Raspberry Pi 500+ Unveiled: A Mechanical Keyboard That's Also a Powerful PC

Supercharged Specs in a Familiar Form Factor

At the heart of the Raspberry Pi 500+ lies the same robust quad-core 64-bit Arm Cortex-A76 processor found in the Raspberry Pi 5, ticking along at a brisk 2.4GHz. But what truly sets this model apart is the massive leap to 16GB of LPDDR4X-4267 SDRAM. This substantial RAM upgrade means smoother multitasking, the potential for running more demanding applications locally, and even dabbling in areas like AI model inference without hitting those frustrating performance bottlenecks. For anyone who's ever felt constrained by limited memory on a Pi, this is a game-changer.

Storage is another area where the Pi 500+ shines. Gone are the days of relying solely on microSD cards for your operating system and primary storage. This new device boasts a pre-installed 256GB NVMe SSD, accessible via an internal M.2 slot that's user-upgradeable. This means faster boot times, quicker application loading, and overall snappier performance that truly elevates the user experience beyond what we've come to expect from Raspberry Pi devices. Connectivity remains strong, with Gigabit Ethernet, dual-band Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, ample USB 3.0 ports, and dual 4K HDMI outputs. Powering it all is a standard 5V USB-C connection, making it incredibly convenient.

The Typing Experience: A Clicky Upgrade

Perhaps the most noticeable upgrade for many will be the keyboard itself. The Raspberry Pi 500+ features low-profile Gateron Blue mechanical switches. These are known for their distinct tactile "click" and audible feedback, a feature highly prized by typists and programmers alike. The actuation force is set at a responsive 50g, offering a satisfying typing feel that's leagues ahead of typical membrane keyboards. What's really cool is that these switches are hot-swappable, allowing users to easily swap them out for different types if they prefer.

But the customization doesn't stop there. The keyboard incorporates an RP2040 microcontroller, the same capable chip found in the Raspberry Pi Pico. This allows for advanced features like per-key RGB backlighting, programmable macros, and full QMK firmware support. You can truly make this keyboard your own, adjusting lighting effects to match your mood or system status, or remapping keys for ultimate efficiency. It's a level of control rarely seen in such an integrated package, especially at this price point.

What Sets the Pi 500+ Apart?

This isn't just a minor refresh; it's a significant reimagining of the Pi 500 concept. While the original Pi 500 was an interesting experiment, the 500+ directly addresses user desires for better performance and a superior typing experience. The inclusion of a real SSD and a substantial 16GB of RAM transforms it from a novelty into a genuinely viable desktop replacement for many tasks.

The integration of the RP2040 is a masterstroke. It offloads keyboard-specific functions from the main processor, ensuring smooth operation and enabling advanced customization that appeals directly to the maker and enthusiast communities. Features like N-key rollover (NKRO) mean every keypress is registered, no matter how fast you type, which is crucial for productivity and gaming.

Community Reaction and Availability

The announcement has already generated considerable buzz online. Early reactions from tech influencers and the broader Raspberry Pi community have been overwhelmingly positive. Many are hailing it as the "ultimate all-in-one PC" they've been waiting for, particularly given its accessible $200 price tag. The combination of 16GB RAM, an SSD, and a mechanical keyboard at this price point is practically unheard of.

As of today, September 26, 2025, the Raspberry Pi 500+ is available for purchase through official Raspberry Pi resellers worldwide. Initial stock has reportedly sold out rapidly in many regions, underscoring the high demand. Restocks are anticipated shortly. This release marks another significant step in the Raspberry Pi Foundation's journey, solidifying its position not just in education but as a serious contender in the consumer electronics market. It’s a device that truly clicks, both literally and figuratively.