Vilros Keyboard and Touchpad Hub for Raspberry Pi-Creates Raspberry Pi Single Unit Desktop

Pretty interesting case, it's definitely bulkier than I expected (there's a lot of empty space in the area under the keys towards the front of the case - would be neat to have that as an available storage compartment) and wish it had a bluetooth option and that it was powered via usb. Could also use a monitor stand while I'm wishlisting, but overall if you want to keep your pi in a keyboard this is a good option. It was less convenient for me, than I had anticipated (the bulk makes it unpleasant to move around - especially when adding in peripherals like a monitor, power source...). If you want to keep your pi technically portable but in practice anchored to a certain area (likely with a large hdmi monitor) as a psuedo desktop computer or media center for your tv I could see that working out quite well... ooo did I just talk myself into another pi to find a project for this case? Maybe.

This is a really well built case. It fits on my shelf nicely next to my Commodores, which is exactly what I wanted. The keyboard is well built and very nice to type on. The touchpad is good quality too, but not as nice as what you will get on a high end laptop (but then it was never going to be for the price). There is plenty of room as well, if you wanted to hook up a ribbon cable to run out to a breadboard or even set up an SSD or something. It keeps all of your ports accessible pretty well too. It's hard to say for sure, but it seems as if there is enough room for a hat or hooking up an internal battery pack which would be pretty cool to do. There are a few downsides. It requires a wireless dongle for the keyboard. I was really hoping there was some other way, but if you consider the Pi's I/O options there really aren't any good choices without getting out a soldering iron and playing with the USB headers. The tabs on the panels you pop off to get at your SD card or change the keyboard's batteries or flip the keyboard on and off are very stiff and hard to pry loose. I think this might be the plastic choice. I didn't break the tabs thankfully, but I'd recommend being quite careful with them.

A graceful keyboard one that caters for the average techy. I use this with my raspberry pi and is an excellent addition. This reduces the number of attachments needed. It is quite accurate with the use of the mouse. The keyboard is not as soft as one may expect but gives an outside rough finish appeal. It is a product to have. I have not used it long enough to ascertain the battery life. However, I would recommend this for those in the field of raspberry pi and those who indulge in some wifi hacking

This keyboard case seems well constructed and it holds the Ras Pi securely. Unlike some other reviewers, I thought the instructions for the fan were pretty clear and it stays in place for me. The design is reminiscent of a Commodore 64, which is kind of fun. That's the good stuff. Here's the not good stuff.... The keyboard is battery operated and it you are going to need to break out the screwdriver to open up the bottom to change the batteries. Because it is battery powered, it has an on/off switch, which is also buried under a plastic tab that is hard to get off. This is really just a normal battery powered wireless keyboard with a USB dongle grafted into this case. Really nothing special there. If you want access to the SD card on the Pi, you have to open ANOTHER plastic cover with stubborn tabs. For the short time I've had mine, I just ended up leaving these covers for the keyboard switch and SD card off. And after all that, keep in mind that if you are emulating an Amiga or a C-64 or whatever, this is NOT THAT keyboard. They aren't hiding that fact in the listing at all, but think about it. It means that any keyboard overlays you have for various games won't fit. It means the keycaps are not going to match, and it means that for Amiga emulation there is no numeric keypad (which some games and WHDL installations use). So for me anyway, while the listing is clear and accurate, in real life usage, this case is just not $50 worth of good. Yes, it all functions, but it is just too many compromises. I feel like I'm better off with a standard case with a mouse and keyboard plugged in. I'm returning mine.

This case reminds me of the days when you keyboard housed your whole machine (C64, Sinclair, So on). I like the idea, it needs some improvements... I would like to see a Pi Hat connection between the keyboard and the Pi, The batteries for the keyboard need to be easily accessible, the on/off switch for the keyboard needs to be linked to the pi its self, an on/off switch for the Pi would be nice. I love how you have extra space for other extensions and Items in the keyboard case. Needless to say, I love this. Keep improving it, and it will become a wonderful product.

Superb retro keyboard solution when combined with a Raspberry Pi and BMC64 (Commodore 8 bit computer emulator), or ZX-Baremulator (ZX-Spectrum emulator), or Amibian (Amiga emulator). Combine it with a Micro SD card extension cable to allow for easy changing of the Micro SD card, without having to flip the computer over. Updated Dec 18, 2020:- One advantage I like with this keyboard is the fact that not only can I use it with a raspberry PI, but also by consolidating keyboards and mice. I just move the adapter from the Raspberry PI to the PCs I'm using, and voila. Good way to save space.

Same as other reviews, the keyboard should be connected directly and not use a dongle and batteries. Other than that, I'm satisfied. If you like to mod things for your personal use, this product does allow you the room to do so. You will void the warranty but for the price and what it contains, I wouldn't send it back anyway. The fan could be of better quality as mine screeches sometimes. Also, a integrated On/off circuit would be better. Had to mod my own in. Overall satisfied with my purchase.

Bought my 1st in Sept 20 after ETA Primes great review. It arrived Nov 20 (from USA to Western Australia, so delay is normal) but, unfortunately, it didn’t work properly. The keys were slow to respond and I couldn’t touch type at all. Got a refund which is excellent, and the vendor & Vilros were great to deal with. So, I decided to try again when Amazon Australia placed these on sale. Crossed my fingers and waited. The 2nd one is all that ETA Prime announced. I’ve got an 8GB Raspberry Pi 4B in mine and I must say it is really nice. It’s about Commodore C64 (breadbox model) size, but, unlike the Pi 400, I have the extra oomph of 8GB RAM, Audio jack, and a large keyboard with touchpad which uses one of the 4 USB ports. There’s room inside the base unit for a battery if you want portability. Unfortunately, there isn’t a separate power switch, because the unit is just a base for the Vilros keyboard, which is separately available. But, it is inexpensive and a nice item for your Pi 4B (and 2B & 3B also). Very nice unit, if you get a good one. Support is excellent if you get one that’s not up to snuff. Yes! I would buy another. PS: the Commodore logo is just my bit of humour. 👍😁🌝