In the end, the much-discussed OpenAI hardware product has arrived and is certainly very different from how we imagined it. It is called Codex Micro, a macro keyboard developed in collaboration with Work Louder, designed for those who regularly use Codex and AI agents in development activities.
So it’s not the consumer device OpenAI would be working on with Jony Ive, but a tool designed for developers and professionals and for rapid management of AI functions.
OpenAI Codex Micro: The First Official Hardware Is a Smart Keyboard for AI Control
The new Codex Micro integrates 13 mechanical keys, including six Agent Keys backlit keys that allow you to control Codex agents. The lighting changes color based on the activity state, allowing you to immediately understand if an agent is inactive, is processing a request, has completed the task, or requires user intervention.
The goal is to reduce the use of repetitive prompts and offer a more immediate interaction with artificial intelligence. In addition to programmable keys, the device also includes a knob and a joystick.
The knob lets you adjust the AI agent’s reasoning level, increasing the depth of processing for more complex tasks or favouring speed for daily operations. The joystick, on the other hand, can be configured to call up to four customized functions, such as debugging and code refactoring.
Extensive customization, connectivity, and price
One of the device’s strengths is customization. The OpenAI device arrives with 32 interchangeable keycaps with dedicated icons, while the command mapping can be managed directly within the Codex ecosystem.
For more advanced needs, the software Work Louder Input is also available, enabling up to six programmable levels, greatly expanding the number of shortcuts available.
Codex Micro supports both the Bluetooth and USB-C connections and is compatible with Windows and macOS. The device is priced at $230 and is available in limited quantities through the official channels of OpenAI and Work Louder.
We note again that Codex Micro is a completely distinct product from the AI device without a screen that OpenAI would be developing with Jony Ive.
