Raspberry Pi today unveiled the new Raspberry Pi 500+ — a ‘premium’ version of its compact keyboard PC that uses mechanical switches, RGB backlighting and is pre-fitted with an SSD.
“Raspberry Pi 500+ puts the power of Raspberry Pi 5’s quad-core 64-bit Arm processor and RP1 I/O controller into an ergonomic and tactile mechanical keyboard, combining uncompromising performance with 16GB RAM and 256GB NVMe storage,” they say.
Those who dig the idea of the your keyboard being the PC — as someone old enough to have owned an Amstrad CPC 464, I do — but are too discerning to the quality of key clacking to make the standard Pi 500 their go-to, the new deluxe model should suit.
Of course, it’s not cheap.
The Raspberry Pi 500+ costs ~$200/£175, which by Raspberry Pi standards makes it their most expensive device to day. Yet, it offers the same raw performance as any other 16GB Raspberry Pi 5 (with SSD), so the price-conscious may struggle to see the appeal.
For others, seeing the appeal is easy when it looks like this:
Coolest Raspberry Pi ever? With the deluxe variant of the Pi 500 adding an integrated one-piece aluminium heatsink to maintain thermal performance, it should be cooler at least!
Tell me about the keys already
The Raspberry Pi 500+ uses Gateron KS-33 Blue low-profile switches. These are said to have “long travel times and quick actuation” and provide a comfortable, smooth typing experience – clicky, like Cherry Blue-style, but quite.
Keys can be replaced (a keycap puller is included) and depending on the regional layout there are 84, 85 or 88 keys.
Beneath the switches sit LEDs, the colour and pattern of which can customised — individually, if desired. The Raspberry Pi 500+ firmware even includes a hidden easter egg that lets you play a Flappy Bird-style game using the keyboard backlight.
A flashy approach to design is not something Raspberry Pi is known for! That is not to say its (expanding range of) products don’t look good, but their affordability often translates into a utilitarian, pragmatic presence IRL.
With the launch of the Pi 500+, it’s finally catering to the section of its user base longing for a Pi with a bit more pizazz.
Buy the Raspberry Pi 500+
You can buy the Raspberry Pi 500+ from approved Raspberry Pi outlets and vendors round yon’ globe from today. More details and links in the announcement post.
The device doesn’t come with a USB-C power supply (Pi’s are rather specific about them), so if buying this be sure to buy the official 27W power adapter too (or check one you have laying around WILL work without issue).
The standalone model comes with the aforemented keycap puller as well as a spudger to open the device should you wish to replace the 2280 M.2 SSD with a higher capacity one.
Like the standard Raspberry Pi 500, this new higher-end model is available in “kit” form for $220, which adds a power adapter, a (rather tacky, tbh) USB mouse, a micro HDMI to HDMI cable and a copy of the Official Raspberry Pi Beginner’s Guide.