I noticed that too. Not only on whatsapp, but on some websites, js links are not reachable using the 'f' key.

is there any workaround for getting rid of having to use the mouse in these cases?

There are two things causing this...

1. The element has a tabindex of -1, which we're excluding for some reason.
2. Nevertheless - and unfortunately - if we remove the condition above and "simulate click" the element, then it doesn't seem to respond anyway.

1859 doesn't seem to find the clickable element either.

The element has a tabindex of -1, which we're excluding for some reason.

Specifically, we're excluding it because it doesn't make an element respond to clicks, whereas a non-negative tabindex does.

I'm at work so I can't check, but are there any non-site-specific features that distinguish the clickable elements from the others?

are there any non-site-specific features that distinguish the clickable elements from the others?

Looks like they're using React, but you better look yourself.

I know this is an old issue, but it's still happening. Is there anything that can be done other than not using whatsapp web?

The only thing that I found to work is pressing twice instead of from the input box. The first tab takes the cursor to the chat search box and the second one takes it to the window where there is a list of all chats. All the commands work there.