Subj : pi500 and pi500+
To   : All
From : Daniel
Date : Thu Oct 09 2025 10:00:01

I wish the folks at raspberry pi would sell the motherboards stag for
the 400/500/500+.

Since they won't, I'msort of exploring the idea of  integratingthe mobo
of the 500tomyown keyboard setup than spending $200 for a 500+ with a
nonstandard keyboard with yet another power key.

A few weeks ago I discovered the 500+ while doing a  quick search for
custom pi500 rigs. It diverted my attention, now, for a few weeks. I was
ALMOST sold on getting the 500+ but was reminded aboutthe customized
nature of the keyboard. The power button is a pain in the ass. They tout
being able to replace the keys... But the power button isn't really on
any keycap kits. And the mapping of LED settings isn't on any other
keycap kits either, that i know of. I'm also not a fan of multimedia
mapping on function keys. I like my F keys to be F keys.

The more I think about thatkeyboard, the less I want it. I want that
NVME and the RAM, but then I dno't really use it on my 500. Is it
something I need or is it just a wishlist item?

What I want is a fullsized keyboard. I know, I'm a dorky dude who is
unlike most others out there who need richter scale clicky keyboards and
60% width and la-dee-fucking-daa LED  fuckness. I don't even care if my
keyboard has a membrane as  long as  itworks when i press the keysdown. 

Pros                        Cons

16gb ram                    custom  kb
NVME with 256gb             price
Mechanical KB               no mobo sold separately
Full sized function keys    custom keys
                            function key mapping notstandard
                            low profile keycaps

If I am going to volunteer a purchase of mechanical keys, Iwant to
replace thecaps at some point. I've effectively talked myself out of the
500+.  But i really fucking hate the 500's keyboard.

I have work ahead.

--- PyGate Linux v1.0
 * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)

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