I enabled the cursor in /root/.xinitrc to use the local browser with a conventional HDMI monitor, kbd (tabs and cursor keys) and mouse (cursor, mouse buttons).
This seems to work but only partly. In other words, navigating the screens and clicking on different fields works but not in all cases. Using tabs in a screen does not always advance to the next expected place.
I am guessing this is because the local browser is configured for the touch screen by default.
Is there something besides the mouse cursor that needs to be enabled/disabled to use the local browser this way, or does it currently only work with the official Pi touch screen?
edit:
Solved, mostly, except for the tab key not working as I expected.