How to implement keyboard shortcuts on websites

Question

Where to start if I want users to be able to use keyboard shortcuts on the site. I am currently using php and jquery to create a site. How can I add keyboard shortcuts besides the usual point and click method. Links to a site where I could start will do. Thanks.

Answer 1

As a starter: http://plugins.jquery.com/project/hotkeys

[Edit 1/14/14: Dead link. See the Github page instead ]

Answer 2

I used jQuery.hotkeys from John Resig and it works great with the latest jQuery. Take a look at the static sample pages on the github page.

Answer 3

Perhaps look at the use of the accesskey attribute.

Answer 4

Take a look at the Mousetrap.

http://craig.is/killing/mice

It supports all types of key events, as well as combinations and sequences.

Answer 5

Try this plugin http://www.mattytemple.com/projects/shortcut-js/ . It is simplified by purpose and efficiently processes individual combinations.

If you need a more efficient implementation with more flexibility, go for Mousetrap Plugin as mentioned in @craig in the previous answer.