Sticky keys

Sticky keys on a Windows laptop.

Sticky keys is an accessibility feature of some graphical user interfaces which assists users who have physical disabilities or helps users reduce repetitive strain injury. It serializes keystrokes; instead of being required to press multiple keys at a time, the user can press and release a modifier key, such as ⇧ Shift , Ctrl , Alt , or the Windows key , and have it remain active until any other key is pressed.

Sticky keys functionality is available on/in Microsoft Windows, macOS, chromeOS and KDE Plasma as Sticky Keys, ^{[1] [2]} and on Unix/X11 systems as part of the AccessX utility. ^{[3] [4]}

History

Sticky Keys was first^{[ when? ]} introduced to System 6 as part of the Easy Access extension, which also included mouse keys functionality. ^[5]

In 1994, Solaris 2.4 shipped with the AccessX utility, which also provided sticky keys and mouse keys functionality. ^[6]

See also

• FilterKeys
• Mouse keys
• Slow keys

References

1. "Make the keyboard easier to use in Windows 7 – Windows Help". Microsoft. August 31, 2016. Retrieved April 29, 2018.
2. "macOS Sierra: Use accessibility features". Apple Support. Apple Inc. September 23, 2015. Retrieved December 28, 2015.
3. "The X Keyboard Extension: Protocol Specification" (PDF). Retrieved 2009-11-08.
4. Underwood, R. C. (September 10, 1999). "SGI AccessX". FTP server (FTP).^{[dead ftp link]}(To view documents see Help:FTP)
5. Using Your Classic (PDF). Apple Inc. p. 146. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 12, 2002.
6. "About AccessX". Sun Microsystems Accessibility Program. Sun Microsystems. April 24, 2005. Archived from the original on August 17, 2007.