Keyboard Diagram, Word vs Icon
Keyboard Diagram, Word vs Icon
When we draw keyboard layout diagrams, there is a tendency to use fancy pictograph. but they often are less practical, incomprehensible. e.g. label Esc vs ⎋, Ctrl vs ⎈, Tab vs ↹. also, problem with pictograph is that they cannot be looked-up nor searched. when a person sees Esc, he can type it and lookup. but not ⎋.
this is why apple since 2005, uses full words for their ⌘ command key.
I recommend, always include words when possible. Include pictograph too if you have room. when using only pictograph, make sure its a universal symbol, such as ← →.