Raspberry Pi 500+ Launches: Premium Keyboard Computer Targets Desktop Market

The Raspberry Pi 500+ integrates the same quad-core ARM Cortex-A76 processor found in the Raspberry Pi 5 into a mechanical keyboard housing, creating a compact desktop computer reminiscent of 1980s home computers such as the Commodore Amiga 500. However, this modern interpretation comes with considerably more power and connectivity.

Key Features

Combining high performance with flexibility, the Raspberry Pi 500+ offers these essential features:
 

• Premium mechanical keyboard: Gateron KS-33 Blue low-profile switches with individually addressable RGB LEDs
• High-performance specs: 2.4 GHz quad-core ARM Cortex-A76 CPU with 16 GB LPDDR4X RAM
• Fast storage: 256GB NVMe SSD pre-installed, user-replaceable with M.2 SSDs up to 2280 format
   
  

 

• Dual 4K display support: Two micro-HDMI outputs for 4K60 video
• Comprehensive connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, Gigabit Ethernet, 2×USB 3.0, 1×USB 2.0
• GPIO accessibility: Standard 40-pin header for hardware projects and add-on boards
   

  

• Thermal management: Integrated aluminum heatsink for sustained performance
• Customization tools: Included keycap puller and case opening tools for modifications
• Programmable lighting: CLI and Python tools for custom RGB animations and system integration

Technical Specifications

The system features 16 GB of LPDDR4X-4267 SDRAM — a substantial upgrade from typical Pi configurations — paired with a pre-installed 256 GB NVMe SSD. This storage can be user-replaced with M.2 SSDs up to 2280 form factor using included tools.

Connectivity includes dual-band Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, Gigabit Ethernet, two USB 3.0 ports, one USB 2.0 port, and dual micro-HDMI outputs supporting 4K60 displays. The familiar 40-pin GPIO header remains accessible for hardware projects.

The keyboard uses Gateron KS-33 Blue low-profile mechanical switches across 84-88 keys (depending on regional layout) with individually addressable RGB LEDs. A keycap puller is included for customization.

Market Positioning

At $200 for the base unit ($220 for the desktop kit including mouse, power supply, and HDMI cable), the Raspberry Pi 500+ represents Raspberry Pi’s most expensive consumer product. This pricing positions it against entry-level x86 desktops and other single-board computers targeting desktop use rather than embedded applications.

The aluminum heatsink integration addresses thermal concerns that have historically limited Pi performance under sustained loads, suggesting this targets users requiring consistent desktop-class performance rather than intermittent project work.

Software and Programming

The Pi 500+ ships with Raspberry Pi OS and includes keyboard configuration tools available as both command-line utilities and Python libraries. These tools enable custom RGB lighting programming and keyboard behavior modification, opening possibilities for system status indicators, audio visualization, or application-specific lighting schemes — and all just an apt get away.

Raspberry Pi has committed to manufacturing the 500+ until at least January 2035, providing long-term availability for commercial applications.

Analysis

The Pi 500+ represents Raspberry Pi’s clearest move toward competing in the consumer desktop market rather than remaining primarily an educational and maker-focused platform. The premium pricing reflects this positioning, although $200 is still well under what an educational institution may pay per unit for a typical laptop.

For electronics enthusiasts, the combination of accessible GPIO, programmable RGB keyboard, and desktop-class performance in a compact form factor offers interesting project possibilities. However, the value proposition will largely depend on whether users need the specific combination of features the Pi 500+ provides.

What do you think of this new flagship for Raspberry Pi? Let us know in the comments below!