Sometimes when I hit the z key, I get the Zoom tool, which is what the default keyboard is supposed to do.

Sometimes when I hit the z key, it undoes my last action.

As you can imagine, this is beyond annoying. Of course, it could be just me. I have an antiquated machine running an antiquated system—MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2012), running macOS 10.15.7.

So is anyone else having this problem? I checked the issues at GitLab, but I'm even worse at GitLab than I am at Inkscape.

Thank you!

By coincidence, I'm running the same machine.

Keyboard shortcut for Undo is [ctrl+z]. This shouldn't happen with the [z] key alone. It sounds like your [ctrl] key is sticking. Cleaning can sometimes resolve this. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4VnVJ7gvaM

I'll give it a shot. I'll post here again if it doesn't work.

Thanks for the assistance!

Paddy_CAD, do you know how to put the little white things back together if they separate while you're pulling up the key?

If so, could you take close-up photos? I am going to have to take my glasses off to see things this small.

Thanks!

Just aside: if a sticky key is responsible it might explain other issues you're experiencing like the sudden activation of Shape builder tool.

Yeah, that occurred to me. Therein lies my separating-white-plastic-thingie problem. . . .

And now I've lost the little metal bar on the floor. I just hope I can find it again. . . .

I hope all went well. I have a mental image of you standing over a heap of parts, considering your revenge.

I found the missing bar, and better still, I found a place that specializes in laptop keys (LaptopKeyReplacements.com). I've asked them how to put my key back together. I haven't heard back from them yet, but I have high hopes.

And I have a right Shift key until I do get it back together. I figure that it's long past time I learned to do this, although I grant I wasn't so philosophical when I first realized that I didn't know!

I am still grateful, Paddy_CAD!

@Paddy_CAD, I've lost pieces of my Shift key and need to buy a new one.

You said you have the same system? Can you go to the site I posted in my last message, search for "AC08" and see if you agree that's what I need? I can't get the sales staff to respond.

Thank you for considering!

I have the same laptop, but it seems that Apple used three different keyboards for this model. I found the three styles illustrated here:

https://www.laptopkeyreplacements.com/apple-unibody-black-macbook-a1278-laptop-keys/

Hopefully it's clear which one matches your machine.

I know a faulty key sucks, but can't you just get an external cheap USB or wireless keyboard for about 20 bucks to get you up and running?

I was just hoping you could settle which one, Paddy_CAD. I think it's AC08, but I'm nervous about it.

The key would actually be cheaper than a wireless keyboard (or a wired one, for that matter), but it would be certain, unlike the key. . . .

Thanks, folks, I'll work it out.