2.1.4: Character Key Shortcuts

What it means

If a single printable character key triggers a function, users must be able to turn it off or remap it. Character-key shortcuts can conflict with speech input, screen readers, and international keyboards.

This applies to shortcuts activated with one letter without a modifier.

How to fix it

• Avoid single-key shortcuts unless users can disable or change them.
• Prefer Ctrl, Alt, or Cmd combinations instead of lone letter keys.
• Show users where to turn off custom shortcuts in settings.
• Ensure shortcuts do not fire while focus is in a text field unless intended.

Quick examples

• Good: A web app lets users disable “press G for go” shortcuts in Settings.
• Bad: Pressing R anywhere on the page resets a form, even while typing in a comment box.
• Good: Shortcuts use Alt+letter combinations documented in a help panel.
• Bad: Single-key shortcuts cannot be turned off and interfere with voice dictation.