diff --git a/src/calibre/gui2/search_box.py b/src/calibre/gui2/search_box.py
index d7e5af5927..3624a10f8c 100644
--- a/src/calibre/gui2/search_box.py
+++ b/src/calibre/gui2/search_box.py
@@ -219,8 +219,8 @@ class SearchBox2(QComboBox):  # {{{
         if k == Qt.Key_Down and self.currentIndex() == 0 and not self.lineEdit().text():
             self.setCurrentIndex(1), self.setCurrentIndex(0)
             event.accept()
-            return
-        QComboBox.keyPressEvent(self, event)
+        else:
+            QComboBox.keyPressEvent(self, event)
         self.blockSignals(False)
 
     def completer_used(self, text):