The Keyboard Navigation benchmark evaluates how effectively a user can navigate and interact with various elements and components of an interface using only a keyboard. This is tested using common keyboard navigation controls, such as using the TAB and ARROW keys to navigate between interactive elements and using the SPACE and ENTER keys to activate elements such as links, buttons, and select options.
Conformance with this benchmark supports a wide range of disabilities and conditions, such as users with low vision or no vision, users with limited mobility or limited dexterity in their hands or fingers, and users who require alternate input devices or keyboard emulators such as speech input software or on-screen keyboard controls. Accessible keyboard navigation eliminates the need for precision hand movements or gestures that are required of a mouse, trackpad, or touchscreen.
| Criteria Name | Criteria Description |
|---|---|
| 2.1.1 Keyboard | All functionality of the content is operable through a keyboard interface without requiring specific timings for individual keystrokes, except where the underlying function requires input that depends on the path of the user's movement and not just the endpoints. |
| 2.1.2 No Keyboard Trap | If keyboard focus can be moved to a component of the page using a keyboard interface, then focus can be moved away from that component using only a keyboard interface, and, if it requires more than unmodified arrow or tab keys or other standard exit methods, the user is advised of the method for moving focus away. |
| 2.4.3 Focus Order | If a Web page can be navigated sequentially and the navigation sequences affect meaning or operation, focusable components receive focus in an order that preserves meaning and operability. |
| 2.4.7 Focus Visible | Any keyboard operable user interface has a mode of operation where the keyboard focus indicator is visible. |