Waveshare Pi 500 Portable Keyboard Compatible with Raspberry Pi 500

Our review of the Waveshare Pi 500 Portable Keyboard kit finds it best suited for hobbyists and makers who want a compact, self-contained Raspberry Pi 500 desktop experience. The kit's single biggest selling point is convenience: the Raspberry Pi 500 is built into a portable keyboard chassis and ships with a preinstalled 32GB MicroSD plus all the cables and accessories needed to start immediately, so users can get a working dual-4K capable Pi on the desk in minutes.

Key Features

• All-in-one kit: Includes the Raspberry Pi 500 with a built-in 32GB MicroSD card, a GPIO adapter board, two HDMI to micro HDMI cables, a 27W USB-C power supply, USB mouse and a card reader so users can start without hunting for extras.
• Strong processor: The Pi 500 uses a quad-core 2.4GHz Cortex-A76 CPU with the RP1 I/O controller, delivering noticeably faster general compute and multitasking than older Pi models.
• Improved cooling: A one-piece aluminium heatsink is integrated into the keyboard chassis to keep the board running smoothly under sustained loads.
• Dual 4K output: Dual micro HDMI ports support dual 4K displays and H.265 hardware decoding, useful for multitasking or media playback.
• Plenty of memory and connectivity: 8GB LPDDR4X RAM, dual-band WiFi, Bluetooth 5.0, Gigabit Ethernet and two USB 3.0 ports cover both networked and peripheral needs.

Who It's For

The Waveshare Pi 500 kit is ideal for makers, educators and anyone who wants a portable, ready-to-run Raspberry Pi desktop that avoids the usual parts scavenger hunt. It suits users who value out-of-the-box convenience, dual-monitor capability and a compact footprint for desk or classroom use.

It is less appropriate for those who need industrial I/O, extended temperature operation beyond 0C to 50C, or a highly modular case environment; advanced users seeking custom enclosures or nonstandard power setups may prefer a standalone Raspberry Pi board and separate peripherals.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Complete starter kit makes setup quick and straightforward for new Raspberry Pi 500 owners.
• Built-in aluminium heatsink and RP1 controller help maintain performance during heavier tasks.
• Dual micro HDMI outputs with 4K support expand use cases to media and multiwindow productivity.
• 8GB RAM and 32GB MicroSD offer a solid foundation for desktop and development work.

Cons

• Operating temperature range of 0C to 50C limits use in very hot or cold environments.
• The integrated keyboard form factor reduces modularity for projects that need easy board access.

Specifications

Processor	Quad-core 2.4GHz Cortex-A76 (RP1 controller)
Memory	8GB LPDDR4X RAM
Storage	Built-in 32GB MicroSD card included
Video Output	Dual micro HDMI supporting dual 4K and H.265 decoding
Connectivity	Dual-band WiFi, Bluetooth 5.0, Gigabit Ethernet, 2 x USB 3.0
Power	USB-C 27W Type-C power supply included
Operating Temp	0C to 50C

Our Verdict

The Waveshare Pi 500 Portable Keyboard kit is a strong value for those who want a ready-to-run Raspberry Pi 500 desktop that supports dual 4K displays and offers robust cooling and connectivity. It removes the friction of sourcing accessories and is especially useful in classrooms, workshops and for anyone who needs a compact, portable Pi setup, though users who need full modular access or extreme temperature ranges should consider other formats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the kit include storage and cables?
Yes, it ships with a built-in 32GB MicroSD card, two HDMI to micro HDMI cables, a card reader and a 27W USB-C power supply.

Can it drive two 4K monitors?
Yes, the Pi 500 in this keyboard supports dual micro HDMI outputs and 4K video playback with H.265 hardware decoding.

Is the unit suitable for outdoor or industrial use?
No, the specified operating temperature range is 0C to 50C, which is intended for typical indoor environments.