Raspberry Pi 500 Plus
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Features
Introduction
The Raspberry Pi 500+, an upgraded version of the keyboard-type Raspberry Pi all-in-one computer, is equipped with higher memory capacity and high-speed NVMe SSD storage for stronger performance and faster response speed. It features a portable design, which can become a complete microcomputer simply by connecting a mouse and a monitor.
- CPU: 2.4GHz quad-core 64-bit Arm Cortex-A76
- RAM: 16GB LPDDR4X-4267
- Storage: 256GB Raspberry Pi SSD (pre-installed Raspberry Pi OS, supports M.2 NVMe SSD expansion)
- Communication interface: Gigabit Ethernet port, Bluetooth 5.0, dual-band wireless WiFi (2.4GHz / 5.0GHz)
- Display output: Dual micro HDMI ports, support dual 4Kp60 high-resolution display
- USB interface: USB 3.0 × 2, USB 2.0 × 1
- Power supply: 5V 5A USB-C (supports PD)
- Operating temperature: 0°C ~ 50°C
- Outline dimensions: 312 × 123.06 × 35.76 (mm)
| Item | Raspberry Pi 400 | Raspberry Pi 500 | Raspberry Pi 500+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 286 × 122 × 23 (mm) | 286 × 122 × 23 (mm) | 312 × 123 × 35 (mm) |
| Keyboard | 78- / 79- / 83-key membrane keyboard (depending on regional variant) | 78- / 79- / 83-key compact keyboard (depending on regional variant) | 84- / 85- / 88-key mechanical keyboard (depending on regional variant) Gateron KS-33 Blue low-profile switches |
| Processor | Quad-core 64-bit Arm Cortex-A72 CPU, 1.8GHz | Quad-core 64-bit Arm Cortex-A76 CPU, 2.4GHz | Quad-core 64-bit Arm Cortex-A76 CPU, 2.4GHz |
| SoC and I/O controller | BCM2711 SoC | BCM2712 SoC + RP1 I/O controller | BCM2712 SoC + RP1 I/O controller |
| RAM | 4GB SDRAM | 8GB SDRAM | 16GB SDRAM |
| GPU | VideoCore VI @ 500MHz | VideoCore VII @ 910MHz | VideoCore VII @ 910MHz |
| Video output | Dual Micro HDMI ports, capable of outputting single 4K@60Hz or dual 4K@30Hz display | Dual Micro HDMI ports, supporting 4K@60Hz and HDR | Dual Micro HDMI ports, supporting 4K@60Hz and HDR |
| colspan="3" | Aluminum integrated heat sink | |||
| Wireless connection | Dual-band Wi-Fi + Bluetooth BLE | ||
| USB port | USB 3.0 × 2, USB 2.0 × 1 | ||
| Gigabit Ethernet | Supported | ||
| GPIO | Horizontal 40PIN GPIO header | ||
| Storage | TF card slot | TF card slot | TF card slot + M.2 SSD interface |
| Power | 5V 3A (15W) USB-C power supply | 5V 5A (25W) USB-C power supply | 5V 5A (25W) USB-C power supply |
| Power button | Fn + F10 key combination | Independent power button | Independent power button |
| Customizability | \ | Keymapping | Keymapping, RGB backlight, replaceable keycaps |
Function Description
Power interface: It is recommended to use the matching 5V 5A Raspberry Pi official Type-C power supply.
40PIN GPIO interface: Leads out the 40PIN I/O port of the Raspberry Pi, making it convenient to connect various expansion boards.
TF card slot: Used for the operating system and data storage. The default SSD is pre-installed with the system, so there is no need to insert a TF card if there are no special requirements.
Micro HDMI interface: Supports dual 4Kp60 high-resolution display, connected to the display's HDMI port via a micro HDMI cable.
Expand Storage Capacity & Replace M.2 SSD
You can expand the storage capacity by replacing the M.2 SSD inside the Raspberry Pi 500+. In addition, you can also use this slot to install other PCIe peripherals. The Raspberry Pi 500+ supports devices with M.2 M-Key interface, specifications of 2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280.
To complete this, you need to prepare: a cross screwdriver, a flathead screwdriver, and the included plastic pry bar
1. Disassemble Keyboard
① Remove the screws at the bottom of the keyboard
Find 5 screws at the bottom of the keyboard and unscrew them with the cross screwdriver. Please keep these screws properly.
② Separate the keyboard top shell from the bottom shell
Insert the pry bar into the groove in front of the keyboard and lift it up to loosen the connection between the top shell and bottom shell of the keyboard.
③ Slide the pry bar along the gap
Slide the pry bar along the separation gap in front of the keyboard to completely separate the top shell from the bottom shell.
④ Open the keyboard
Place the bottom shell of the keyboard on a flat surface, carefully "flip" the top shell (do not lift it directly), and place it face down on the same flat surface.
Note: The upper and lower parts are connected by a flexible cable, do not pull forcefully to separate.
2. Replace M.2 SSD
① Free the M.2 SSD
Use your fingers or a flathead screwdriver to turn the fixing screw on the right side of the SSD counterclockwise. After removing the screw, the SSD will automatically lift up. Please keep the screw properly.
② Remove the old SSD
Gently pull the SSD to the left and remove the old SSD.
③ Install the new SSD
Insert the new M.2 SSD into the left slot in the correct orientation, gently press the SSD and retighten the right screw to secure it.
④ Close the keyboard shell
Fold back the top shell and align it with the bottom shell, gently press around until the buckle "clicks" to close.
⑤ Tighten the screws
Reinstall the 5 screws at the bottom with a cross screwdriver.
