diff --git a/kitty/keys.py b/kitty/keys.py
index 02283c0d9..abf4f980f 100644
--- a/kitty/keys.py
+++ b/kitty/keys.py
@@ -138,9 +138,9 @@ def get_localized_key(key, scancode):
 
 
 action_map = {
-    defines.GLFW_PRESS: b'p',
-    defines.GLFW_RELEASE: b'r',
-    defines.GLFW_REPEAT: b't'
+    defines.GLFW_PRESS: 'p',
+    defines.GLFW_RELEASE: 'r',
+    defines.GLFW_REPEAT: 't'
 }