Retropad assigned Keyboard keys not invoking runcommands launch menu [solved]

[Ashpool]

Raspberry 3B+, Retropie 4.6 fresh image (32GB SDCard) without updates, controller: keyboard (configured on 1st start via ES GUI) and Raspberry 4B, Retropie image updated to 4.6.7 (32GB SDCard), controller: I-Pac 2. Both Pi are powered via their official power supply.

I noticed, that when I launch any rom/game I can only access the Launch Menu with unmapped keyboard keys, those assigned to the retropad in retroarch.cfg aren't working. Is that the expected behaviour and can this be changed via some config I've missed so far?

-> i.e. if I set

input_player1_left = "left"
input_player1_right = "right"
input_player1_up = "up"
input_player1_down = "down"
input_player1_a = "ctrl"
input_player1_b = "alt"
input_player1_x = "shift"
input_player1_y = "semicolon"

None of those keys will open the launch menu.

Edit: On the Pi4, for the I-Pac I customized the retroarch.cfg in a similiar way to the Guide found here, though I 've set input_enable_hotkey = "nul", have set every unused key to "nul" and made sure there where no conflicts in the assignments.

[mitu]

Which keys are you pressing ? I think the control keys (alt/ctrl/shift) don't register in the launch menu, but any regular key (including the directional keys) should work.

[Ashpool]

@mitu Thanks! :Banghead: Now that was a typical case of "Betriebsblindheit" (1) inmidst my current setup orgy - Sigh. Should have also tried 'em without the bindings 1st. !

[1]: I never came along a real translation for that, but Target fixation or Tunnel vision (metaphor) may come close to it.