chrome extension : How to get key events

Question

Is there any way to get key events in a google chrome extension file - background.html - ?

document.onkeydown = function () {
  alert('test')
};

Previous code doesn't work.

Answer 1

Not sure if this is still active, but an update might help someone like me who is just now playing around with Chrome extensions. The new commands api allows you to receive the same functionality without using a content script.

Use your manifest.json file to register the keyboard commands. For example:

...    
"commands": {
    "save" : {
        "suggested_key": {
             "default": "Alt+Shift+S" 
        },
        "description": "Save a link"
    },
    "random": {
        "suggested_key": {
            "default": "Alt+Shift+L"
        },
        "description": "Load a random link"
    }
}
...

and then you can catch it in your background page

chrome.commands.onCommand.addListener(function (command) {
    if (command === "save") {
        alert("save");
    } else if (command === "random") {
        alert("random");
    }
});

Hopefully that helps!