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The Raspberry Pi 500+ is a complete Raspberry Pi computer built into a mechanical keyboard. It adds 16GB of LPDDR4X memory, a pre-installed 256GB NVMe SSD, removable keycaps and individually addressable RGB lighting to the same broad Raspberry Pi 5-derived platform used by the Raspberry Pi 500.
That makes it an unusually polished desktop for Linux, education, programming, retro gaming and maker projects. But the value equation has changed sharply: Raspberry Pi launched it at $200 in September 2025, while the company’s product page listed it from $410 when checked on August 16–18, 2026. At that price, the 500+ makes sense primarily if you specifically want its integrated mechanical-keyboard design—not simply the fastest or cheapest Raspberry Pi computer.
What is the Raspberry Pi 500+?
The Raspberry Pi 500+ is a keyboard computer: the processor, memory, storage interface, wireless hardware, ports and GPIO circuitry are built into the keyboard enclosure. It follows the spirit of computers such as the Commodore 64, BBC Micro and Raspberry Pi 400, but uses much newer Raspberry Pi 5-class hardware.
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Despite the “all-in-one PC” description, it is not an all-in-one monitor computer. You still need an external display and USB-C power. There is no integrated screen, battery, trackpad or speaker, and most desktop users will also want a mouse.
#1 Best Overall
- POWERFUL PROCESSOR: Features a 2.4GHz quad-core ARM Cortex-A76 processor with 8GB RAM capacity for smooth performance and multitasking capabilities
- COMPLETE KIT: Includes 32GB microSD card, micro HDMI to HDMI-A cable, USB mouse, US keyboard, and power supply for immediate setup
- CONNECTIVITY: Multiple ports including USB 2.0, dual USB 3.0, Gigabit Ethernet, and built-in Wi-Fi/Bluetooth for versatile connectivity options
- DISPLAY OUTPUT: Supports micro HDMI output with OpenGL capabilities for high-quality visual display and graphics performance
- EXPANSION OPTIONS: Equipped with GPIO pins, SD card slot, and wireless connectivity for extensive project development and customization
Raspberry Pi’s official product page lists the 500+ as an ergonomic mechanical keyboard computer with internal NVMe storage.
Raspberry Pi 500+ specifications
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| CPU | 2.4GHz quad-core 64-bit Arm Cortex-A76 |
| Memory | 16GB LPDDR4X-4267 SDRAM |
| Storage | Pre-installed 256GB Raspberry Pi SSD |
| Storage expansion | Internal M.2 NVMe support, up to 2280 form factor |
| Keyboard | 84-, 85- or 88-key layout, depending on region |
| Switches | Gateron KS-33 Blue low-profile mechanical switches |
| Wireless | Dual-band 2.4GHz/5GHz 802.11b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 and BLE |
| Networking | Gigabit Ethernet |
| USB | Two USB 3.0 ports and one USB 2.0 port |
| Video | Two micro-HDMI ports; dual-display output with mode-dependent limits |
| GPIO | Horizontal 40-pin GPIO header |
| Graphics | OpenGL ES 3.1 and Vulkan 1.3 |
| Video decode | H.265 up to 4Kp60 |
| Power | 5V DC through USB-C |
| Dimensions | 312mm × 123.06mm × 35.76mm |
| Operating temperature | 0°C to +50°C |
| Production commitment | Raspberry Pi says production will continue until at least January 2035 |
These details come from the Raspberry Pi 500+ product brief.
What is actually new compared with the Raspberry Pi 500?
The 500+ is not primarily a CPU upgrade. Both models use the same basic Raspberry Pi 5-derived 2.4GHz quad-core Arm Cortex-A76 platform and RP1 I/O controller. The meaningful differences are memory capacity, storage, keyboard construction and lighting.
