InputEngine
by DarkBladeDev
InputEngine lets a client send custom keystrokes to a server, bridging the key presses to Spigot and Paper plugins through a networking channel.
What it does
A Fabric or NeoForge client captures bound key presses and sends small data packets to the server each time a key goes down or comes back up. The bridge works with vanilla servers, and the client mod can stay in place when it joins one, so players are not kicked. The channel itself is an opt-in part of the client.
On the server, a Bukkit or Spigot plugin can listen for the custom PlayerKeyPressEvent and react to player inputs. The server-side part runs on Spigot, Paper and Purpur, and it is published for Fabric and NeoForge as the client mod. The requirement is that both the server-side plugin and the client-side mod are installed for the feature to work. The project is open source under the MIT License and covers game versions 1.21 – 1.21.11.
Key features
Custom keystroke capture
The client captures bound keys and sends a payload to the server each time a key is pressed or released.
PlayerKeyPressEvent for plugins
Developers can listen for PlayerKeyPressEvent in a Spigot or Paper plugin and act on the input.
Vanilla server compatibility
Players can leave the client mod in place while joining vanilla servers and stay connected.
Compatibility
Latest build for each game version and loader.
1.21.x11 of 11 versions with builds
Only full game releases are shown. This mod publishes no snapshot builds.
Use cases
Plugin-driven key actions
A plugin author can trigger server logic from a key the player presses, without adding commands to chat.
Who it’s for: The mod suits Bukkit and Spigot plugin developers who want to react to a player's key presses, and server owners who run a plugin that depends on client-side input.
How it compares
BukkitFabricLoader is a Fabric server-side only mod with MIT License, published for 1.21 – 1.21.11 and not open source, so it differs in its environment. keystrokes++ is a Fabric client-side only mod, released under All rights reserved and published for 1.21.9 – 1.21.11, so it shows keystrokes on the client rather than sending them to a server. plugins+ mod is a NeoForge mod that works on either side, and neither side needs it, under All rights reserved, with files for 1.21.1 – 1.21.5.
| Mod | Loaders | Game versions | Environment | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| InputEngine | Fabric and NeoForge | 1.21 – 1.21.11 | Not published | 2026-06-29 |
| BukkitFabricLoader | Fabric | 1.21 – 1.21.11 | Server-side only | 2026-02-15 |
| keystrokes++ | Fabric | 1.21.9 – 1.21.11 | Client-side only | 2026-06-24 |
| plugins+ mod | NeoForge | 1.21.1 – 1.21.5 | Client or server, optional | 2025-03-29 |
Questions
Does InputEngine need Fabric API on Fabric?
Do both the server and the client need the mod?
Where does the server-side plugin go?
Can players join a vanilla server with the client mod?
In the catalog
InputEngine is one of 3,514 Library mods on ModsFinder, and one of 2,348 Library mods for Fabric. 19,862 mods support Minecraft 1.21.11.
Similar mods
What the author says
A seamless cross-platform bridge capturing custom keystrokes from the Minecraft client to the server! InputEngine requires both a server-side plugin and a client-side mod to function correctly.
Official listing
- Modrinth page
- modrinth.com/mod/inputengine
- Owner
- DarkBladeDev
- Published
- 2026-06-16
- Updated on Modrinth
- 2026-06-29
- Facts verified
- 2026-10-15