Sticky keys

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 on a Windows laptop.

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