Raspberry Pi’s New Mechanical Keyboard Has Built-In SSD
▼ Summary
– The Raspberry Pi 500 Plus is a new premium version of the compact computer-in-a-keyboard, featuring an M.2 SSD socket for storage.
– It includes a 256GB SSD by default, which is user-replaceable for expanded storage capacity.
– The device is upgraded with a quad-core processor, 16GB of RAM (increased from 8GB), and improved mechanical keyboard switches.
– It features customizable, replaceable keycaps and programmable RGB lighting powered by an RP2040 microcontroller.
– The Raspberry Pi 500 Plus is available for $200, with a $220 Desktop Kit version that includes necessary cables and a power supply.
Raspberry Pi has introduced a significant upgrade to its all-in-one computer keyboard, the Raspberry Pi 500 Plus, which now incorporates a built-in M.2 SSD slot for enhanced storage capabilities. This new premium model builds upon the foundation of the original Raspberry Pi 500, integrating the more powerful Raspberry Pi 5 microcomputer. While the device retains the familiar SD card slot for the operating system, the addition of a dedicated socket for a standard 2280-sized solid-state drive marks a major step forward. The unit ships with a 256GB SSD pre-installed, but users can easily access and upgrade this component should they require more space.
Priced at $200, the 500 Plus represents a considerable investment over the $90 base model, yet the improvements extend well beyond storage. The core computing power receives a substantial boost, featuring a quad-core ARM Cortex-A76 processor now paired with 16GB of LPDDR4x-4267 RAM, doubling the memory available in the previous version. This enhanced hardware configuration promises a noticeably smoother and more responsive user experience.
Keyboard enthusiasts will appreciate the attention given to the typing interface. The new model is equipped with Gateron KS-33 Blue mechanical switches, offering a tactile and audible feedback that many typists prefer. The custom-designed, low-profile keycaps are not only replaceable but also feature a spray-painted, laser-etched finish. This design allows the newly integrated programmable RGB lighting to shine through the key legends, adding a layer of personalization. An RP2040 microcontroller running the open-source QMK firmware handles the keyboard’s programmability, giving advanced users extensive control over key functions and lighting effects.
For those who wish to customize the look and feel further, the keycaps are designed to be easily removed and replaced with aftermarket alternatives.
The rest of the connectivity suite remains consistent with the standard model. This includes support for Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth wireless connectivity, a gigabit Ethernet port for wired networking, two micro HDMI outputs for displays, three USB-A ports, and a single USB-C port dedicated to power. It is important to note that the $200 price is for the computer keyboard itself; video cables, a power supply, and a mouse are not included. However, Raspberry Pi offers a “Desktop Kit” for $220, which bundles all the necessary accessories to get the system up and running immediately.
(Source: The Verge)
