Phenomenon
When using Chinese Pinyin IME in a contenteditable element, pressing number keys (1-9) during character conversion selects candidates from the conversion list instead of inserting numbers. This prevents users from inserting numbers while the candidate list is active.
Reproduction example
- Focus the editable area.
- Activate Chinese Pinyin IME.
- Type Pinyin text (e.g., “nihao”) and trigger character conversion (candidate list appears).
- Try to press a number key (e.g., “3”) to insert the number “3”.
Observed behavior
- Number keys (1-9) select candidates from the conversion list instead of inserting numbers
- Users cannot insert numbers while candidate list is active
- After conversion completes, number keys work normally
- Behavior differs from native input fields where numbers can be inserted
Expected behavior
- Users should be able to insert numbers even when candidate list is active
- Number keys should have a way to insert numbers (e.g., Shift+Number or different key combination)
- Behavior should be consistent with native input fields
Browser Comparison
- Safari: Number keys trigger candidate selection, especially on macOS
- Chrome: Similar behavior
- Firefox: May have different number key behavior
Notes and possible direction for workarounds
- Prevent number key default behavior and insert numbers manually
- Use alternative key combinations for number input during candidate selection
- Provide UI feedback to users about number input limitations