Who needs a bulky desktop when you can have a computer built into your keyboard? The Pi 1000 is a testament to the endless possibilities of the Raspberry Pi. This DIY project combines the latest Raspberry Pi 5 with a high-speed NVMe SSD to create a surprisingly powerful and compact computer.

Imagine typing away on a seemingly ordinary keyboard, unaware of the computing prowess hidden beneath your fingertips. The Pi 1000 makes this a reality. By carefully crafting a custom case and integrating the Raspberry Pi and its components, you can transform a standard keyboard into a fully functional PC. It reminds us of a Ryzen-powered version we saw a few weeks ago.

Pi 1000 is a fast all-in-one PC and decent for gaming

One of the standout features of the Pi 1000 is its impressive speed. Thanks to the combination of the Raspberry Pi 5 and the NVMe SSD, boot times are incredibly fast, and overall performance is significantly enhanced compared to previous Raspberry Pi-based keyboard computers.

Arnov shows off benchmarks in the video above, with the Pi 5 Model B scoring 824 and 1836 for single-core and multi-core on Geekbench, respectively. Furthermore, tests in Minecraft (Bedrock edition) and Tekken 6 (via a PSP emulator) showed great results with smooth gameplay in both. An Xbox controller could also be connected via USB without any problems.

A one hour project, apparently

While the project might seem daunting for beginners, detailed guides and tutorials are available online, making it accessible to users of all skill levels. The satisfaction of building your own computer, coupled with the portability and unique form factor of the Pi 1000, makes it a truly rewarding endeavor.

If you are interested in finding out the full build process, then make sure you head over to the original Hackster post. The creator of this pretty impressive build, Arnov Sharma, will walk you through it step-by-step. It is listed as a “beginner” difficulty project, with an estimated build time of just one hour – safe to say that results may vary here depending on your know-how.

So, if you’re looking for a fun and challenging project that results in a practical and innovative device, the Pi 1000 is definitely worth considering. It’s a perfect blend of technology and creativity, proving once again that the Raspberry Pi is a platform with limitless potential.

About the Author

Tom Valentine

Tom is a tech writer with a detailed view on ensuring the best buying advice, most useful information, and latest news makes its way into PC Guide's articles.