help make any useful decision about the µTRON. The layout is too far off.

As an alternative, the best low-learning-curve ergonomic keyboard on the market is Matias’s ErgoPro:


If you want something with a less standard shape, the keyboard.io isn’t shipping yet, but might meet your criteria:


Or you might try talking to Maltron’s customer support to get your keyboard fixed, or finding a local friend with a soldering iron who can help you repair it yourself. [Or did you dislike the design of the Maltron?]

[uTRON-Dave]

Hi,

Thanks for your great answers to my question. I really appreciate it. The uTRON may be the only topre ergonomic keyboard but you have convinced me that I don't need/want one.

I have already ordered a Typing Heaven keyboard from Ebay because they are a cheap topre keyboard and according to reviews I have read online they feel almost as good as the much more expensive Realforce, except that they use the cheaper ABS plastic keys. This will give me a good idea of what topre keys are like to type on. I will use it for two weeks because I've heard it takes 2 weeks for topre keys to be "run in".

Looking at reviews on Amazon it looks like the Matias is also prone to keyboard chatter which is the same problem I have with the Maltron.

I actually like the Maltron's design. It is not too different to a regular keyboard and not cramped like the Kinesis, which I was able to briefly try out in a shop. I just got frustrated trying to learn the Maltron layout, and the keyboard chatter and sticky control key didn't help.

I decided today I will return the keyboard for repair. When it is repaired and returned to me I will use it with the QWERTY layout, because fortunately it is convertible.

I sent an email to Maltron 3 days ago asking if it is possible to convert the Maltron to topre and they didn't respond so I assume it probably isn't.

I sent an email today just to confirm the correct address for sending the keyboard back and once again asking if it can be converted to topre. It would be great if it can because then it would never have any keyboard chatter problems. Apparently these keyboards have a lot of quality problems because they are largely hand made. But being largely hand-made they can be customised. I'm glad I got mine as Cherry Blue MX instead of the default Cherry MX Black switch.

If I like the topre key feel I may end up using both a topre keyboard and the Maltron. In particular, I would use the topre for gaming since the Maltron is obviously not suited to that.

If this is the case I would sell the Typing Heaven in favour of an 87U Realforce because it is ergonomically better not to have the numberpad. I think I would also appreciate the better quality PBT keys. I will soon also buy a programmable control pad so a num pad is not necessary.

Typing on the Typing Heaven board and trying out the 30g, 45g and 55g key testers will also help me decided what type of topre keyboard I should get (assuming I do actually like topre). Since I've heard that 55gs are pretty stiff it would probably be a 45g Realforce. The variable model seems interesting but would obviously be less than ideal for gaming.

[cookie]

Jut don't get discouraged by people claiming Topre is not for gaming, you can basically game on whatever Keyboard you please. I game and write with my HHKB all day and never had any issues. I've seen SC2 pros with over 400 APM on a cheap rubberdome.

A lot people prefer linear MX reds for gaming, that may be true for them. But don't listen to some random Razer marketing bullshittery

Converting a Maltron from Cherry to Topre would be impossible. These 2 types of switch work completely different. Where cherry is a contact based switch, Topre is a capacitive one. That would mean that they have to produce a new PCBs, overwork the software, buy switches from Topre redesign the case and so on.

The thing is this, if you would like to have an ergonomic keyboard, you should consider MX switches. They are fantastic switches. Check out the ErgoDox, you can build it up from scratch (in case you are into such stuff).
From an ergonomic view I'd decide by the layout, non staggered is the way to go. The next would be the switch.

Topre switches are awesome, expensive but you don't have all the possibilities like with MX.

Choose wisely, Topre can be a burden if you look for aftermarket caps/parts.

[vivalarevolución]

What's the status on where you can buy these? These used to be available on amazon.jp, but using the search terms that I used previously, I cannot find them there. The only online shop I can find them for sale is the Personal Media Corp website: http://www.personal-media.co.jp/utronkb/

[Abstractions]

What's the status on where you can buy these? These used to be available on amazon.jp, but using the search terms that I used previously, I cannot find them there. The only online shop I can find them for sale is the Personal Media Corp website: http://www.personal-media.co.jp/utronkb/

Here is one: http://www.amazon.co.jp/Personal-Media- ... n+keyboard

[vivalarevolución]

What's the status on where you can buy these? These used to be available on amazon.jp, but using the search terms that I used previously, I cannot find them there. The only online shop I can find them for sale is the Personal Media Corp website: http://www.personal-media.co.jp/utronkb/

Here is one: http://www.amazon.co.jp/Personal-Media- ... n+keyboard

Stupid me, I search for the proper "µtron" rather "utron".

[ghaz]

I'm the person who asked about the original modification question. I ended up getting an ErgoDox with Cherry MX reds, though it makes me sad. I think I would have stuck with the uTron if I had ended up modifying it to be further apart. Those topre keys...

uTRON-dave, I think the uTron is the only ergo keyboard that has topre keys, but it is an unusual layout that takes some getting used to. I'm able to type all of the keys fine though.

vivalarevolución, if you're interested I might be interested in selling my uTron with the uTron wrist guards. It's in mint condition. You'll find it quite hard/expensive ordering it from Japan once you add on shipping. I don't think Amazon Japan will ship to the US.