Space bar issues with 2021 macbook pro

I'm having an intermittent problem (at least once or twice per day) with my new 2021 Macbook pros, where at times when I go to type something, the space bar does not function. I can type, but can't space (for example, I could type "searchbarissue" but not 'search bar issue"). It happens most often when I am filling in something, like a search field etc. I don't recall it happening when I'm typing general text, as I'm doing as I write this.l. And, it's not a hardware issue, because it has happened when I am using the MBP keyboard, and also when I have an external keyboard connected via bluetooth. And, it's not happening in the same place all the time. It has happened when I try to search MAIL, it has happened when I try to search Google mail via the google mail website... Generally, if I close out of the app I'm in and restart it, its okay. Or sometimes I don't have to get out of the app altogether, but I have to move to something else and then come back.

But, it's not a problem with any individual site or application... it appears to be something in the MBP operating system (and it has happened on two laptops, both a 16 inch and 14). Or, I suppose it could have something to do with a setting that I am using although I haven't found out what that might be.

Have any of you experienced this?