Improved keyboard accelerators are provided for executing functionalities of a software application utilizing text-based and non text-based buttons or controls. Upon selection of a prescribed keyboard accelerator initiation key, for example, the "Alt" key, a keyboard accelerator key tip in the form of a small window is displayed over the functionality buttons or controls displayed in a deployed user interface. Each key tip is labeled with one or more text characters for informing a user as to a secondary keyboard selection that must be made to execute the associated functionality.