Voxtype vs VoxInput | Linux Speech-to-Text Comparison
Description: Compare Voxtype and VoxInput for Linux speech-to-text. Local Whisper vs LocalAI API approach.

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# Voxtype vs VoxInput

Different philosophies: embedded Whisper vs API-based transcription. Both target Linux power users.

## At a Glance

Aspect | Voxtype | VoxInput
--- | --- | ---
Engine | Whisper (embedded) | LocalAI/OpenAI API
Language | Rust | Go
Architecture | Self-contained daemon | API client + LocalAI server
Typing Backend | ydotool | dotool
Hotkey Detection | Built-in (evdev) | External (WM keybinds + signals)
Voice Activity Detection | No (push-to-talk) | Yes (realtime mode)
Setup Complexity | Low | High (Docker, LocalAI)
GPU Acceleration | Vulkan, CUDA, Metal, ROCm | Via LocalAI
Text Processing | Word replacements, spoken punctuation | None

## Critical Differences

### Embedded vs API Architecture

Voxtype embeds whisper.cpp directly. One binary, one process, no external services needed.

VoxInput is an API client that connects to an OpenAI-compatible endpoint. The recommended setup involves running LocalAI in Docker, which provides the transcription service. This is more complex but allows swapping transcription backends.

### Setup Complexity

Voxtype setup:

    paru -S voxtype
    voxtype setup model
    voxtype setup systemd
    systemctl --user enable --now voxtype

VoxInput setup:

    # Install LocalAI via Docker
    docker run -d --name localai -p 8080:8080 localai/localai

    # Install whisper model via LocalAI web UI
    # Open http://localhost:8080, install whisper-1 and silero-vad-ggml

    # Install dotool and configure udev rules
    # Add user to input group

    # Build VoxInput
    git clone https://github.com/richiejp/VoxInput
    cd VoxInput && go build -o voxinput

    # Configure WM keybinds for record/write commands

### Voice Activity Detection

Voxtype uses push-to-talk exclusively. You control when recording happens.

VoxInput offers a realtime VAD mode using silero-vad that can automatically detect when you're speaking. This enables hands-free continuous dictation (though the feature is noted as partial/beta).

## Feature Comparison

### What VoxInput Does Better

- VAD mode - Automatic speech detection for continuous dictation
- Flexible backend - Swap between LocalAI, OpenAI, or any compatible API
- Monitor capture - Can transcribe system audio output, not just microphone
- AI button pressing - Experimental feature to describe UI elements for AI to click

### What Voxtype Does Better

- Simple setup - No Docker, no API server, no manual model installation
- Self-contained - Single binary with embedded transcription
- Lower resource usage - No separate API server running
- GPU acceleration - Vulkan, CUDA, Metal, ROCm for fast transcription
- Text processing - Word replacements and spoken punctuation
- Built-in hotkeys - No WM configuration required
- Audio feedback - Know when you're recording
- Waybar integration - Status indicator built-in

### The Verdict

Choose Voxtype if you want a simple, self-contained tool that works out of the box. No Docker, no API servers, just install and dictate.

Choose VoxInput if you're already running LocalAI infrastructure, want VAD-based continuous dictation, or need the flexibility to swap transcription backends. Be prepared for a more complex setup.

## Links

- Voxtype
- VoxInput on GitHub