Linux GUI taking over keyboard

Super happy about having this plugin on Ubuntu with i3 desktop enviroment. But I have a major pain. For other Linux plugins such as U-he this is not an issue.
When I open the plugin in Bitwig I can start and stop sequencer with spacebar etc. But as soon as I click on any knob or controller in the plugin I cant control bitwig anymore. I have to move the cursor on to Bitwig to get the keyboard controls back. This fucks up my workflow. I know its doable because other plugins manage do it. Hope you can come around and fix it!