xiM

XIM is an acronym used for several unrelated technologies and brands, most notably in computing and gaming hardware. The term is applied to at least two distinct areas: an input method framework for the X Window System and a company that produces keyboard-and-mouse adapters for consoles.

XIM in the X Window System refers to the X Input Method framework, which provides a way for users to input complex character sets and languages in X11 environments. The XIM architecture separates input methods from client applications, allowing language engines to supply characters to any program that accepts text input. Applications interact with input context objects, while IMEs (input method editors) supply composed characters, enabling input for scripts such as Japanese, Chinese, and Korean. The framework has been historically complemented by various libraries and engines, and it interacts with other localization tools used on Unix-like systems.

XIM Technologies is a brand known for hardware that enables keyboard and mouse input on gaming consoles. Their devices, such as XIM4 and XIM APEX, act as intermediaries between a computer peripheral setup and a console, translating input so that mice and keyboards can be used in place of traditional game controllers. These adapters typically offer configurable options for sensitivity, acceleration, dead zones, and other gameplay-related parameters, and they support multiple console platforms. They have a dedicated user community and support channel, with firmware updates and software interfaces to customize behavior.

Other uses of XIM may arise in different technical contexts. In general, the term is most commonly found in reference to the X Window System input method framework and to the XIM Technologies line of gaming input adapters.