use mat-datepicker directly without input

turns out this is pretty straightforward import the MatDatePickerModule as per usual and then simply use the mat-calendar selector

<mat-calendar></mat-calendar>

In order to hook into the selection via typescript

  @ViewChild(MatCalendar) _datePicker: MatCalendar<Date>

ngOnInit() {
    this._datePicker.selectedChange.subscribe(x => {
      console.log(x);
    });
  }