OpenAI and Work Louder Launch Codex Micro Macropad, a $230 Physical Controller for AI Coding
July 15 — OpenAI and mechanical keyboard manufacturer Work Louder have jointly released a new hardware device: the Codex Micro macropad. Designed to provide physical controls for OpenAI's AI-powered coding tool, Codex, the product is a variation of Work Louder's existing Creator Micro 2 keyboard. It is available in limited quantities at a price of $230.
Hardware Features
The Codex Micro macropad uses Work Louder's low-profile mechanical switches, offered in either silent or clicky variants. It connects to a computer via USB-C cable or Bluetooth, and includes a dial and joystick for navigation and selection.
Central to the device are six "agent keys" with shine-through keycaps that illuminate in different colors to indicate the agent's state: white (idle), blue (thinking), green (finished), and red (error). Tapping a key selects the corresponding agent, while double-tapping brings it to the foreground. These agent keys can be customized via Work Louder's Input tool to represent pinned tasks, recent tasks, priority tasks, or specific agents.
Below the agent keys are six regular keys that default to functions such as accept/reject changes and branch threads. A larger button is designated for push-to-talk functionality. The device also features an acrylic edge LED that lights up when recording audio.
The macropad's agent keys illuminate in white, blue, green, or red to visually indicate the AI's current state.
Customization and Compatibility
All keys on the macropad are remappable. The package includes 32 additional keycaps, including those labeled 'yolo' and 'yeet'. Through Work Louder's Input app, users can add up to five additional layers of key functions, allowing the device to be used with other applications beyond Codex.
Context of Development
This collaboration with Work Louder is separate from the previously reported AI device that OpenAI is developing with former Apple designer Jony Ive.