OpenAI has stepped into the hardware space for the first time, though not with the device many have been anticipating. Rather than launching the rumored smart speaker developed alongside former Apple designer Jony Ive, the company has introduced a compact control pad designed specifically for its coding platform, Codex.
A Button Pad Built for Managing AI Agents
The product, called Codex Micro, is a square-shaped block of buttons created through a collaboration between OpenAI and keyboard manufacturer Work Louder. OpenAI described it as a limited-run partnership intended to give users additional ways to monitor and manage their coding agents.
The device bears a strong resemblance to Work Louder's existing Creator Micro 2. Marketing images reveal an array of 13 mechanical switches accompanied by a joystick, a dial, and a touch sensor. The overall design also echoes a similar pad that Work Louder previously produced in collaboration with Figma in 2023.
OpenAI confirmed that the Codex Micro will be priced at $230 and sold through Supply Co on a while-supplies-last basis. The company did not disclose the total number of units being produced as part of the partnership.
Color-Coded Keys and Customizable Controls
In a video demonstrating the device, Work Louder co-founder Mike Di Genova explained that the Codex Micro features six frosted keys designed to provide a live view of a user's Codex threads. These keys use different colors to communicate the status of a task, indicating whether it is complete, awaiting feedback, currently running, or has encountered an error.
Beyond the status indicators, the pad includes command keys that can be assigned to frequently used actions such as push-to-talk, accepting or rejecting code changes, and sending messages. The device ships with 32 additional keycaps featuring Codex-specific icons, allowing users to further customize the layout.