Required settings to use stylus on linux? special setup or just works out of box with your distro? or wrong stylus type?

tl;dr anyone able to use a stylus with their new framework 12 on linux? if so: which distros? which desktop environment? only some applications? any other info you have about what needs to be enabled?

I got a framework 12 pre-order in the mail, and trying to buy a local stylus to try it out. Is there something special I have to do other than ensure the stylus I buy advertises “USI 2.0” and is charged?

Problem: So far I’ve tried three stylus models (below) and they all cause no interaction with the screen, but when I touch the screen with my finger, I see interactions just fine.

I see also that gnome desktop’s settings panel shows an entry for a “Wacom Tablet” and the page says:

[long serial number here?] Stylus

This device is unknown and may present wrong capabilities - learn more.

Not sure how to share the URL for that “learn more” link, as it links to an offline gnomedoc. Can dig this up later if anyone wants.

styluses I’ve tried


bucket-reply questions

Which Linux distro are you using?

nixos

Which release version?
(if rolling release without a release version, skip this question)

NixOS 24.11 (Vicuna)

Which kernel are you using?

6.6.79

Which BIOS version are you using?

Can check later if someone wants…

Which Framework Laptop 12 model are you using? (13th Gen Intel® Core™)

I think this is asking i3 or i5? I’m using an i5.

I have a Wacom Bamboo Ink Smart Stylus for Windows Ink 2nd Gen, CS323AG0A, which is working in joplin on cachyos, i3 processor.

Interesting - that doesn’t appear to be a “USI 2.0” spec. stylus, but these forums had me thinking the framework 12 needed a stylus complying with that spec. Thanks - will see what others also report!

did you check in the BIOS to see if the digitizer is set to MPP or USI mode? it defaults to MPP. [SOLVED] Penoval USI 2.0 Pen not working - #2 by BigT

2 Likes

Seconding @wackbyte’s comment.

Which release version?
(if rolling release without a release version, skip this question)

NixOS 24.11 (Vicuna)

Please update to NixOS 25.05 or move to nixos-unstable. 24.11 has been EOL for months and you’re behind on several kernel, Wacom and security updates.