OpenAI has revealed its first hardware product, the Codex Micro, a compact keypad developed with specialty keyboard maker Work Louder. After speculation ranging from a speaker to an iPhone competitor, the announcement surprises with a US$230 peripheral resembling a Stream Deck for ChatGPT.

The device features 13 mechanical keys with clicky or silent options, one touch sensor, one rotary encoder, and one planar joystick. RGB backlighting extends across keys and side panels. Connectivity includes Bluetooth and USB-C, while 31 swappable keycaps made from PBT and polycarbonate allow customization.

Built from CNC'd polycarbonate and aluminium, the keypad emphasizes premium construction. However, OpenAI notes it works with any software accepting keyboard input, not exclusively its own AI. Whether the premium price justifies the niche functionality remains an open question for potential buyers.