DIY Raspberry Pi Handheld Features Slide-Out Keyboard

(Image credit: Rahmanshaber)

Earlier this week, a creator in the Raspberry Pi community known as Rahmanshaber released a new version of his handheld Pi project. The MutantC V2 is similar to the MutantC V1 from last year, but this new edition comes with a few improvements—including support for the Raspberry Pi 4. Best of all, you can make this project yourself.

One of the biggest draws to the handheld is the slide-out keyboard mechanism. The MutantC V2 also uses an LCD touchscreen display. The entire housing is 3D printed with all of the files available for download on Thingiverse. You won't need any custom software, vanilla Raspbian should work fine. The most you'll need to do is install drivers for the hardware you're using.

The case is designed to hold a 4-inch or 3.5-inch touchscreen display, so you have some leeway when it comes to choosing your hardware. This edition recommends using an 18650 rechargeable battery for power. There are a few additional features like shoulder buttons for navigation and an expansion header for add-on boards.

If you want to get your hands on one of these awesome Pi handhelds, check out the MutantC website. Rahmanshaber provides everything you need to get started from hardware to set up instructions. Overall, it's a simple project that requires little hardware and minimal soldering.

Ash Hill
Freelance News and Features Writer

Ash Hill is a Freelance News and Features Writer with a wealth of experience in the hobby electronics, 3D printing and PCs. She manages the Pi projects of the month and much of our daily Raspberry Pi reporting while also finding the best coupons and deals on all tech.