diff --git a/kitty/boss.py b/kitty/boss.py
index a714aecdf..d955632ee 100644
--- a/kitty/boss.py
+++ b/kitty/boss.py
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ from .constants import (
 )
 from .fast_data_types import (
     CLOSE_BEING_CONFIRMED, GLFW_MOD_ALT, GLFW_MOD_CONTROL, GLFW_MOD_SHIFT,
-    GLFW_MOD_SUPER, GLFW_MOUSE_BUTTON_LEFT, GLFW_PRESS, IMPERATIVE_CLOSE_REQUESTED,
+    GLFW_MOD_SUPER, GLFW_MOUSE_BUTTON_LEFT, GLFW_PRESS, GLFW_RELEASE, IMPERATIVE_CLOSE_REQUESTED,
     NO_CLOSE_REQUESTED, ChildMonitor, Color, EllipticCurveKey, KeyEvent, SingleKey,
     add_timer, apply_options_update, background_opacity_of, change_background_opacity,
     change_os_window_state, cocoa_hide_app, cocoa_hide_other_apps,
@@ -1184,13 +1184,18 @@ class Boss:
         self.default_pending_action = ''
         set_in_sequence_mode(False)
 
-    def process_sequence(self, ev: KeyEvent) -> None:
+    def process_sequence(self, ev: KeyEvent) -> bool:
+        # Process an event as part of a sequence. Returns whether the key
+        # is consumed as part of a kitty sequence keybinding.
         if not self.pending_sequences:
             set_in_sequence_mode(False)
-            return
+            return False
 
         if len(self.current_sequence):
             self.current_sequence.append(ev)
+        if ev.action == GLFW_RELEASE:
+            return True
+        # For a press/repeat event, try matching with kitty bindings:
         remaining = {}
         matched_action = None
         for seq, key_action in self.pending_sequences.items():
@@ -1203,17 +1208,20 @@ class Boss:
 
         if remaining:
             self.pending_sequences = remaining
+            return True
         else:
             matched_action = matched_action or self.default_pending_action
             if matched_action is not None and matched_action != '':
                 self.clear_pending_sequences()
                 self.combine(matched_action)
+                return True
             else:
                 w = self.active_window
                 if w is not None:
                     for ev in self.current_sequence:
                         w.write_to_child(w.encoded_key(ev))
                 self.clear_pending_sequences()
+                return False
 
     def cancel_current_visual_select(self) -> None:
         if self.current_visual_select:
diff --git a/kitty/keys.c b/kitty/keys.c
index f7dd7e206..07b6504f3 100644
--- a/kitty/keys.c
+++ b/kitty/keys.c
@@ -167,14 +167,20 @@ on_key_input(GLFWkeyevent *ev) {
     PyObject *ke = NULL;
 #define create_key_event() { ke = convert_glfw_key_event_to_python(ev); if (!ke) { PyErr_Print(); return; } }
     if (global_state.in_sequence_mode) {
-        debug("in sequence mode, handling as shortcut\n");
-        if (
-            action != GLFW_RELEASE && !is_modifier_key(key)
-        ) {
-            w->last_special_key_pressed = key;
+        debug("in sequence mode, handling as a potential shortcut\n");
+        if (!is_modifier_key(key)) {
             create_key_event();
-            call_boss(process_sequence, "O", ke);
+            PyObject *ret = PyObject_CallMethod(
+                global_state.boss, "process_sequence", "O", ke);
             Py_CLEAR(ke);
+            if (ret == NULL) { PyErr_Print(); }
+            else {
+              bool consumed = ret == Py_True;
+              Py_DECREF(ret);
+              if (consumed && action != GLFW_RELEASE && w) {
+                w->last_special_key_pressed = key;
+              }
+            }
         }
         return;
     }