diff --git a/src/calibre/gui2/search_box.py b/src/calibre/gui2/search_box.py
index 853472050e..35bf7374a0 100644
--- a/src/calibre/gui2/search_box.py
+++ b/src/calibre/gui2/search_box.py
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ class SearchLineEdit(QLineEdit):
     focus_out = pyqtSignal(object)
 
     def keyPressEvent(self, event):
-        self.key_pressed.emit(object)
+        self.key_pressed.emit(event)
         QLineEdit.keyPressEvent(self, event)
 
     def mouseReleaseEvent(self, event):