OpenAI launches Micro – a ChatGPT keypad that coders may love, but others might find puzzling
OpenAI has released its first hardware device – Micro, a keypad designed to work with ChatGPT. The device has received mixed reviews: coders are skeptical, but for heavy ChatGPT users it might prove useful.
Last week, OpenAI introduced its first hardware product: a compact keypad called Micro, developed in collaboration with keyboard designer Work Louder. The device is meant to complement ChatGPT and its coding tool Codex, but its actual usefulness depends on the user.
Micro feels sturdy and could double as a paperweight. Its packaging – a white box with a sleek, minimalist design – evokes Apple’s aesthetic. On top are six frosted “agent” keys that can be customized to perform specific tasks in ChatGPT or Codex. Below them are six command keys. The keypad connects to a computer via Bluetooth or a USB cable.
One of the most convenient features is the voice dictation button: hold it down, speak your request, then press the adjacent “send” button to submit. Everything from key backlight brightness to specific commands can be adjusted within the ChatGPT app.
However, Micro hasn’t won over its target audience – coders. On Reddit, reactions have been largely negative, with one user calling it “a prank and not a real product” and others saying serious developers won’t touch it. A review by independent outlet Aftermath was even harsher, noting that the $230 price is hard to justify against cheaper DIY or off-the-shelf alternatives.
On the other hand, once you learn how to program the keypad, Micro can be fun and efficient. It allows you to assign different ChatGPT sessions to specific keys, making it easy to switch between projects. The color-coded keys indicate status: white for idle, blue for thinking, green for complete, and red for error. But that requires memorization.
The big question: Is Micro actually easier than using a mouse and keyboard? The answer depends on how much you rely on ChatGPT. For power users who don’t mind the price tag and appreciate clicky, retro‑style hardware, Micro could be a worthwhile purchase.
