Keyboard (2.1.1 – Level A)

All functionality is accessible by keyboard with no specific timings.

Introduction

Users with visual or motor impairment may navigate your website using only their keyboard or through assistive technology that relies on a keyboard-like interaction with your website.

How to Pass ‘Keyboard’

• Ensure users can access all elements of your website using only a keyboard
  
• Ensure there are no specific timings needed for keystrokes, for example holding down ‘Enter’ for three seconds to submit a form

Exceptions

Functions that require a mouse pointer for input, for example free drawing tools and some types of games. 

‘Keyboard’ Tips

To test for this guideline, unplug your mouse and make sure you can fully use your website with only your keyboard – you might be surprised by what you can’t do.

Make sure no function on your website requires timed keystrokes (for example, ‘double tap on enter within two seconds’).

Don’t use ‘access keys’ (assigning a navigation link to a particular key) or page-specific key commands as they can conflict with assistive technology.

At Level AAA, 2.1.3 – Keyboard (No Exception) removes the exception.

See also

• 2.1.2 – No Keyboard Trap
• 2.1.3 – Keyboard (No Exception)
• 2.4.3 – Focus Order
• 2.4.7 – Focus Visible
• Understanding Success Criterion 2.1.1 (W3C)