Ubuntu 14 Ctrl key seems to be logically stuck

Solution 1:

I frequently enter into this state when fat-fingering an attempt to multi-select in IntelliJ using Alt+J. When I am in this state, it is as if the Ctrl key is permanently held down: all clicks become right-clicks and most keyboard shortcuts are affected, rendering the OS practically unusable.

I am not sure exactly what key combination is causing this, but I have tried a few things in the past to resolve it with varying success:

1. Pressing BOTH CTRL keys on my keyboard at the same time seemed to fix it.
2. Holding the Windows key seems to cancel out whatever sticky key situation is enabled, thus allowing me to click things properly again. Then I just spam combinations of Win, Ctrl, Alt, and the keys around J :).

Solution 2:

Changed System Settings>Text Entry to an alternative keymap. I have a US keyboard, but I picked "English (Canada)" and it works fine again.

It helps to set a hotkey to change map "Source" automatically when it keeps happening still. :∫

(Keyboard sticks randomly has another easy setting change to try if that fails. I feel your pain.)