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| Feature | Raspberry Pi 500 | Raspberry Pi 500+ |
|---|---|---|
| Processor platform | Raspberry Pi 5-derived | Same broad platform |
| Memory | Lower-capacity configuration | 16GB LPDDR4X |
| System storage | Primarily microSD-based | 256GB internal SSD included |
| Keyboard | Compact membrane keyboard | Low-profile mechanical keyboard |
| Lighting | No equivalent advanced system | Individually addressable RGB LEDs |
| Keycaps | Conventional fixed design | Removable; puller included |
| Expansion | GPIO, USB and micro-HDMI | Same major I/O plus internal M.2 NVMe support |
| Launch price | $180 unit / $200 kit | $200 unit / $220 kit |
| Current listed starting price | Check official page | $410 when checked August 16–18, 2026 |
See the official Raspberry Pi 500 page for the older model’s current listing and regional keyboard variants.
The mechanical keyboard is the main reason to buy it
The 500+ uses Gateron KS-33 Blue low-profile mechanical switches. They provide a more tactile mechanical-key feel than the Raspberry Pi 500’s membrane keyboard while keeping the enclosure relatively compact. The keycaps are removable, and a keycap puller is supplied for replacement or customization.
Rank #2
- Keyboard-based Raspberry Pi all-in-one computer, portable design, just pair with a mouse and monitor to become a mini computer.
- CPU: 2.4GHz Quad-core 64-bit Arm Cortex-A76 RAM: 8GB LPDDR4X-4267
- Communication Interface: Gigabit Ethernet port, Bluetooth 5.0, and dual-band WiFi
- Network Interface: Dual micro HDMI output (supports dual 4Kp60 high-resolution display) USB: USB 3.0 ports × 2, USB 2.0 port × 1
- Dimensions: 286 × 122 × 23mm Operating Temperature: 0°C to 50°C ambient temperature
The switches are also clicky. That can be enjoyable for typing, but the sound may be disruptive in a classroom, office, shared room or recording space. “Mechanical” does not automatically mean quiet or comfortable for everyone.
Individually addressable RGB LEDs add preset effects and programmable lighting control. They make the 500+ distinctive, but they do not improve computing performance. Keyboard layouts and key counts vary by region, so buyers should check the local version rather than assuming every 500+ has the same arrangement.
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Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →The integrated design is both an advantage and a limitation. It keeps the desk tidy and reduces loose components, but the computer is not a freely removable board that can be moved between cases. A keyboard fault also affects the whole desktop experience. Raspberry Pi’s keyboard-computer documentation explains the keyboard and LED features.
What the internal SSD and 16GB of RAM change
256GB NVMe storage
The pre-installed 256GB SSD makes the 500+ feel more like a conventional desktop than a microSD-first Raspberry Pi setup. NVMe storage is a practical system-drive choice for the operating system, applications and user files, although exact boot or application speed claims require independent testing.
The SSD is replaceable, and the internal M.2 socket supports larger NVMe drives up to the 2280 form factor. Upgrading requires opening the enclosure, so follow Raspberry Pi’s documented procedure rather than treating the drive as externally accessible.
Rank #3
- 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝗺𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗦𝗲𝘁𝘂𝗽 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗿𝗲-𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗢𝗦: Start creating right out of the box—our kit arrives with Raspberry Pi OS already on the microSD card, saving you time and effort from day one.
- 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱, 𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝗻 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗕𝗼𝘅: From the case to the power supply and a generous microSD card, we’ve bundled every essential so you can skip the extra shopping and focus on building your dream project.
- 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲: Enjoy smooth, reliable operation as our whisper-quiet fan and heat sinks work together to keep your Pi running cool—even during intensive tasks.
- 𝗩𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗻𝘆 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁: Whether it’s coding lessons, retro gaming, smart home setups, or robotics experiments, our kit powers unlimited possibilities, letting you tailor your Pi adventure to your passion.
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16GB memory
Sixteen gigabytes provides more headroom for browser tabs, development tools, local services, containers, compiling and memory-heavy educational software. It can also make the machine more interesting for local AI or data-processing experiments, but memory capacity alone does not turn it into a high-performance AI workstation.
The CPU and GPU remain broadly Pi 5-class. Games and GPU-heavy workloads will not automatically become proportionally faster, and Arm compatibility, Linux support, graphics capability, thermals and power limits still matter. Raspberry Pi attributed the 500+’s later price increases to sharply higher LPDDR4 memory costs in its April 2026 pricing announcement.
