MouseKeys versus Keyboard
By Rosemary Musachio, Chief Accessibility Officer, Ruh Global Communications
As an E&IT Accessibility Analyst, one of the facets of my job is to check if interfaces on webpages and software applications can be reached by pressing the TAB keys several times, otherwise known as tabbing. I also check if a link or button can be activated by pressing the Enter key or spacebar. While receiving keyboard focus through tabbing, along with pressing the arrow keys, is a Best Practice based on several guidelines and standards, such as Section 508 1194.21(a) and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (2.0) 2.1.1), it is not the only means of keyboard accessibility. Links, buttons, form fields, and other user interfaces also can be reached with MouseKeys.
What are MouseKeys?
MouseKeys are part of Microsoft Windows accessibility features. On Windows 10, MouseKeys is part of the Ease of Access. Apple’s MAC OS also has MouseKeys, which is part of the Universal Access preferences. Users with motor control impairments (such as yours truly) can manipulate the mouse cursor by pressing keys of the numeric pad located on the right of the keyboard. Below is a list of numeric pad keys and their mimic mouse moves:
-
“/” – Mimics pressing the right mouse button
-
“*” – Mimics pressing both buttons
-
“-“ – Mimics pressing the left mouse button
-
“7” – Moves the mouse cursor diagonally upward to the left
-
“8” – Moves the mouse cursor straight up
-
“9” – Moves the mouse cursor diagonally upward to the right
-
*+” – Mimics a double click
-
“4” – Moves the mouse cursor to the left
-
“5” – Mimics a click
-
“6” – Moves the mouse cursor to the right
-
“1” – Moves the mouse cursor diagonally downward to the left
-
“2” – Moves the mouse cursor straight down
-
“3” – Moves the mouse cursor diagonally downward to the right
-
“0” – Mimics holding down the mouse button
-
“.” – Mimics releasing the mouse button
Both Windows and Apple provide settings to adjust the pointer speed and acceleration when a numeric pad key is pressed. These settings can make all the difference to a user. For example, I have these settings set to high so I can move the mouse cursor easily without applying too much pressure while holding down one of the numeric pad keys with my headpointer. Otherwise, using the MouseKeys would be slow and tedious. Conversely, slower pointer speed and lower acceleration can benefit users who inadvertently apply too much pressure on the keys.
What makes MouseKeys so cool?
As a headpointer user, I prefer using MouseKeys under many circumstances. The major advantage of using MouseKeys is that it allows keyboard users to reach and activate interfaces that otherwise are not keyboard accessible with the Tab, arrow, and Enter keys. For instance, I use MouseKeys to reach and open dropdown menus that can’t be accessed with a keyboard. The pseudo mouse application also enables keyboard users to draw, paint and do other tasks where standard keyboard strokes cannot be applied.
Unlike tabbing, using the MouseKeys can allow users to reach interfaces more quickly. For instance, suppose a user wants to activate a link that is towards the bottom of a page, which has three hundred other links. Even if the page has a skip-over link to bypass repetitive navigation links, tabbing to that bottom link can take a few minutes and some effort. On the other hand, holding down the numeric pad keys to move the mouse cursor to it can take only a few seconds.
Another benefit of MouseKeys is that keyboard users do not have to remember keyboard shortcuts to access controls, such as toolbar buttons. Instead of frantically searching the Help file for a list of shortcuts, users can press the numeric pad keys to direct the mouse cursor towards interactive elements quickly.
Is MouseKeys for All Keyboard Users?
The biggest drawback of MouseKeys is that individuals with vision impairments cannot use it with many screen readers since the assistive technology does not have the capability yet to track the mouse cursor. NVDA is the exception. If you move the MouseKeys cursor over content, NVDA will read it.
MouseKeys also can’t be used by anyone who has difficulty keeping his finger or a pointer still since holding down a numeric pad key also can require some pressure and motor control. Even if you adjust the MouseKey setting so it won’t require much pressure, controlling the mouse cursor at a quicker rate to target a small button, for example, takes precision.
For these two reasons, tabbing, using the arrow keys and pressing Enter are the core keyboard accessible methods. Accordingly, these access modes are used to test websites and software applications for compliance. However, if a computer application is deemed keyboard inaccessible, it does not mean that users with dexterity and mobility impairments cannot use it thanks to MouseKeys. Knowing this may make businesses weary of making their software applications and websites keyboard accessible.
Should we keep MouseKeys a secret? Of course not, but don’t make it headline news while doing an audit for a client!
Learn more about our work at www.RuhGlobal.com or follow us on Social Media @rosemusachio, @debraruh and @ruhglobal on most channels.
#AXSChat: Join Debra Ruh, Neil Milliken, and Antonio Santos for a weekly Twitter Chat on Disability Inclusion, ICT Accessibility, Built Environment, CRPD, Empowerment and Employment. Just search the hashtag #AXSChat at 3pmEST and join the conversation. You can learn more about AXSChat at www.AXSChat.com.