Search input on mobile device

Question

I'm designing a mobile-web app (ie: not a native app) for touchscreen smartphones.

When you add a search input, do you need to add the search button (for processing the search) or use the one present in the keyboard? If user perform a search, he will

1. tap on the search field
2. The keyboard appears, he taps his search terms
3. When he's finished he taps "go" on the keyboard.

Is it necessary to add a search button (if keyboard doesn't show the "go" button for example)

Do all touch devices have the "go" button?

Answer 1

You should include a "search" or "go" button.

Not all smartphones use a touch screen to type, even if they are touch capable. Many have slide out keyboards for example which they use. Most Blackberry smartphones use a keyboard for all input and then you can't rely on the go button being there.

Answer 2

Have to use a button

With regards to accessibility as well, it is better to use a button with the action which describe the specific event that a user initiate always. Provide a better usability