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[ARTICLE · art-61327] src=cnet.com ↗ pub= topic=artificial-intelligence verified=true sentiment=· neutral

OpenAI's First Hardware Release Turns Out to Be Keypad for Codex

OpenAI released its first consumer hardware device, the Codex Micro, a $230 miniature keyboard for monitoring and controlling Codex AI coding agents. Developed with peripheral maker Work Louder, the keypad features customizable keys, a rotary dial for adjusting AI reasoning level, and a joystick for launching workflows. The limited-run device is available for pre-order through OpenAI's Supply Co. merch store with an estimated ship date of July 24.

read2 min views1 publishedJul 15, 2026
OpenAI's First Hardware Release Turns Out to Be Keypad for Codex
Image: Cnet (auto-discovered)

OpenAI has made its debut into the world of consumer devices, but it isn't in the form of a personalized smart speaker, as was recently rumored earlier this week -- nor is it a smartphone.

The AI company on Wednesday took the wraps off the Codex Micro, a $230 miniature keyboard designed to let you monitor and control Codex agents -- part of OpenAI's AI coding platform. The limited-run keypad was developed with peripheral maker Work Louder and is being sold through [OpenAI's](https://openai.com/supply/co-lab/work-louder/#link={%22linkText%22:%22OpenAI%27s Supply Co. merch store%22,%22target%22:%22%22,%22href%22:%22https://openai.com/supply/co-lab/work-louder/%22,%22role%22:%22standard%22,%22absolute%22:%22%22}) Supply Co. merch store.

The Codex Micro features 13 RGB-lit Agent Keys that display agent status and a customizable set of Command Keys for frequent Codex actions. It also has a rotary dial to adjust the AI's "reasoning level" and a joystick for launching common workflows.

Codex has been a popular app of choice for AI developers and vibe coders. In April, OpenAI said Codex had more than 3 million weekly users. But nearly half of Codex use is for non-coding tasks, according to OpenAI. The company recently announced a series of updates to integrate Codex more into every part of your workday, not just coding.

It ships with 32 extra interchangeable keycaps, connects via Bluetooth or USB-C and is compatible with Mac and Windows. Pre-orders list an estimated ship date of July 24.

It's not quite what many were expecting. OpenAI's debut device was most recently rumored to be a screenless portable smart speaker that would "serve as a humanlike AI companion that lives in the home," according to a Bloomberg report on Tuesday. Previous rumors had suggested a phone with AI agents instead of apps.

(Disclosure: Ziff Davis, CNET's parent company, in April 2025 filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.)

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