Is it possible to always show up/down arrows for input "number"?

Cross-browser considerations & Edge cases

The CSS snippets above work brilliantly for WebKit browsers. But as with every superhero, there's always an arch-nemesis or two – and in this case, it's Internet Explorer and older browsers which do not recognize the pseudo-elements ::-webkit-inner-spin-button and ::-webkit-outer-spin-button. To tackle these, consider employing JavaScript or frameworks like jQuery UI spinner that grant you more control and consistency across different browsers.

On the other hand, we have Microsoft Edge that has its unique UI rendition for input[type="number"] and can be notoriously rebellious at times. Though, tempting as it might seem, it is wise to avoid browser-specific hacks or conditional styles and aim for broader, more universal solutions.

Regardless of your solution, remember to test your code across various browsers to guarantee cross-browser compatibility for your number input arrows.

Receipt for a custom spinner

In case you wish to create your very own custom spinner controls, here’s your recipe:

input[type="number"] {
  position: relative;
}

.custom-spinner {
  position: absolute; /* Absolute power, absolutely positioned */
  top: 0;
  right: 0;
  height: 100%; /* As tall as the aspirations of its parent */
}


Don't forget to get your min and max ingredients in the mix. They boost both the semantic value and functionality of your spinner arrows.

Polishing your UI with event listeners

To further fine-tune your number input fields, consider using JavaScript event listeners. You can show or hide your custom spinner graphics depending on the user interactions, allowing for a dynamic, responsive experience.

Moreover, an eloquently designed spinner ensures users interact with your form inputs with ease and convenience. The lesser the cognitive load required, the better the user experience.

Future-proofing with web standards

Web standards are more of the restless kind—they evolve. So, stay abreast with the newest HTML specifications and CSS updates to keep your implementation relevant and future-proof. Refer to documentations such as the Mozilla Developer Network (MDN) for the latest updates and specifications about HTML and CSS features.

In addition, validate your code using tools like W3C's Markup Validation Service for HTML, and CSS Lint for stylesheets. Prevent debugging nightmares resulting from syntax errors or use of out-dated HTML attributes.

Accessible experiences for all

Don't forget about accessibility, treating all users equally is not just about societal contributions, it's also good for product reach. Assistive technologies like screen readers rely on semantic HTML and ARIA attributes, which enhances the experience for users with disabilities.