The wait is over—Raspberry Pi upgraded its keyboard computer with mechanical switches and SSD storage, and it’s called the Raspberry Pi 500 Plus. This upgraded version brings a premium typing experience, faster storage options, and more power than last year’s model. But is the $200 price tag worth it? Let’s break it down.
What’s New In The Raspberry Pi 500 Plus?
The Raspberry Pi 500 Plus builds on the compact “computer-in-a-keyboard” design but adds major upgrades that fans have been asking for. It’s the first Raspberry Pi keyboard computer to feature:
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An M.2 2280 SSD slot with 256GB of storage (expandable).
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Mechanical key switches with RGB lighting and support for open-source QMK firmware.
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16GB of LPDDR4x RAM, doubling last year’s memory.
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A quad-core ARM Cortex-A76 processor, ensuring smoother multitasking.
This makes the 500 Plus more than just a hobbyist gadget—it’s now a serious mini-PC for everyday use.
Mechanical Keyboard Experience
Typing on the Raspberry Pi 500 Plus feels different thanks to its mechanical switches. Unlike the mushy feel of the previous membrane keys, these switches give satisfying tactile feedback. Add in customizable RGB lighting powered by QMK firmware, and the 500 Plus is a treat for coders, gamers, and anyone who spends hours at the keyboard.
SSD Storage For Real Performance
One of the biggest complaints about older Raspberry Pi devices was slow storage. That changes here. With SSD storage support, the 500 Plus boots faster, loads applications instantly, and offers smoother performance overall. For power users, swapping in a larger SSD is quick and easy.
Price And Availability
The Raspberry Pi 500 Plus is available now for $200. That’s a $110 bump compared to the standard Raspberry Pi 500, which is still sold for $90. But considering the upgrades—mechanical keys, SSD storage, double the RAM, and better performance—the 500 Plus feels like a new category altogether.
Should You Buy The Raspberry Pi 500 Plus?
If you loved the idea of an all-in-one Raspberry Pi keyboard computer but wanted more speed and better typing, this is the upgrade you’ve been waiting for. The price is higher, but for makers, developers, and keyboard enthusiasts, the Raspberry Pi upgraded its keyboard computer with mechanical switches and SSD storage to deliver a true performance boost.
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