We have a need to add the keyboard Tab key as one of
the function keys that will "Navigate Out" of the JMenuBar.
In addition to the Esc & Alt keys, we would like to use the Tab key
to navigate out of the JMenuBar. Our product uses the JMenuBar
component for it's menuing interface.
As it stands now, when focus is on the Menu bar in a Java application,
to navigate out, the user needs to press the Alt or Esc key.
Below you will find an explanation for the Microsoft Windows Look and Feel.
Menu, Toolbar, and ToolTip Components
JMenuBar (Microsoft Windows L&F)
Jump to menubar | Alt
Navigate out | Esc
Navigate out | Alt
Navigate between items within menu | Arrow keys
Select first item (if no item selected) | F10
Select next item | Right
Select previous item | Left
Select default or selected item | Enter
Post menu | Up, Down
Post menu | Enter
Post menu | Spacebar
Post menu | Alt+Char accelerator key, if defined
Un-post menu | Esc
Un-post menu | Alt
Here is the link to this information:
http://java.sun.com/j2se/1.4.2/docs/api/javax/swing/doc-files/Key-Windows.html
Many Windows applications, including Notepad, WordPad allow all three
keys, Esc / Alt / Tab, to navigate out of their respective
MenuBars.
We are looking for continuity across the products that users are
familiar with using.