Input - Linux Version

⚠️ Disclaimer

This project is an unofficial community-developed port of the Input application, intended for use on Linux systems.

While this project has been acknowledged and welcomed by Work Louder Inc., it is not officially supported or maintained by them. As such, functionality and stability are not guaranteed.

Important Notes

• This software is provided "as is", without any warranties, express or implied.
• Use at your own risk.
• Work Louder does not guarantee the safety, integrity, or reliability of any files downloaded from this repository or related sources. Users are responsible for reviewing and validating the software before installation.
• Work Louder cannot be held liable for any damages or legal claims resulting from the use or distribution of this software.

By using, copying, modifying, or distributing this software, you agree to these terms.

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Usage

You have two options for using Input on Linux:

Option 1: Download Prebuilt AppImage

The easiest way to get started is by visiting the Releases Page and downloading the latest .AppImage.

Make the AppImage executable and run it:

We recommend using a tool like Gear Lever

You may need FUSE in order for the AppImage to run.

sudo apt install libfuse2
chmod +x Input-*.AppImage
./Input-*.AppImage

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Option 2: Build It Yourself

This option is for users who want to rebuild the application from the official Windows installer.

Requirements

Before running the setup script, ensure the following tools are installed and accessible in your $PATH:

Tool	Purpose	Ubuntu/Debian Install Command
curl	Download files over HTTP(S)	sudo apt install curl
7z	Extract .exe and .7z archives (p7zip-full)	sudo apt install p7zip-full
node	JavaScript runtime	sudo apt install nodejs
npm	Node.js package manager	sudo apt install npm
asar	Extract and repack .asar Electron archives	sudo npm install -g asar
build-essential	Required for compiling native modules	sudo apt install build-essential
python3.11	Compatible Python version with venv support	sudo apt install python3.11 python3.11-venv
git	Used to clone the repository (optional)	sudo apt install git

Install them all in one step:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install curl p7zip-full nodejs npm build-essential python3.11 python3.11-venv git
sudo npm install -g asar

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🛠️ Build Process

The setup script now:

• Creates a virtualenv with Python 3.11+ to ensure a compatible distutils environment
• Installs setuptools and a shim for distutils to work with modern Python
• Rebuilds native modules like node-hid using the patched environment
• Applies community patches into ./input-app/
• Launches the app with Electron

Run it:

git clone https://github.com/worklouder/input-linux.git
cd input-linux
bash input4linux-0.8.2.sh

Launch the app:

./input-app/start.sh

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Optional: Udev Rule Setup

Install the necessary udev rules to allow access to your Work Louder device:

Input should automatically create these for you.

curl -sSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/worklouder/input-linux/main/patch/dist-electron/scripts/install-udev-worklouder.sh | sudo bash

Afterward, unplug and replug your keyboard before launching the app.

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Troubleshooting

• If node-hid fails to build and you’re using Python 3.12 or newer, ensure the build script properly activates its virtualenv.
• Use Python 3.11+ for best compatibility with node-gyp.
• If the app launches but doesn’t detect your device, ensure udev rules are installed (see above).
• The build script defaults to TEST_MODE=true, which skips over non-critical errors. You can run it in strict mode like this:

TEST_MODE=false ./input4linux-0.8.2.sh

• If you were previously using npm config set python, that’s no longer needed. The build script uses export PYTHON=... automatically now.

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Contributions

Pull requests are welcome. This project is maintained on a best-effort basis by the community.

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License

This project does not claim ownership of Input. Input is a product of Work Louder Inc. This port is provided under an unofficial and permissive approach intended to help Linux users make use of their devices. Refer to the individual license files, if applicable.