The Raspberry Foundation presents a striking evolution of its integrated keyboard computer. The new Raspberry Pi 500+ maintains the compact format of mini PC which evokes the microcomputers of the eighties, but now bets on clearly more ambitious hardware designed for everyday use, education, programming and personal projects.
Unlike the previous Pi 500, this version gains muscle where it shows most: mechanical keyboard, 16GB of RAM and 256GB M.2 storage as standard. All of this is based on the technical foundation of the Raspberry Pi 5, with the aim of offering a computer that's ready to work right out of the box, without any complications or unusual accessories.
Raspberry Pi 500+ Mechanical Keyboard and Layout
The big news is in the peripheral that is touched every minute: the 500+ integrates the components of Raspberry Pi 5 in a low-profile mechanical keyboard, available with various layouts (including Spanish). It uses Gateron KS-33 Blue switches with low travel, clicky response, and fast actuation, improving the typing experience compared to membrane switches.
The backlight is RGB per key and fully programmable. Control is handled by an RP2040 microcontroller running QMK, which opens the door to advanced layers, macros, and remapping without relying on third-party software. The keys are interchangeable and a removal tool is included, accepting Widely compatible low-profile keycap sets; according to the documentation, the switches are not intended to be user-replaceable.
Hardware and performance
At its heart beats the Pi 5 platform, with 2,4GHz Quad-core Arm Cortex-A76 CPU, graphics capable of dual 4K output, and support for modern accelerations on Linux. This combination makes the 500+ a reasonable desktop for development, office work, intensive browsing, or moderate emulation, always within the contained focus of Raspberry Pi.
Memory, storage, and expansion of the Raspberry Pi 500+
The generational leap also comes to mind: the team integrates 16GB LPDDR4X-4267, a figure never before seen in this format from the brand. This reduces bottlenecks in compilation and text editing with large projects, lightweight containers or small local AI models.
Storage is no longer a compromise. It comes standard with a 256GB M.2 2280 SSD with the system pre-installed, and the bay supports replacement with other compatible 2280 drives. Those who prefer can continue booting from a microSD card or SSD via USB, but the natural path now lies with PCIe M.2.
Connectivity and ports
The port crew remains loyal to the family: two USB 3.0, one USB 2.0, two micro HDMI with dual 4K outputs, a 40-pin GPIO connector for projects, Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 5, and Bluetooth 5.0. Power is supplied via USB-C with a 5V adapter; the brand offers an official 27W power supply in the kit.
Raspberry Pi 500+ kits, availability, and pricing
The Raspberry Pi 500+ is now available for purchase from the official store and authorized distributors. $200In Spain it has been seen around 204 Euros, varying by store. The base configuration does not include a power supply, HDMI cable, or mouse; that's what the optional kit is for, which $220 adds mouse, 27W power supply, 2m micro HDMI to HDMI cable and guide Of start.
Business-oriented: partnership with NComputing
Along with the launch, Raspberry Pi is announcing a collaboration with NComputing to bring the 500+ to the corporate environment. The proposal combines the hardware with LEAF OS, a read-only Linux system and secure approach, designed for VDI, DaaS and SaaS endpoints.
The goal is to move computing to the data center or cloud, reducing the attack surface on the workstation and simplifying management. LEAF OS is compatible with Microsoft AVD, Windows 365, RDS, Citrix and Omnissa Horizon, among other platforms, supports USB peripherals and can be centrally managed with PMC Endpoint Manager. In a context where Windows 10 is approaching end of support and part of the park does not migrate to Windows 11, the 500+ is positioned as an affordable and easy-to-deploy endpoint.
What it is used for and what it is not used for
- Suitable: learning programming, web development and scripting, home automation, simple multimedia, moderate emulation, educational projects and makers.
- With nuances: demanding multimedia editing or sustained CPU loads for hours, where cooling and storage space may require adjustments.
- Outside of its scope: Complex 3D, powerful GPU streams, or massive continuous builds.
Two points are very important to keep in mind:The first is that it's ARM, in case anyone is thinking of installing a "normal" x86 Linux on it. The second is that it's not easy to install Windows on it, not to say it's impossible. In short, it will work or is designed to use Linux-based operating systems with ARM architecture. If you need something different, it's better to go for another mini PC.
Lights and shadows on the Raspberry Pi 500+
Among the strong points are the well-resolved mechanical keyboard, the true internal M.2 with an included SSD, 16GB of RAM, and an ecosystem with extensive documentation and a community. The overall experience is designed to be unboxed, plugged in, and used without any surprises.
In return, 256 GB may be too small For data-intensive applications, micro HDMI requires adapters in some scenarios, and noise and temperature will need to be monitored if used for extended periods of time.
Context in the Raspberry Pi family
Following the Pi 400 with membrane and the Pi 500, this iteration completes the concept with mechanical keyboard, M.2 SSD and 16 GBThe result ceases to be pure nostalgia and becomes a compact desktop coherent, maintainable and hackable, which fits both at home and in the classroom or SME.
With a balanced set of practical solutions, the Raspberry Pi 500+ solidifies the keyboard format as an all-in-one device ready for everyday use. Beyond the technical sheet, its value lies in how it combines typing, standard storage and connectivity with a clear path to the cloud and centralized management.
