Subj : Re: pi500 and pi500+ To : All From : Daniel Date : Fri Oct 10 2025 06:30:01 Theo writes: > Daniel wrote: >> 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 500/500+ keyboards run QMK on a RP2040. So you could just change the > mappings in QMK if the particular layout bothers you. Presumably that means > you can also rework the LED behaviour if you want too. > > For the power button, I think it's just a regular sized keycap? Buy an > extra unlabelled keycap, or reuse another keycap with a sticker? > (do you actually need it to be labelled, or can you just 'know' that button > is the power button?) > > I assume if you buy a full 102/etc key set then there will be some keycaps > left over with one you can use for the power key. OK it might have the > decimal point or something printed on it, but can you live with that? Lots of food for thought. Thanks for the reply and thoughtful alternatives. >> 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. > > Seems like a big project to DIY your own thing where some minor tweaks to > the existing design might do it. It would, indeed, be a huge project especially for a custom wireless mechanical build. Most barebone offerings are wired keyboards so I was going down the rabbit hole. I mean, it could be rewarding in the end but it would be a long development period for a working solution. I will explore your suggestions. > Theo --- PyGate Linux v1.0 * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10) .