How in the Tech

Launch Google Search Results by Keyboard

By Adam Myers ⋅ November 12, 2008 ⋅ Tags: Firefox, Google, Shortcuts

I’m a keyboarder at heart, those that read the site already know that. For me, it’s just a more efficient manner to interact with the computer. If I’m typing away at something but then have to lift my hands off the keyboard to use the mouse, it just breaks the flow. I’ve written in the past about Windows keyboard shortcuts that I use daily and today I bring you another super handy keyboard shortcut for Firefox.

If you weren’t aware, CTRL+K will move your cursor to the Search box in the upper right of your Firefox window. Logically, this search box is likely your main access point into whichever search engine you use – Google for me. A quick CTRL+T (new tab) then CTRL+K I’ve ran a search in a few seconds, all without lifting my hands off the keyboard. However, my mastery ends with the Google search results return. There just isn’t an efficient way to navigate and click the results links. That is, until now.

Some might think this is cheating as what I’m about to show you requires a Firefox extension and is not in the native build of the browser. Nevertheless, this keyboard shortcut is another notch in my mouse aversion check list. The Firefox add on Search Keys identifies every search result by numbering in sequence. To load the particular search result link, just hit ALT and the number next to the result, such as ALT+3 to load the 3rd search result. Additionally, the comma and period provides navigation between the search result pages.

Search Keys hasn’t been updated in quite awhile – since 2006 actually – but I’m pleased to say that it still works great with Firefox 3.