What are Cursor Control Keys in Keyboard?

Cursor control keys on a keyboard are keys that allow the user to move the cursor (the on-screen indicator of where the next character will be placed) within a text field or graphical user interface. In this article, we will discuss cursor control keys on the keyboard.

What are Cursor Control Keys?

Cursor control keys are defined as the keys that enable computer users to control the movement of the cursor viewed on the screen through their keyboard. Cursor control keys allow the computer user to interact with the cursor and control it through the keyboard itself, without needing the mouse. Cursor Control keys were invented even before the mouse was invented (in 1963). These keys have historically evolved from the Cursor key present in typewriters. Cursor Control Keys are present in the keyboards of both laptops and Desktop PCs.

Note: Cursor control keys don't just mean arrow keys. Cursor control keys encompass arrow keys and multiple more keys.

Types of Cursor Control Keys

• Arrow Keys: There are 4 types of arrow keys present in the keyboard
  • Up ( ∧): Pressing this key moves the cursor in the upward direction, one pixel at a time.
  • Down (∨): Pressing this key moves the cursor in the downward direction, one pixel at a time.
  • Right (>): Pressing this key moves the cursor in the right direction, one pixel at a time.
  • Left (<): Pressing this key moves the cursor in the left direction, one pixel at a time.
• Home Key: Moves the cursor to the beginning of the line where the cursor is located.
• End Key: Moves the cursor to the end of the line where the cursor is located.
• Page Up Key: Scrolls the page upwards.
• Page Down Key: Scroll the page downwards.
• Numeric Keypad Keys: When the Num Lock key is not turned on, the keys in the numeric keypad can be effectively used to scroll the page in different directions.

Important Note: Keys in the numeric keypad mean the number keys closest to the Num Lock key present in rows of 3 commonly. They are not the function keys with numbers 0-9 present in a single row, starting from the right side of the keyboard.

• Tab Key: Moves the cursor to the next tab stop, in the rightwards direction
• Backspace Key: Move the cursor to the left by deleting the preceding character.

Uses of Cursor Key

• Web Browsers: Moving the webpages, and to some extent its content, in different directions as per user requirements and convenience.
• Documents: During the editing and formatting of documents in word processing software, cursor control keys offer the users fine-tuned control over the cursor pointer.
• Spreadsheets: Similar to the cursor control in documents, cursor control keys offer spreadsheet editors fine-tuned control over the cursor for targeting each cell/selection of cells.
• Video Games: Particularly in games not involving complex character movements, cursor control keys can move the characters.

Benefits of Cursor Control Key in Accessibility

• Motor Disabilities
  • Arthritis: Using cursor control keys can replace the painful strain experienced while holding a mouse, due to stiffness in the bone or joint pain.
  • Cerebral Palsy, Motor Neuron Disease: Cursor control keys allow precise cursor shifts & movements better than the mouse, thus proving beneficial for cerebral palsy-afflicted people.
  • Muscular Dystrophy: Cursor Control Keys just need to be pressed, making it a better substitute as muscular dystrophy weakens muscles causing difficulties moving a mouse.
  • Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI): Not having to move the mouse and instead just pressing (cursor control) keys can diminish pain and prevent chances of further repeated strain in RSI-affected patients.
• Vision Disabilities
  • Low Vision / Blindness: Computer users with low vision or blindness depend on screen readers to understand the screen content. Cursor control keys are indispensable for fine-tuned cursor movements for controlling screen readers.
• Cognitive Disabilities
  • Learning/Intellectual Disabilities: Arrow Keys have directions on them, which require no memory recall, making it beneficial over a mouse for people with memory issues
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): ADHD patients find key pressing more straightforward & focused and less attention-diverting, than using a mouse.
• Temporary Disabilities
  • Injuries: Patients with painful sprains or broken bones, particularly if it's in the hands or adjoining areas, will find it easier to just press cursor control keys instead of moving a mouse repeatedly.

Conclusion

Although Cursor Control keys are used less today as the mouse is used to perform its actions, these keys prove to be valuable in case the mouse stops working or is unavailable. So these keys can never be considered obsolete. The cursor control keys continue to be present in almost all the popular keyboards globally. Overall, Cursor Control Keys facilitate fine-grained control during page navigation. Thus, Cursor Control Keys prove to be a versatile and efficient tool to control the cursor precisely, enhancing the quality of user interaction with computers and enhancing the accessibility quotient.