Understanding why keyboard navigation is crucial and how to implement it correctly.
Why Keyboard Navigation Matters
Not everyone uses a mouse. People with motor impairments, blind users with screen readers, and power users all rely on keyboard navigation. A site that is not keyboard accessible excludes millions of users.
WCAG Requirements
WCAG 2.1 requires all functionality to be available from keyboard. Focus must be visible. Users must not get trapped. Focus order must be logical.
Essential Keyboard Interactions
Tab moves between interactive elements. Enter activates buttons and links. Space activates checkboxes and buttons. Escape closes dialogs and menus. Arrow keys navigate within components.
Implementing Proper Focus
Use native HTML elements when possible. Manage focus in single page applications. Provide visible focus indicators. Maintain logical tab order.
Common Problems and Solutions
Custom controls without keyboard support need proper roles and event handlers. Hidden focus indicators need visible styling. Focus traps need escape mechanisms. Skip links help users bypass repetitive navigation.
Testing Keyboard Navigation
Navigate your entire site using only keyboard. Verify all interactive elements are reachable. Check that focus is always visible. Ensure no keyboard traps exist.
Conclusion
Keyboard navigation is fundamental to web accessibility. Sites that work well with keyboards work better for everyone, not just users with disabilities.