Review on 🔑 KEYESTUDIO Leonardo R3 Microcontroller Development Board Kit with USB Cable for Arduino Projects by Kimberly Banks

You probably can't tell when you look at it, but it's a serious little computer. It packs a Nordic Semi nRF51822 ARM Cortex-M0 microcontroller that's pretty powerful alongside the BTLE radio for those who don't know. I never thought I'd see this chip on a 6th grade chalkboard because it's usually pretty serious stuff that's harder than average to program. Don't let the 6th grade GUI fool you. This thing can be used by embedded systems engineers to prototype various Bluetooth products with any existing Bluetooth profile, but Microsoft MakeCode has made programming easy enough for non-technical kids. (Of course, MakeCode can't be used for everything you could do with C and ARM CMSIS, but I'm still impressed with what you can do, including some limited radio functionality and third-party extensions like AdaFruit.) The only thing I What I don't like about it is the edge connector which is great for working with alligator clips and 3 GPIO pins, but if you need access to other pins you really need a female edge connector which will cost you around $10 for the breadboard adapter -Version. Other small microcontroller boards either have bottom pins that connect directly to the breadboard, or top sockets that can simply be used with jumpers. So for the most part it's just awesome, but I think they really should have put more effort into coming up with a breadboard design that doesn't require an edge connector. I can think of several ways to place both headers and alligator pads on the same board. Breadboard connections are essential to go beyond the basics which older kids and adults will definitely want to do if this is their first board. Features like LED matrix and accelerometer. Do you want nRF51822 with bluetooth capability. Don't buy it if you need something to replicate and move on to more advanced ones right away. Instead I would recommend buying an Arduino breadboard with jumpers and accessories. The KEYSTUDIO kit is good, everything was brand new and as expected. The battery pack is required if you intend to use it primarily with the iPad.