How I check keyboard key codes in the browser

Keyboard events expose values such as key, code, and modifier states. They are useful when building shortcuts or input handling.

The Keycode Info tool helps with the mechanical part, but I still check the result before using it somewhere real.

The simple idea

Keyboard events expose values such as key, code, and modifier states. They are useful when building shortcuts or input handling.

I use the tool to make the transformation visible: input on one side, output on the other, and a quick sanity check before I copy anything.

Step 1: Open the keycode tool

Open the keycode tool.

Step 2: Press the key combination you want to inspect

Press the key combination you want to inspect.

Step 3: Compare key and code

Compare key and code.

Step 4: Check Shift, Ctrl, Alt, and Meta modifier states

Check Shift, Ctrl, Alt, and Meta modifier states.

Step 5: Test on the keyboard layout your users have

Test on the keyboard layout your users have.

Step 6: Avoid hijacking common browser shortcuts

Avoid hijacking common browser shortcuts.

Step 7: Provide accessible alternatives for important actions

Provide accessible alternatives for important actions.

My checklist

Before I trust the result, I check:

• Open the keycode tool.
• Press the key combination you want to inspect.
• Compare key and code.
• Check Shift, Ctrl, Alt, and Meta modifier states.
• Test on the keyboard layout your users have.
• Avoid hijacking common browser shortcuts.
• Provide accessible alternatives for important actions.

Small utilities are useful because they remove repetitive work. They are safest when the output is still reviewed.