diff --git a/kitty/window.py b/kitty/window.py
index fea360442..f6d50222a 100644
--- a/kitty/window.py
+++ b/kitty/window.py
@@ -1741,7 +1741,7 @@ def set_pointer_shape(screen: Screen, value: str, os_window_id: int = 0) -> str:
         value = value[1:]
     if op in '=>':
         for v in value.split(','):
-            if v:
+            if v or op == '=':
                 screen.change_pointer_shape(op, v)
         if os_window_id and current_focused_os_window_id() == os_window_id:
             update_pointer_shape(os_window_id)