A quick keyboard pass can reveal controls that are visible but unreachable, focus that disappears, and dialogs that do not return users to the page. Use the actual interface rather than relying only on a code scan.
Walk the main task
- Use Tab and Shift+Tab to move through links and controls in a sensible order.
- Use Enter and Space where the native control expects them, and confirm arrow keys work in composite widgets.
- Open menus and dialogs, move through their controls, close them, and check where focus returns.
Keep focus visible and predictable
Do not remove the browser outline without providing an equally visible replacement. Avoid positive tabindex values that impose a second focus order, and use a button for an action and a link for navigation.
Repeat the core flow after every interaction change. A control is not keyboard-accessible just because it can receive focus; its purpose and state must also be understandable.