Skip to content
logo The magazine for digital lifestyle and entertainment
Artificial intelligence CoBi News All topics
Codex Micro for $230

OpenAI Surprises With New AI Notepad for the Desk

The Codex Micro has more than one key.
The Codex Micro has more than one button. Photo: Getty Images
Share article

July 26, 2026, 9:06 am | Read time: 3 minutes

Until now, OpenAI was primarily known for its AI software. With ChatGPT, the company has significantly shaped the market for generative AI. Now, the firm is venturing into hardware for the first time. However, the first product is not a smartphone, a smart speaker, or smart glasses. Instead, it is a compact input device for the desk.

Together with the accessory manufacturer Work Louder, OpenAI has introduced the Codex Micro. The small keypad is specifically designed for the use of AI agents and aims to make frequently used commands accessible at the push of a button.

AI Commands on Physical Keys

The Codex Micro functions similarly to a classic macro pad. Users can assign specific functions to individual keys, allowing them to perform recurring tasks much faster. For example, users can start AI agents, confirm responses, discard changes, or switch between different models.

X Corp. placeholder
Here you will find content from third-party providers
To interact with or display third-party content, we need your consent.

In total, 13 mechanical keys are available. An additional shift function allows multiple layers with more shortcuts to be used. This makes the device particularly appealing to users who regularly work with AI tools and want to automate as many processes as possible.

Rotary Knob, Analog Stick, and Status Indicators

In addition to the keys, the device features other controls. These include a rotary knob, a small analog stick, and a touch sensor. All inputs can be individually assigned and adapted to the user’s workflow.

Additional LED indicators provide information about the current status. Different colors indicate, for example, whether a request has already been completed, the AI is still working, or human intervention is required. For customization, the manufacturer also includes 33 interchangeable keycaps.

The case is made of aluminum, while the keycaps are crafted from durable PBT plastic. The Codex Micro can be connected either via USB-C or wirelessly via Bluetooth to Windows PCs and Macs.

More on the topic

The technology behind the device is not entirely new. The Codex Micro is based on the already available Creator Micro 2 from Work Louder. The design also differs only in details. The OpenAI version primarily features a white color scheme and special keycaps in the style of the AI company.

For those interested, the price is likely to be particularly intriguing. While the Creator Micro 2 costs between $145 and $175 depending on the configuration, OpenAI charges $230 for the Codex Micro. This makes the special edition significantly more expensive than the technically almost identical original.

Also of interest: ChatGPT goes rogue and conducts a cyberattack independently

Interesting for AI Power Users

Whether the extra cost is worth it will largely depend on individual use. Those who regularly work with multiple AI agents and want to control as many commands as possible directly via hardware could benefit from the device. For occasional users, the added value compared to a conventional keyboard may be limited.

With the Codex Micro, however, OpenAI demonstrates that the company does not want to focus solely on software in the future. Specialized hardware related to AI applications also seems to be increasingly coming into focus.

This article is a machine translation of the original German version of TECHBOOK and has been reviewed for accuracy and quality by a native speaker. For feedback, please contact us at info@techbook.de.

You have successfully withdrawn your consent to the processing of personal data through tracking and advertising when using this website. You can now consent to data processing again or object to legitimate interests.