In a week already buzzing with announcements from the single-board computer (SBC) giant, Raspberry Pi has truly captured the global spotlight with a surprise release that redefines its all-in-one desktop concept. Following the niche launch of the Compute Module 0 in China, the company is addressing its international audience with a significantly upgraded version of its keyboard computer: the Raspberry Pi 500 Plus.
This isn't just a minor refresh. The Raspberry Pi 500 Plus builds upon the foundation of the popular Raspberry Pi 500 (currently $139 on Amazon) by addressing some of the most requested features from the community, transforming it from a neat novelty into a genuinely powerful and customizable desktop workstation.
What is the Raspberry Pi 500 Plus?
At its core, the Raspberry Pi 500 Plus retains the familiar, compact form factor of its predecessor—a full-sized keyboard housing an entire computer. It’s powered by the same capable Broadcom BCM2712 chipset found in the Raspberry Pi 5, ensuring robust performance for everyday computing, coding, and light multimedia tasks. Essential I/O ports are also carried over, including the 40-pin GPIO header for hardware tinkering, two micro HDMI ports for dual-display support, and three USB Type-A ports for peripherals.
However, the "Plus" in its name signifies a trio of major upgrades that fundamentally change the user experience.
Three Game-Changing Upgrades
1. A Proper M.2 2280 NVMe SSD Slot
Perhaps the most significant bottleneck in previous all-in-one Pi models was storage speed. The Raspberry Pi 500 Plus obliterates this limitation by integrating a 256 GB NVMe M.2 2280 SSD. This means boot times and application loading will be blisteringly fast compared to a microSD card or even a USB-attached SSD. Even better, Raspberry Pi has designed the chassis for easy access; you can replace or upgrade the SSD without taking the entire unit apart, a huge win for enthusiasts and professionals who need more storage.
2. A True Mechanical Keyboard Experience
This is the headline-grabber. Unlike the membrane keyboards of the Raspberry Pi 400 and the original Pi 500, the Raspberry Pi 500 Plus features Gateron Blue KS-33 low-profile mechanical switches. Known for their tactile and audible click, these switches provide a satisfying typing experience that coders and writers will love. While the switches themselves are soldered in place and not hot-swappable, the key caps use a standard Cherry MX stem mount. This means you can fully customize the look and feel of your keyboard with a vast universe of aftermarket key cap sets.
For full technical specifications and official documentation, be sure to visit the Raspberry Pi 500 Plus product page.
3. Customizable RGB Lighting
Adding a touch of modern gaming and customization flair, the Pi 500 Plus includes per-key RGB lighting nestled beneath the mechanical switches. Users can customize the lighting patterns, colors, and effects through a pre-installed configuration tool in the Raspberry Pi OS, allowing for a truly personalized setup.
A New Category of Device
With these upgrades, the Raspberry Pi 500 Plus effectively blurs the lines between a educational tool, a compact desktop PC, and a enthusiast-grade mechanical keyboard. It’s a compelling package for students, developers, and hobbyists who want a streamlined, powerful, and enjoyable desktop experience without the clutter of multiple components.
As noted in an in-depth analysis by CNX-Software, this move signals Raspberry Pi's ambition to compete more directly in the budget desktop space, offering unparalleled value and customization.
Pricing and Availability
The Raspberry Pi 500 Plus is available now for a starting price of $200 for the standalone unit. It’s important to note that this price is for the keyboard computer only; a power supply, HDMI cable, and mouse are not included.
For those needing a complete out-of-the-box solution, Raspberry Pi is offering a kit that bundles the Pi 500 Plus with all the necessary accessories for $220. You can check the latest pricing and availability on Amazon and other official retailers.
Final Thoughts
The Raspberry Pi 500 Plus is more than an incremental update; it's a statement. By integrating a high-speed NVMe SSD, a premium mechanical keyboard, and customizable RGB lighting, Raspberry Pi has created a uniquely appealing all-in-one computer. It respects the community's desire for performance and customization while staying true to the platform's accessible roots. For anyone considering a compact, efficient, and now immensely enjoyable desktop computer, the Raspberry Pi 500 Plus is undoubtedly the new benchmark.
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