This video covers how keyboard testing works on websites and what evaluators look for when checking whether a site can be operated without a mouse.
Keyboard testing involves navigating through a web page using only the Tab, Enter, Arrow, and Escape keys. Evaluators move through interactive elements like links, buttons, form fields, and menus to confirm each one receives focus and can be activated. If an element gets skipped or trapped, that signals an accessibility issue.
A visible focus indicator is a key part of the evaluation. Users who rely on a keyboard need to see where they are on the page at all times. Without a clear indicator, navigating becomes disorienting.
Evaluators also check that focus moves in a logical order that matches the visual layout.
Common areas where keyboard access breaks down include dropdown menus, modal dialogs, and custom components built with JavaScript. These elements often respond to mouse clicks but ignore keyboard input entirely. Evaluators pay close attention to whether pressing Escape closes a dialog and whether focus returns to the element that opened it.
Keyboard testing is one component of a broader accessibility evaluation. It pairs with screen reader testing and visual inspection to give a full picture of how a site performs for people with disabilities.