Replace Keycaps
You can replace the default keycaps for the Raspberry Pi 500+ using a custom keycap kit. Due to the Gateron KS-33 switch on the Raspberry Pi 500+ adopting the industry-standard Cherry MX cross-axis design, it is compatible with most third-party keycaps designed for Cherry MX. Please avoid choosing keycaps that are too high, as they may collide with the keyboard frame or produce excessive noise.
1. Remove Keycaps
① Place the two paws of the keycap puller on both sides of the keycap to be removed or replaced, ensuring the paws are positioned below the keycap.
② Press the sides of the claw to grip the keycap, ensuring even pressure on both sides.
③ Gently pull the keycap upwards, avoiding tilting or applying force unevenly.
Note: Removing the keycaps can also make it convenient to clean the area underneath the keycaps.
2. Install Keycaps
① Align the keycaps: Align the cross-shaped axis at the bottom of the keycap with the cross-shaped axis of the corresponding switch.
② Press the keycap gently but firmly until it is fully seated and secure.
Keyboard Layouts
Keycaps are available in multiple languages, with the US layout being the most common, followed by the UK layout, and keycaps in other languages can be harder to purchase.
The Raspberry Pi 500+ keyboard features a 75% improved layout, which means that some keys are non-standard and may not be compatible with regular keycap kits:
- Power button: The power button on the upper right of the keyboard may not be included in other keycap kits.
- Backlight labels: The backlight labels for the F4, F5, and F6 keys are non-standard.
- Volume labels: The volume labels for F10, F11, and F12 keys are non-standard.
- System request key: The SysRq key is non-standard.
- Insert key: The Ins key is non-standard.
- Command key: The Cmd key is usually displayed as Win in keycap kits, and third-party keycap kits do not include the Raspberry Pi logo.
Keycap Type
The Raspberry Pi 500+ comes with low-profile keycaps that keep the keyboard compact while having the feel of traditional mechanical keys. Recommended to use replacement keycaps of the DSA or Cherry type:
- DSA keycap: Flat design, cross-row interchangeable.
- Cherry keycap: Features different ergonomic sculpted profiles, with slight variations in the height or angle of each row. To maintain a consistent feel, check the alignment between the lines.
Note 2: The LED on the Raspberry Pi 500+ keyboard only illuminates the upper part of the keycaps, so completely opaque keycaps may block the backlight effect.
Custom Backlight
The Raspberry Pi 500+ has most of the backlights turned off by default. The default enabled backlights include:
- The active LED behind the power button, when the keyboard is powered on:
* Red: Raspberry Pi 500+ is powered on but not turned on. * Green: Raspberry Pi 500+ is turned on. * Blinking: The TF card is active.
- The rainbow animation displayed on the keyboard during startup. Advanced users can close specific backlight presets by configuring the software. For more information, please refer to Official document: Change Startup Animation Presets.
- The Caps Lock indicator light is on when it is enabled.
The Raspberry Pi 500+ supports other RGB backlight presets driven by Vial QMK firmware. For specific operations, please refer to #Select Backlight Preset.
Select Backlight Preset
The Raspberry Pi 500+ comes with seven built-in backlight presets, which are saved backlight modes on the keyboard.
- Forward switch preset: Press Fn + F4
- Back switch preset: Press Fn + Shift + F4
| Preset Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Off | Default preset, only the power button, startup animation, and uppercase lock indicator light are lit. |
| 1 | Solid Colour White | Fixed white backlight. |
| 2 | Solid Colour | Fixed color backlight, color can be changed via Fn + F3. |
| 3 | Gradient Left Right | Fixed rainbow backlight. |
| 4 | Cycle Pinwheel | Dynamic rainbow backlight, the keys on the keyboard cycle through different colors in rainbow order. |
| 5 | Typing Heatmap | The more times a key is pressed, the closer the color gets to red, and the surrounding keys will also light up. |
| 6 | Solid Reactive Simple | Responsive keyboard, lights up only when a key is pressed, and colors can be selected via Fn + F3. |
Backlight Control
You can customize the RGB backlight color (depending on the preset) and brightness via keyboard shortcuts:
- Change color: Press Fn + F3 to cycle forward through 16 backlight colors; press Fn + Shift + F3 to cycle backward through the colors.
- Adjust brightness: Press Fn + F5 to decrease brightness; press Fn + F6 to increase brightness.
Note: The Shift key on the keyboard can be used to switch backward through available options or reverse functionality. For example, Fn + Shift + F5 increases brightness instead of decreasing it.
Safety Warnings
- Any external power supply used with Raspberry Pi 500+ shall comply with relevant regulations and standards applicable in the country of intended use.
- This product should be operated in a well-ventilated environment and should not be covered when being operated.
- The connection of incompatible devices to Raspberry Pi 500+ may affect compliance, result in damage to the unit, and invalidate the warranty.
- All peripherals used with this product should comply with relevant standards for the country of use and be marked accordingly to ensure that safety and performance requirements are met. These articles include, but are not limited to, mice, monitors and cables when used in conjunction with Raspberry Pi 500+.
- The cables and connectors of all peripherals used with this product must have adequate insulation so that relevant safety requirements are met.
- Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight may cause discoloration.
- Do not expose to water or moisture whilst in operation.
- Do not expose to heat from any source; Raspberry Pi 500+ is designed for reliable operation at normal ambient temperatures.
- Take care whilst handling to avoid mechanical or electrical damage to the computer
Resources
Official Documents
Raspberry Pi 500+ Official Manual
Software
Learning Resource
FAQ
Raspberry Pi 5 requires the latest version of Raspberry Pi OS Bookworm or Trixie.
The Raspberry Pi 5 is a computer with higher performance than the Raspberry Pi 4, and may encounter issues when using insufficient power. We recommend a high-quality 5V 5A USB-C power supply.
Support
Technical Support
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