[autocomplete] Escape key blurs input before closing popup

[mirka]

Current behavior

When the filtered list is empty (e.g. typing "asdf") and the popup is showing Autocomplete.Empty content ("No tags found."):

1. Press Escape — the input blurs (loses focus), but the popup remains visible.
2. Press Escape again — the popup closes.

Expected behavior

1. Press Escape — the popup closes, the input retains focus.

Per WAI-ARIA APG combobox pattern:

Escape: Dismisses the popup if it is visible.

The popup should close first. Focus should remain on the input.

Reproducible example

CleanShot.2026-03-03.at.06-12-20.mp4

Reproducible on the docs site: https://base-ui.com/react/components/autocomplete

Steps:

1. Click the "Search tags" input in the hero example
2. Type "asdf" (no matches — "No tags found." is shown)
3. Press Escape — observe that the input loses focus instead of the popup closing

Base UI version

v1.2.0

Which browser are you using?

Chrome

Which OS are you using?

macOS

[linear]

BAS-441

[atomiks]

It's not reproducible for me.

Can you use the Stackblitz to examine why it's blurring for you?

Screen.Recording.2026-03-03.at.12.29.26.pm.mov

[mirka]

So weird, I'll try to narrow down what's causing it in some environments for me. I do have some environments where it's working like your video. Thanks for confirming the expected behavior though.

[github-actions]

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