xinput ☆

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Description:
Utility to configure and test X input devices

Type: Formula | Tracked Since: Dec 28, 2025

Links: Homepage | formulae.brew.sh

Category: System utilities

Tags: x11 input configuration hardware cli

Install: brew install xinput

About:
xinput is a command-line utility for the X Window System that enables users to list, configure, and test input devices like mice, keyboards, and touchscreens. It allows for querying device properties and capabilities, making it essential for troubleshooting and fine-tuning hardware behavior. The tool provides direct control over X input settings, offering a powerful alternative to GUI-based configuration tools.

Key Features:

List all available input devices and their properties
Set and change device properties on the fly
Test device events and inputs in real-time
Create and manage pointer device mappings

Use Cases:

Troubleshooting and configuring non-standard input devices like graphics tablets or touchscreens
Disabling or re-mapping problematic hardware such as trackpads or extra mouse buttons

Alternatives:

xset – xset is used for general X server settings, while xinput is specifically designed for granular input device configuration.
GNOME/KDE Settings GUI – Desktop environment GUIs offer user-friendly input settings but lack the low-level control and scripting capabilities of xinput.

Version History

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