diff --git a/keymapper/dev/reader.py b/keymapper/dev/reader.py
index 1a3f9c13..6fa232e0 100644
--- a/keymapper/dev/reader.py
+++ b/keymapper/dev/reader.py
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@ CLOSE = 1
 
 PRIORITIES = {
     EV_KEY: 100,
-    EV_ABS: 50
+    EV_ABS: 50,
 }
 
 
diff --git a/keymapper/gtk/row.py b/keymapper/gtk/row.py
index 6e10de4f..f16f7186 100644
--- a/keymapper/gtk/row.py
+++ b/keymapper/gtk/row.py
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@
 
 import evdev
 
-from gi.repository import Gtk, GLib
+from gi.repository import Gtk, GLib, Gdk
 
 from keymapper.state import custom_mapping, system_mapping
 from keymapper.logger import logger
@@ -239,6 +239,12 @@ class Row(Gtk.ListBoxRow):
             'focus-out-event',
             self.keycode_input_unfocus
         )
+        # don't leave the input when using arrow keys or tab. wait for the
+        # window to consume the keycode from the reader
+        keycode_input.connect(
+            'key-press-event',
+            lambda *args: Gdk.EVENT_STOP
+        )
 
         character_input = Gtk.Entry()
         self.character_input = character_input