keyboardcompatible

Keyboardcompatible is an adjective used in product descriptions and usability discourse to indicate that a software application or hardware device can be controlled or operated using a standard keyboard. It implies that the product supports keyboard input without requiring a pointing device, and that essential functions remain accessible via keys alone.

In software, keyboard compatibility covers features like logical focus order, support for common navigation keys (Tab, Shift+Tab, arrow keys, Enter, Space), and keyboard shortcuts. In web design, it aligns with accessibility best practices to ensure keyboard operability independent of mouse input. For hardware, it can refer to devices with physical keyboards that can drive all user interactions, including command inputs and text entry.

Implementation considerations include ensuring a logical focus order, visible focus indicators, support for keyboard shortcuts, and avoiding keyboard traps. On the web, this often involves semantic HTML, proper tabindex handling, event listeners for keydown events, and ARIA roles when needed. Documentation might describe keyboard compatibility as part of a product's accessibility claims.

Limitations and scope: keyboard-compatible does not guarantee accessibility for all assistive technologies or for all input modalities; completeness depends on the inclusion of screen reader compatibility, voice control, and alternative input methods.

See also: accessibility, keyboard navigation, ARIA, WCAG, assistive technology.