OpenAI’s first hardware accessory is a small keypad built for ChatGPT power users, and TechCrunch’s hands-on review suggests its appeal may be narrow. The Micro keypad, developed with specialty keyboard maker Work Louder, pairs with a computer over Bluetooth or USB and adds programmable buttons for ChatGPT and Codex workflows.
The device has six customizable “agent” keys, command buttons, and a voice-dictation control for sending spoken requests. Users can assign specific ChatGPT sessions or projects to keys, then use color cues to see whether an agent is idle, thinking, complete, or in an error state.
TechCrunch found the hardware sturdy and potentially fun after setup, but questioned whether most people would learn a new accessory when a regular keyboard and mouse already work. The $230 price also faces skepticism from coders who can buy or build cheaper macropads. For OpenAI, Micro is less a mass-market breakthrough than an early test of whether dedicated controls can make agentic software feel more tangible for heavy users.