Common keyboard navigation (access keys) in web browsing?

Question

Are there any common keyboard navigation practices, used to improve when browsing a web site?

I'm thinking of the accesskey HTML attribute, which lets you define default fields for a specific command, like alt+1 for the link leading to the start page, or similar.

Is there a kind of standard somewhere?

Answer 1

I’m a screen reader user and rarely use access keys even if they are provided. Do to the fact that each site appears to use their own standard it is usually not worth the trouble to learn them. The only time I make a point to learn the keys is if it’s a site I will use a lot. An example of this is the Safari books site since knowing the keys allows me to navigate through books quicker. I would say that not having access keys on your site is ok. I would recommend putting access keys on your site if you think users will spend enough time on the site to become proficient with doing most things with the keyboard. An example of this may be an order entry system that people spend most of their time in for their job.

Answer 2

there is only UK Government accesskeys standard http://www.hobo-web.co.uk/seo-blog/index.php/uk-gov-access-keys/

guess there is no w3c standard http://www.contraxonline.com/w3c.shtml