Space bar key does no longer produce space character on screen

hillflyer · 01-30-2021, 06:19 AM

After a software/OS update my spacebar does not work anymore.
This also applies to the on screen keyboard, so it is not a hardware issue.
It happens in all applications. yesthat'swhatitlookslike ;-)
I tried downgrading some packages again, but could not find the right one.
Any helpful idas?
Thank you!

hillflyer

System: Linux Mint Tricia 19.3 Kernel: 5.4.0-64-generic x86_64 bits: 64 compiler: gcc v: 7.5.0
Desktop: MATE 1.22.2
base: Ubuntu 18.04 bionic
Machine: Type: Laptop LENOVO ThinkPad T520 with UltraNav trackpad

business_kid · 01-30-2021, 11:23 AM

Hello, hillflyer & welcome to LQ.

Here's the standard thing about posting questions How_To_Ask_a_Question

Now, about your question. Borrow another keyboard and try with that. I can more easily imagine your spacebar going dodgy than I can imagine a software fault causing that not to print, and everything else be ok. Also, try it in various places and slowly.

hillflyer · 01-30-2021, 01:43 PM

I don't think it's hardware related since the virtual on screen keyboard produces the same error. Actually I can see the text cursor kind of twitching when I press the space bar, it just does not insert the desired space character.
Could it be related to the Ultra Nav touchpad driver?

ondoho · 01-31-2021, 02:04 AM

Have you changed fonts?
Does the same happen in a code editor with a monospaced font?

fatmac · 01-31-2021, 05:10 AM

As it happens with both a keyboard & an on screen keyboard, I would think it is a bad keyboard layout file in Ubuntu/Mint.

DavidMcCann · 01-31-2021, 09:45 AM

1. Run the command xev in a terminal and see what happens when you press space. The output should include

Code:

state 0x0, keycode 65 (keysym 0x20, space), same_screen YES

if the key is working.

2. Press Ctrl Alt F2. That will open a virtual terminal at which you will be invited to log-in. If space works there, then it's not your keyboard. To get back, use Ctrl Alt F7.

hillflyer · 01-31-2021, 03:10 PM

OK, this is weird: The key is working now. But I don't know WHY.
I suspect the iBus keyboard utility/driver or layout as fatmac suggested.
@ondoho: it happened everywhere also command line.
@DavidMcCann: Yes it outputsd keycode 65 now. Thanks for the XEV command and the seriously cool shortcuts!
So: THANKS guys! You made my day!
hillflyer

ondoho · 02-01-2021, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hillflyer

OK, this is weird: The key is working now. But I don't know WHY.
I suspect the iBus keyboard utility/driver or layout as fatmac suggested.
@ondoho: it happened everywhere also command line.
@DavidMcCann: Yes it outputsd keycode 65 now. Thanks for the XEV command and the seriously cool shortcuts!
So: THANKS guys! You made my day!
hillflyer

What DavidCann requested was not a solution, just more troubleshooting.
How did it go?