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computer_key_down

Hold down a specific key on your Mac to enable keyboard interactions like shortcuts or continuous input.

Instructions

Press and hold a key.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
keyYesThe key to hold down

Output Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault

No arguments

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

  1. First observed

TDQS

C2.9/5.0
Behavior2/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. 'Press and hold' implies a stateful action, but the description does not explain how long the key stays held, how to release it, or what side effects may occur.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness4/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is a single, front-loaded sentence with no filler words. It is efficiently concise, though it omits important usage context that belongs elsewhere in the definition.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness3/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

For a one-parameter tool this is minimally viable: it names the action and the relevant parameter. However, it leaves a clear gap by not stating that the key remains held until a release action like computer_key_up is invoked, which is important for correct agent behavior.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

The schema already fully documents the only parameter, 'key', as 'The key to hold down', so the description adds little beyond the schema. With 100% schema description coverage, the baseline of 3 is appropriate.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose4/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description states a specific action ('Press and hold') on a specific resource ('a key'), so the tool's core purpose is clear. It distinguishes itself from siblings like key_up and press_key through the word 'hold', but it does not explicitly contrast itself with those alternatives.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines2/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description provides no guidance on when to use this tool versus siblings such as computer_press_key, computer_key_up, or computer_hotkey. It also does not mention that key_down should typically be paired with a later key_up call.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.