macbook pro keyboard selective operation

I removed the A1314 keyboard from the 2011 mbp, and paired it to a 2018 model. Exact same behavior. Obviously it is not an OS setting, and has to lie in the firmware. If it was a hardware issue then the key wouldn't work in the terminal, or for scrolling web pages, etc. Only certain combinations of key in certain situations have this issue.

I have already performed a firmware update on the keyboard. maybe there is yet another update available?

This is starting to feel like more of Apple's planned obsolescence. If it is then it's pretty sloppy. The issue is obviously something that can be solved. Is there a secret funhouse mode or something that I missed in the instructions?

After some research, if Apple was high when they made this keyboard they didn;t get caught at least. ;)

"SECTION 5301 (ANTI-DRUG ABUSE) CERTIFICATION:

The applicant must certify that neither the applicant nor any party to the application is subject to a denial of Federal benefits, that include FCC benefits, pursuant to Section 5301 of the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, 21 U.S.C. § 862 because of a conviction for possession or distribution of a controlled substance. See 47 CFR 1.2002(b) for the definition of a "party" for these purposes.

Does the applicant or authorized agent so certify?  Yes"

Firmware is current supposedly?

Devices (Paired, Configured, etc.):

 Ableton Studio’s Keyboard:

 Address: 44-2A-60-E9-91-2C

 Major Type: Peripheral

 Minor Type: Keyboard

 Services: Apple Wireless Keyboard

 Paired: Yes

 Configured: Yes

 Connected: Yes

 Manufacturer: Apple (0x3, 0x31C)

 Battery Level: 62%

 Firmware Version: 0x0050

 Vendor ID: 0x05AC

 Product ID: 0x0239

 Class of Device: 0x05 0x10 0x2540

 AFH: On

 AFH Map: 0080FFFFFFFFFFFF7F

 RSSI: -65

 Role: Master

 Connection Mode: Sniff Mode

 Interval: 11.25 ms

 Host Connectable: Yes

 EDR Supported: No

 eSCO Supported: No

 SSP Supported: No