diff --git a/src/components/views/dialogs/BaseDialog.js b/src/components/views/dialogs/BaseDialog.js
index 279dedbd43..d0f34c5fbd 100644
--- a/src/components/views/dialogs/BaseDialog.js
+++ b/src/components/views/dialogs/BaseDialog.js
@@ -57,9 +57,7 @@ export default React.createClass({
         }
     },
 
-    // Must be when the key is released (and not pressed) otherwise componentWillUnmount
-    // will focus another element which will receive future key events
-    _onKeyUp: function(e) {
+    _onKeyDown: function(e) {
         if (e.keyCode === KeyCode.ESCAPE) {
             e.stopPropagation();
             e.preventDefault();
@@ -81,7 +79,7 @@ export default React.createClass({
         const TintableSvg = sdk.getComponent("elements.TintableSvg");
 
         return (
-            <div onKeyUp={this._onKeyUp} className={this.props.className}>
+            <div onKeyDown={this._onKeyDown} className={this.props.className}>
                 <AccessibleButton onClick={this._onCancelClick}
                     className="mx_Dialog_cancelButton"
                 >