Technical Articles
2025-01-14

Build a Handheld PC with Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W and a Powerful 48-Key, 3D Printed Case

Machine Heart reports
Editor: Chen Ping
A PC that can fit in the palm of your hand.
If someone mentions a handheld PC today, they almost certainly mean a smartphone. However, Raspberry Pi enthusiasts always find ways to showcase their retro side. With minimal technical improvements and some outdated console components along with a real mechanical keyboard, you can have a DIY PC that fits in the palm of your hand. This is what the Penkesu project aims to achieve.
The project author is Penk Chen, who introduces how to build a retro-style handheld PC using the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W, with a resolution of 400 x 1280 and a 7.9-inch touchscreen. Additionally, it includes other electronic components: a 3.7 V Li-Po battery and an Adafruit PowerBoost 1000C for power supply.
The finished product is shown in the image below, and it really looks retro.

Build a Handheld PC with Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W and a Powerful 48-Key, 3D Printed Case

This Raspberry Pi computer operates very smoothly without any lag:

Build a Handheld PC with Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W and a Powerful 48-Key, 3D Printed Case

The project garnered over 600 stars just three days after its launch:

Build a Handheld PC with Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W and a Powerful 48-Key, 3D Printed Case

Project address: https://github.com/penk/penkesu
How was this handheld PC created?
The overall design of the computer case centers around the display and keyboard to achieve a (relatively) compact physical size. The mechanical keyboard is orthogonal, with 48 keys, all keys aligned in the same row and column without offset, resembling a grid, which differs from our commonly used keyboards.

Build a Handheld PC with Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W and a Powerful 48-Key, 3D Printed Case

The materials list for building this computer includes a display, case, keyboard, etc., detailed components are as follows:

Build a Handheld PC with Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W and a Powerful 48-Key, 3D Printed Case

  • Display: Waveshare 7.9-inch capacitive touchscreen; HDMI ribbon cable;

  • Case: Game Boy Advance SP hinge to allow the PC to fold shut, 3D printed parts (STL and STEP files);

  • Electronic components: Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W, 3.7V 606090 (or similar) Li-Po battery, Adafruit PowerBoost 1000C;

  • Keyboard: Kailh Low Profile Choc v1 Switches x 48, MBK Choc Low Profile Keycaps x 48, 1N4148 Diode x 48, Arduino Pro Micro x 1, PCB x 1.

Regarding the keyboard, the keyboard used in this project is called Koda; however, its layout was adjusted to better meet current needs. If users wish to use another keyboard for construction, they can do so by editing the CAD file and adjusting the size of the compartments in the case.

Build a Handheld PC with Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W and a Powerful 48-Key, 3D Printed Case

Step two: Add thermoset threaded inserts (M2x6) at the four corners of the screen frame, and add 2 M2x6 on the hinge cover.
Step three: Wrap the ribbon cable twice and pull it through the hinge cover.

Build a Handheld PC with Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W and a Powerful 48-Key, 3D Printed Case

Step four: Wiring:

Build a Handheld PC with Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W and a Powerful 48-Key, 3D Printed Case

Build a Handheld PC with Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W and a Powerful 48-Key, 3D Printed Case

Step five: Connect the keyboard’s micro USB and the display’s mini HDMI port to the Pi Zero 2 W; insert the micro SD card into the Pi Zero 2 W.
Step six: Secure all components with M2x6 screws.
A Raspberry Pi handheld computer is thus completed.
Reference link: https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2022/02/diy-handheld-pc-uses-mechanical-keyboard-game-boy-pieces-raspberry-pi/

Build a Handheld PC with Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W and a Powerful 48-Key, 3D Printed Case

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