Keyboard Input

The keyboard is a primary means of entering or editing text information. However, the Windows interface also supports the use of keyboard input to navigate, toggle modes, modify input, and, as a shortcut, to invoke certain operations.

Note
For more information about using the keyboard for navigation, selection, and editing, see Chapter 5, "General Interaction Techniques."

Following are the common interactive behaviors performed with the keyboard.

Action

Description

Pressing

Pressing and releasing a key. Unlike mouse interaction, keyboard interaction occurs upon the down transition of the key. Pressing typically describes the keyboard interaction for invoking particular commands or for navigation.

Holding

Pressing and holding down a key. Holding typically describes interaction with keys such as ALT, SHIFT, and CTRL that modify the standard behavior of other input — for example, another key press or mouse action.

Typing

Typing input of text information from the keyboard.