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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemspage.keyboard.down(key, options) dispatches a keydown and leaves that key held until you call page.keyboard.up(key). Its documented options are text and commands. For a single press-and-release use press(); for ordinary text use type().
What options does Puppeteer keyboard.down() take?
The signature is page.keyboard.down(key, options), where options is optional KeyDownOptions. Puppeteer’s API reference documents two options:
text: if specified, generates an input event with that text.commands: keyboard shortcut command names. The API reference points to Chromium for valid names but does not enumerate them. Check the type declarations for the Puppeteer version installed in your project before relying on a particular command name.
The key argument identifies the key to press, such as 'Shift', 'ArrowDown', or 'Enter'. Calling down() does not release it; pair it with up() when finished.
Basic syntax
await page.keyboard.down('Shift');
// Perform input while Shift is held.
await page.keyboard.up('Shift');How to hold a key or modifier
Use down() when an action requires a key to remain held across later keyboard input. Call up() to release it. For example, this holds Shift while moving left, then releases Shift:
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await page.keyboard.down('Shift');
await page.keyboard.press('ArrowLeft');
await page.keyboard.up('Shift');If you call down() for a key that is already down, Puppeteer sets repeat to true on subsequent keydown events. Make sure every held key is eventually released, including when your script encounters an error. A try/finally block can help:
await page.keyboard.down('Shift');
try {
await page.keyboard.press('ArrowLeft');
} finally {
await page.keyboard.up('Shift');
}Choosing between down(), press(), type(), and sendCharacter()
Choose based on the event sequence the page needs, not just the character you want to enter.
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| Method | What it sends | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
down(key, options) |
Dispatches keydown. A single character may also generate keypress/input under the documented modifier conditions. Repeated calls while held set repeat after the first. |
Hold a key or modifier, or control keydown behavior. |
press(key, options) |
Shortcut for key down and key up. A single character may also generate keypress/input under the documented modifier conditions. |
One key action, including special keys such as Enter or ArrowDown. |
type(text, options) |
For each character, sends keydown, keypress/input, and keyup. | Enter a string into the focused element. |
sendCharacter(char) |
Sends keypress and input only; it does not send keydown or keyup. | Send character input when that specific event shape is needed. |
up(key) |
Dispatches keyup. | Release a previously held key or modifier. |
Use press() for one complete key action
press() is the concise choice when the key should be pressed and released immediately:
await page.keyboard.press('ArrowDown');
await page.keyboard.press('Enter');KeyPressOptions combines KeyDownOptions and KeyboardTypeOptions, so the documented options include text, commands, and delay.
Rank #3
- All-day Comfort: The design of this standard keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and full-size standard layout with F-keys and number pad
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Use type() for text, including a per-key delay
type() accepts KeyboardTypeOptions; its documented option is delay, in milliseconds, and the default is zero. The delay spaces the keyboard events for each character:
await page.keyboard.type('Hello', { delay: 50 });A held modifier does not alter text sent with type(). In particular, holding Shift and then calling type('a') does not make the typed text uppercase. Use the appropriate text in type(), or use down()/press() when the modifier’s keyboard event behavior is what you need.
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Use sendCharacter() only for its narrower event sequence
sendCharacter(char) sends character input without keydown or keyup. It is not a substitute for physically pressing a key when the page depends on those events, and modifiers do not affect it.
How to use options with press() and type()
For press(), delay is the wait in milliseconds between keydown and keyup, defaulting to zero. For type(), delay defaults to zero and applies to the character sequence. The API pages document text and commands for keydown behavior; they do not provide a complete valid command-name list. Avoid assuming that a command name from another Puppeteer release is supported by the version your application runs.
Best Value
- All-day Comfort: This USB keyboard creates a comfortable and familiar typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and standard full-size layout with all F-keys, number pad and arrow keys
- Built to Last: The spill-proof (2) design and durable print characters keep you on track for years to come despite any on-the-job mishaps; it’s a reliable partner for your desk at home, or at work
- Long-lasting Battery Life: A 24-month battery life (4) means you can go for 2 years without the hassle of changing batteries of your wireless full-size keyboard
- Simply plug the USB receiver into a USB port on your desktop, laptop or netbook computer and start using the keyboard right away without any software installation
- Simply Wireless: Forget about drop-outs and delays thanks to a strong, reliable wireless connection with up to 33 ft range (5); K270 is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later
Version and macOS considerations
Puppeteer’s retrieved API pages show mixed version labels, from 25.3.0 through 25.11.0, depending on the page. Treat method details as documentation snapshots and consult the reference and type declarations matching your installed package. In particular, verify KeyDownOptions and valid commands names against that release.
The Keyboard class documentation warns that on macOS keyboard shortcuts such as ⌘ A for Select All do not work. The documentation points to issue #1313 but does not establish a general workaround or define every affected configuration, so validate shortcut-dependent automation on the target environment.
Troubleshooting keyboard input
- A modifier seems stuck: a
down()call leaves the key held. Callup()for that key, and usetry/finallyaround code that may fail before release. - Shift does not capitalize text sent with type(): modifiers do not affect
type(). Pass the desired text directly, or use key actions if you specifically need modifier events. - The page does not react to sendCharacter(): it emits neither keydown nor keyup. Use
press()ortype()if the page expects those events. - A shortcut command option is rejected or has no effect: the reference does not list all valid command names. Check the declarations and behavior for your installed Puppeteer version rather than assuming a name is portable.
- A macOS shortcut fails: the Keyboard documentation records a macOS shortcut limitation. Test in the actual target environment; the cited documentation does not specify a universal fix.
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