Steps to reproduce the issue
On a clean new site >> system >> global config >> smart search >> smart search tab
Allow empty search = no
Expected result
on /index.php?option=com_finder&view=search
Button has class="disabled"
When you enter a search term, I expect the disabled class to be removed
Actual result
The disabled class is not removed until after the form has been submitted.
If you have Bootstrap this style makes the button unclickable.
.btn.disabled {cursor:not-allowed; pointer-events:none}
That entire code needs review.
The aim of the option "allow empty search" is for when you have filters selected
So for example if i wanted to find all the articles from a specific author then I could simply select the filter. But if allow empty search is set to no then I cant do that.
I guess that what needs to happen is for the class disabled to be removed as soon as you type in the search box when "allow empty search" is set to no