Key Shortcuts in Web Application

Question

I'm thinking about creating some keyboard shortcuts to my web application. But, most of the important shortcuts are already attached to the browser itself (like F1, F2, Fn; Ctrl+N; Ctrl+P, Alt+P, Alt+A, etc...)

I've notice that the browsers don't use any Shift+Key combination. But, Shift+Key are already reserved to type uppercase letters, so, I think using Shitf+Key combinations isn't a good idea.

Is there some guidelines to write keyboard shortcuts in the web?

Or, should I give up using it?

Answer 1

I find keyboard shortcuts all but useless on the web. If you've got an application like Gmail that users will use frequently enough that they'll learn (and a large enough userbase to have some power users), they're potentially useful, but for your average web app and your average user, no one will use them.

Answer 2

If it's an internal application which a number of people use all day everyday, keyboard shortcuts can increase productivity immensely.

It doesn't matter too much what they are, because advanced users will learn them regardless. The safest ones to use, however, are the arrow keys. Also, ctrl+shift+ are usually safe.

If it's an internal application, you also have the luxury (normally) of developing for a set browser/configuration/version. This can make it easier to map out key bindings also.

Answer 3

vi keyboard shortcuts.