Voxtype vs WhisperWriter | Linux Speech-to-Text Comparison
Description: Compare Voxtype and WhisperWriter for speech-to-text. Linux-native vs cross-platform Python app.

← All Comparisons

# Voxtype vs WhisperWriter

Two Whisper-based dictation tools with different platform targets and workflows.

## At a Glance

Aspect | Voxtype | WhisperWriter
--- | --- | ---
Language | Rust | Python (PyQt5)
Platform | Linux (Wayland & X11) | Cross-platform
Interface | Daemon (CLI) | System tray GUI
Memory | ~50MB | ~300-500MB
GPU Acceleration | Vulkan, CUDA, Metal, ROCm | CUDA only
Text Processing | Word replacements, spoken punctuation | Limited

## Platform Support

### Voxtype

Linux-only, optimized for Wayland but works on X11 too. Uses evdev for hotkey detection (works on any Linux desktop), wtype for text output on Wayland (with CJK support), and ydotool on X11.

### WhisperWriter

Cross-platform (Windows, Linux, macOS). Uses pynput for hotkeys and keyboard library for output. Wayland support has known issues.

Linux users: Voxtype has better Linux support due to its kernel-level evdev architecture. CJK character output works on Wayland via wtype.

## Recording Modes

### Voxtype: 2 modes

- Push-to-talk (default): Hold key to record, release to transcribe
- Toggle: Press to start, press again to stop

### WhisperWriter: 4 modes

- Continuous (default): Records until silence
- Voice activity: VAD-based detection
- Press to toggle: Like Voxtype's toggle mode
- Hold to record: Like Voxtype's push-to-talk

## API Options

### Voxtype

Local Whisper only. Uses whisper.cpp for offline inference.

### WhisperWriter

Can use either:

- Local Whisper model (faster-whisper)
- OpenAI API (requires API key)

The API option is useful if you have a weak CPU and an OpenAI account.

## Setup Comparison

### Voxtype

    # Install
    sudo dpkg -i voxtype_0.2.1-1_amd64.deb

    # Interactive setup
    voxtype setup model     # Select and download model
    voxtype setup systemd   # Install as systemd service

### WhisperWriter

    git clone https://github.com/savbell/whisper-writer
    cd whisper-writer
    pip install -r requirements.txt
    # May need CUDA setup for GPU
    python run.py

## Configuration

### Voxtype: Config file

    # ~/.config/voxtype/config.toml
    [hotkey]
    key = "rightctrl"
    mode = "toggle"

    [audio.feedback]
    enabled = true

    [text]
    spoken_punctuation = true
    replacements = { "javascript" = "JavaScript" }

### WhisperWriter: GUI settings

PyQt5 settings window for configuration. Visual, but requires the app running.

### Which to Choose?

Choose Voxtype if: You use Linux (Wayland or X11), want GPU acceleration (Vulkan for AMD, CUDA for NVIDIA), text processing features, CJK support, and prefer lightweight systemd daemons.

Choose WhisperWriter if: You use Windows/macOS, want a GUI for configuration, or need the OpenAI API fallback option.

#### Cross-Platform Users

Consider using WhisperWriter on Windows/Mac and Voxtype on Linux for the best of both worlds.

## Links

- Voxtype
- WhisperWriter on GitHub