Tab Key vs. Enter Key

The Tab key is one of the most valuable keys to use when moving between input fields. It allows you to move between fields without having to shift attention away from the keyboard to use the mouse. Pressing the Tab key will move you through the fields of the form in the order that makes the most logical sense for completing it. More modern programs use the Tab key to move between selectable elements on a web page or within an application, such as input fields, links, and buttons. When you press the Tab key, the focus moves to the next selectable element in a logical order. You can also move backwards using Shift+Tab.

The Enter key, on the other hand, is used to interact with the currently focused element. For example, if the focus is on a link or button, pressing Enter will activate it . In some cases, you can use the Enter key to submit or save forms.

Programs that only use the Enter Key to move from field to field are limited in flexibility. To access a button, drop down or a pop-up list the mouse has to be used slowing form entry. Most likely emphasis switched to using the Tab key instead of the Enter Key when forms became more interactive (icons, buttons, windows, etc. to access other functions or procedures) and the Graphical User Interface (GUI) became the standard. The GUI allows users to interact with the program through graphical icons, windows and links that are not available in text-based user interface.

In summary, the Tab key is used to move between elements while the Enter key is used to interact with the currently focused element.