Have you ever tried using the internet without a mouse?

For millions of people, that’s not just a thought experiment—it’s how they navigate the internet every day. Whether it’s because of physical limitations, visual impairments, or using assistive tech, the keyboard is their main tool. But here’s the thing: if your website doesn’t work smoothly with a keyboard, you’re not just creating a frustrating experience—you’re leaving people behind. 

So, how does your site stack up? Let’s dive into why keyboard navigation matters and how it plays a key role in building an accessible web.

Why Keyboard Navigation Matters

Keyboard navigation is a lifeline for users who can’t rely on a mouse due to physical limitations, visual impairments, or the use of assistive technologies. Moreover, it’s an excellent starting point for testing overall web accessibility. If your website works seamlessly with a keyboard, you’re likely on track to create an inclusive experience for all users.

How to Navigate a Website with Keyboard Shortcuts

Before you start testing your website’s accessibility, it’s helpful to understand the most common keyboard shortcuts users rely on. These shortcuts allow people to move through links, buttons, forms, and other interactive elements.

• Tab Key: Moves focus to the next interactive element.
• Shift + Tab: Moves focus to the previous element.
• Enter or Spacebar: Activates a focused element, such as clicking a link or button.
• Arrow Keys: Scroll through pages or navigate dropdown menus.
• Escape (Esc): Closes modals, dropdowns, or pop-ups.
• Ctrl + F: Opens a search bar (in most browsers) to find specific content on the page.

For Mac users on Safari, enabling full keyboard navigation is a quick adjustment:

1. Open Safari Preferences.
2. Go to the Advanced tab.
3. Check the box next to “Press Tab to highlight each item on a webpage.”

With these basics in mind, you’re ready to put your website to the test.

Testing Your Website for Keyboard Navigation

Keyboard testing doesn’t require fancy tools—just a keyboard, a browser, and a little know-how. Follow this step-by-step guide to evaluate your site’s accessibility.

Start with the Basics: Can You Navigate Without a Mouse?

Unplug your mouse and navigate through your homepage and other key pages using only the keyboard. Can you access all essential features and content?

Check Focus Indicators

Focus indicators are crucial for users who rely on visual cues. As you use the Tab key, ensure there’s a visible outline around the element currently in focus. Check for the following:

• The focus indicator is easy to see and contrasts well with the background.
• The focus moves logically through elements in the order they appear on the page.

If the focus jumps around or disappears, it creates a frustrating experience for users.

Test Interactive Elements

Interactive elements like buttons, links, and form fields should be fully accessible. Specifically:

• Can you submit a form using the Enter or Spacebar key?
• Can you open and close modals or dropdown menus with the keyboard?
• Do navigation menus function seamlessly?

Verify Skip Navigation Links

Skip navigation links allow users to bypass repetitive elements, like menus, and jump straight to the main content. To check this:

• Ensure the skip navigation link is present and functional.
• Verify it’s one of the first focusable elements when using the Tab key.

Watch Out for Keyboard Traps

Keyboard traps occur when users get stuck in an element, like a modal or widget, and can’t move forward. Ensure users can exit these areas by pressing the Escape key or tabbing out.

Tips for Better Keyboard Navigation

Creating an accessible website doesn’t happen by accident. Here are a few tips to enhance keyboard navigation for all users:

• Design with Focus in Mind: Use CSS to style focus outlines for clarity and visibility. Avoid removing focus outlines entirely.
• Ensure Logical Focus Order: Use semantic HTML (e.g., <button> and <a>) and avoid custom elements that might disrupt natural focus flow.
• Leverage ARIA Roles and Labels: Use ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) roles and labels to make custom components like sliders or dropdowns keyboard accessible.
• Test Regularly: Accessibility is not a one-and-done task. Regular testing ensures your website stays accessible as it evolves.

Common Challenges and How to Address Them

Even with the best intentions, challenges may arise. Here are some common issues and solutions:

• Invisible Focus: Use the :focus pseudo-class in CSS to style interactive elements for better visibility.
• Complex Widgets: Components like carousels or accordions can lack keyboard support. Build these elements with accessibility in mind or use accessible libraries.
• Poorly Labeled Links: Ensure all links and buttons have clear, descriptive text or labels so users know what action they’ll perform.

Why Focus on Keyboard Navigation?

Beyond accessibility, testing your website for keyboard navigation improves overall user experience and usability. Keyboard accessibility is often a foundation for ensuring compatibility with screen readers and other assistive technologies. If your website works well for a keyboard user, it’s likely on its way to meeting broader accessibility standards like WCAG 2.1.

Next Steps: Make Your Website Keyboard-Accessible

Keyboard navigation is more than just a best practice—it’s a cornerstone of inclusive design that invites everyone to participate fully on the web. By ensuring your site is keyboard-accessible, you create a welcoming experience for users of all abilities, reinforce your brand’s commitment to accessibility, and lay a strong foundation for broader ADA compliance.

If you’re ready to take the next step toward digital inclusion, reach out to 216digital to schedule an ADA briefing. We’ll help you assess your website, develop a tailored plan, and guide you through the process of building an online presence that works for everyone. Don’t wait—contact us today and let’s make the internet a more accessible place together.