Keyboard Testing vs. Screen Reader Testing: What's the Difference?

When evaluating the accessibility of a website, digital learning content, or application, two important testing methods are keyboard testing and screen reader testing.

While both are essential for ensuring a good user experience for people with disabilities, they serve different purposes and focus on different aspects of accessibility.

What is Keyboard Testing?

Keyboard testing ensures that all interactive elements—such as links, buttons, form fields, and menus—can be accessed and used without a mouse, relying solely on the keyboard.

This type of testing is crucial for users who navigate using keyboard commands, including people with motor disabilities and screen reader users. Visit WebAIM for keyboard shortcuts.

Key aspects of keyboard testing include:

• Ensuring all interactive elements can be reached using the Tab key.
• Checking if the focus order is logical and predictable.
• Verifying that elements can be activated using Enter or Space.
• Identifying and removing keyboard traps that prevent navigation.
• Confirming the presence of a visible focus indicator.

What is Screen Reader Testing?

Screen reader testing evaluates how well a website or app interacts with assistive technologies like JAWS, NVDA, or VoiceOver. It focuses on how content is read aloud and whether it makes sense to someone relying on auditory output.

Key aspects of screen reader testing include:

• Ensuring headings, links, and landmarks are properly announced.
• Verifying that images have meaningful alt text.
• Checking if form fields have correct labels.
• Confirming that screen readers announce dynamic content updates.
• Making sure tables and lists are structured for proper navigation.

Key Differences

The main difference between keyboard testing and screen reader testing is their focus.

• Keyboard testing ensures users can navigate and interact with a website without a mouse, while screen reader testing ensures that information is conveyed correctly to users who rely on auditory output.
• Keyboard testing benefits keyboard-only users, including those with motor disabilities and screen reader users, while screen reader testing primarily benefits blind and visually impaired users.
• A website might be fully accessible via the keyboard but still inaccessible to screen reader users if elements lack proper labels or structure.

Why Both Are Important

Keyboard accessibility ensures users can move through and interact with a site, while screen reader accessibility ensures they understand and engage with the content. A truly accessible website requires both types of testing to accommodate different disabilities.

?? Takeaway: Always conduct both keyboard and screen reader testing to ensure that your website is usable for everyone.

Resources:

• Deque Quick Guides for Screen Reader Testing

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Follow me for more tips. Dr. Nicole L'Etoile, Ed.D., CPACC