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.
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.
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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.
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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.