Google has been dedicated to enhancing the user experience of physical keyboards on Android devices, aiming to provide an input experience on par with desktop computers for any Android device. In pursuit of this goal, Google might introduce additional keyboard functionalities in the upcoming release of Android 15.
According to Mishaal Rahman from Android Authority, Android 15 Developer Preview 2 introduces three new accessibility options for physical keyboards: Sticky keys, Slow keys, and Bounce keys. Pulsestacks noted that Sticky keys and Bounce keys were previously seen in Android 14's QPR3 Beta 2 version, while Slow keys is a brand-new feature. Users can find the Slow keys option in Settings -> System -> Keyboard -> Accessibility -> Physical keyboard.
The Slow Keys feature allows users to adjust the recognition delay of keys, meaning the time a key needs to be held down before it is recognized as a valid input. However, in the current Android 15 DP2 version, this delay value cannot be adjusted yet. Rahman discovered by inspecting the code that Google might set the upper limit for this delay to 5 seconds in the future.
As for Sticky Keys, as the name suggests, when users enable this feature and press keys such as Alt, Ctrl, or Shift, the system will maintain their pressed state even after the user releases the key, making it easier for users to use combination keys.
The Debounce Keys feature prevents keys from being repeatedly recognized due to hand tremors or accidental touches.
These new features will greatly benefit people with disabilities. Android 15 will make it easier for them to use physical keyboards, whether connected to a tablet or when using the phone in desktop mode, leading to a more efficient input experience.
