The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
To navigate macOS controls with a keyboard, turn on Full Keyboard Access in Apple menu > System Settings > Accessibility > Motor > Keyboard. Then use Tab and Shift-Tab to move between items, Space to select, and the arrow keys to move within groups. You do not need Mouse Keys for ordinary keyboard navigation.
Turn on Full Keyboard Access
- Open the Apple menu and choose System Settings.
- Select Accessibility in the sidebar. Scroll to Motor, then select Keyboard.
- Turn on Full Keyboard Access. macOS highlights the currently focused item; Apple says you can customize the highlight’s appearance.
- Press Tab to move to the next interface element and Shift-Tab to move to the previous one. Press Space to select an item. Use the arrow keys to move within groups such as lists and sidebars.
Apple’s published guides do not provide a complete version-compatibility matrix, so labels and layout may differ between macOS releases.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Useful Full Keyboard Access commands
Once the feature is enabled, these additional commands can help you reach common macOS areas without a pointer:
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
- Control-Tab and Control-Shift-Tab: move between items.
- Tab-F: search.
- Tab-W: open Window Chooser; Tab-A: open Application Chooser.
- Fn-Control-F2: move to the menu bar.
- Fn-A: move to the Dock; Fn-C: open Control Centre; Fn-N: open Notification Centre.
- Tab-C: move the pointer to the keyboard focus, useful if a task still requires pointer positioning.
- Tab-H: open Full Keyboard Access Commands Help.
To customize commands or the focus highlight, return to Accessibility > Motor > Keyboard and open the information button next to Full Keyboard Access. Apple documents these navigation and setup details in its Full Keyboard Access guide.
#1 Best Overall
Sale
Apple Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad - White
- WIRELESS, RECHARGEABLE CONVENIENCE — Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad connects wirelessly to your Mac, iPad, or iPhone via Bluetooth. And the rechargeable internal battery means no loose batteries to replace.
- WORKS WITH MAC, IPAD, OR IPHONE — It pairs quickly with your device so you can get to work right away.
- ENHANCED TYPING EXPERIENCE — Magic Keyboard delivers a remarkably comfortable and precise typing experience. Its extended layout features document navigation controls for quick scrolling and full-size arrow keys. The numeric keypad is ideal for spreadsheets and finance applications.
- GO WEEKS WITHOUT CHARGING — The incredibly long-lasting internal battery will power your keyboard for about a month or more between charges. (Battery life varies by use.) Comes with a Lightning to USB Cable that lets you pair and charge by connecting to a USB port on your Mac.
- SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS — Requires a Bluetooth-enabled Mac with macOS 10.12.4 or later, an iPad with iPadOS 13.4 or later, or an iPhone or iPod touch with iOS 10.3 or later.
Choose the right keyboard accessibility feature
| Feature | What it is for | Feedback and limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Full Keyboard Access | Broad keyboard movement and selection across macOS interface elements. | Shows a visible focus highlight and offers commands beyond basic Tab navigation. |
| Keyboard navigation | A simpler way to move keyboard focus with Tab and Shift-Tab. | Apple cautions that Tab does not reach every focusable element in a Mac app. If an item cannot be reached, try Full Keyboard Access. See Apple’s guide to VoiceOver and Tab navigation. |
| VoiceOver | Keyboard navigation with spoken descriptions, including for blind or low-vision users. | VoiceOver is macOS’s built-in screen reader and uses its own commands. Its default modifier is Caps Lock or Control-Option, shown as VO in Apple’s command notation. VO-Left Arrow and VO-Right Arrow move the VoiceOver cursor; VO-Space activates the focused item. See Apple’s VoiceOver keyboard-command guide. |
| Mouse Keys | Moves the pointer or performs pointer-style clicks from the keyboard. | While Mouse Keys is on, the keyboard or numeric keypad cannot be used to enter text. It is therefore not a substitute for ordinary focus navigation and can interrupt typing. See Apple’s Mouse Keys guide. |
When to use Mouse Keys
Turn on Mouse Keys only when you need to control the pointer itself—for example, to position it or make a pointer-style click. The setting is at System Settings > Accessibility > Pointer Control > Mouse Keys. Apple documents pointer movement and clicks using keys on a standard keyboard as well as a numeric keypad; a separate keypad is not required. Remember that text entry is unavailable while the feature is active.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Other built-in options
If keyboard focus navigation or VoiceOver does not fit the task, macOS also includes Voice Control, Accessibility Keyboard, Switch Control, and alternate pointer actions. Apple’s mobility accessibility overview describes these options.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 3
SaleBestseller No. 4
Best Value
Apple Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad for Mac Models with Apple Silicon - US English - White Keys, Bluetooth, Bluetooth
- Magic Keyboard is available with Touch ID, providing fast, easy and secure authentication for logins and to unlock your Mac.
- Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad delivers a remarkably comfortable and precise typing experience.
- It features an extended layout, with document navigation controls for quick scrolling and full-size arrow keys, which are great for gaming.
- The numeric keypad is also ideal for spreadsheets and finance applications.
- It’s wireless and features a rechargeable battery that will power your keyboard for about a month or more between charges.
Rank #4
Sale
Macally Ultra Slim USB Wired Computer Keyboard - Compatible Apple Keyboard or Windows - Full Size with 20 Mac Keyboard Keys -with Numeric Keypad - Silver Aluminum Finish
- Ultra Thin Wired Keyboard: Constructed with aluminum backing, the slim keyboard's height is less than that of a penny.
- Broad Compatibility: Able to work with Apple and compatible with Windows PC operating systems
- Full Sized Extended Keyboard: Easy access to media with 20 Apple shortcut keys (cut/copy/paste, iTunes control, Volume up/down, etc.) and multimedia shortcuts for Windows PC. Also, contains a ten-key numeric keypad for easy data entry.
- Plug and Play (No Drivers Required): No need to continually change or recharge batteries of wireless keyboards
- Long Cord: 4'7" (140 cm) USB cable to connect your external keyboard to the computer
Rank #3
Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad for Mac Models with Apple Silicon - US English - Black Keys
- Magic Keyboard is available with Touch ID, providing fast, easy and secure authentication for logins and to unlock your Mac.
- Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad delivers a remarkably comfortable and precise typing experience.
- It features an extended layout, with document navigation controls for quick scrolling and full-size arrow keys, which are great for gaming.
- The numeric keypad is also ideal for spreadsheets and finance applications.
- It’s wireless and features a rechargeable battery that will power your keyboard for about a month or more between charges.
Rank #2
Sale
Apple Magic Keyboard - US English , Bluetooth
- Magic Keyboard delivers a remarkably comfortable and precise typing experience.
- It’s also wireless and rechargeable, with an incredibly long-lasting internal battery that’ll power your keyboard for about a month or more between charges.
- It pairs automatically with your Mac, so you can get to work straightaway.
- It features a USB-C port and includes a woven USB-C Charge Cable that lets you pair and charge by connecting to a USB-C port on your Mac.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallSpecial offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