What is included?
The product is sold as a unit and, historically, as a Desktop Kit. At launch, the kit added a Raspberry Pi mouse, USB-C power supply, HDMI cable and the Raspberry Pi Beginner’s Guide, 5th Edition. The launch prices were $200 for the unit and $220 for the kit on September 25, 2025; those are historical prices, not the current starting price.
Plan to provide or buy the following:
- An external monitor or television.
- A suitable USB-C power supply if it is not included with your package.
- A micro-HDMI cable or adapter.
- A mouse or other pointing device.
- An Ethernet cable if wired networking is preferred.
- A larger replacement NVMe SSD if 256GB is insufficient.
- An optional microSD card for alternate installations or recovery workflows.
Setup and troubleshooting
- Connect the 500+ to a display through micro-HDMI.
- Connect an appropriate USB-C power supply.
- Attach a mouse if required.
- Power on and allow Raspberry Pi OS on the pre-installed SSD to boot.
- Complete the first-run setup, connect to Wi-Fi or Ethernet, and install updates.
- Configure the keyboard lighting if desired.
- Open the enclosure only when replacing or upgrading the SSD, using the official instructions.
Common problems
- No display: Check the selected monitor input, micro-HDMI port, cable and power supply.
- No boot: Check the power source and SSD installation. Use the current documented microSD or network-install recovery path where supported by the firmware.
- Power warnings or instability: Use a suitable USB-C supply; not every phone charger provides the same reliable result.
- Wi-Fi trouble: Test Ethernet and confirm the correct regional wireless configuration.
- Lighting confusion: Keyboard lighting controls are separate from ordinary display settings.
For exact recovery controls, installation options and current setup behavior, use the official documentation rather than relying on older keyboard-computer guides.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Can it replace a normal desktop?
For the right workload, yes. Raspberry Pi OS can handle web browsing, office tasks, programming, scripting, Linux learning, media playback, education, GPIO projects, retro gaming and lightweight home-server work. The SSD and extra memory make it a more comfortable desktop-oriented configuration than a basic microSD-only setup.
Rank #4
It is a weaker choice for modern AAA games, heavy 3D work, professional video editing and applications with poor Arm or Linux support. It also cannot replace a laptop when you need a built-in screen, battery, webcam or portability. At $410, it should not be mistaken for a universal performance-per-dollar winner.
Price history changes the verdict
Raspberry Pi announced the 500+ on September 25, 2025 at $200 for the unit and $220 for the Desktop Kit. Memory-related increases followed in 2026, including a $150 increase announced in April. The official product page listed the 500+ from $410 when checked on August 16–18, 2026.
That difference explains why older reviews may describe the 500+ as a reasonable premium bundle while current buyers may see it as expensive. Regional taxes, reseller margins, shipping and stock can change the final price, so check the official product page and local retailer listing before buying.
Who should buy the Raspberry Pi 500+?
- Buy it if the integrated keyboard-computer form factor is the main attraction, and you value mechanical keys, RGB lighting, 16GB RAM and internal NVMe storage in one tidy enclosure.
- Choose the Raspberry Pi 500 if you want the same general platform for less and can accept a membrane keyboard, lower memory configuration and simpler storage.
- Choose a Raspberry Pi 5 if you already own a keyboard and display, want to select your own case, cooling and storage, or need to move the computer between projects.
- Consider the Raspberry Pi 400 if price matters most and an older, less capable keyboard computer is sufficient. Raspberry Pi said in February 2026 that the Pi 400 remained at $60, although local availability and reseller pricing still require checking.
- Consider an x86 mini PC or laptop if broad application compatibility, stronger conventional desktop performance, a built-in display or battery matters more than GPIO and the Raspberry Pi ecosystem.
The 500+ is particularly difficult to justify if you already own a good keyboard, SSD and Pi 5-class computer. In that situation, its premium is paying for integration and presentation rather than a new processor generation.
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