diff --git a/tests/unit/keyinput/test_modeparsers.py b/tests/unit/keyinput/test_modeparsers.py
index ade8c15cc..50332369f 100644
--- a/tests/unit/keyinput/test_modeparsers.py
+++ b/tests/unit/keyinput/test_modeparsers.py
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@ from PyQt5.QtCore import Qt
 
 import pytest
 
-from qutebrowser.keyinput import modeparsers
+from qutebrowser.keyinput import modeparsers, keyutils
 
 
 class TestsNormalKeyParser:
@@ -58,7 +58,7 @@ class TestsNormalKeyParser:
         keyparser.handle(fake_keyevent_factory(Qt.Key_A, text='a'))
         keyparser.execute.assert_called_with(
             'message-info ba', keyparser.Type.chain, None)
-        assert keyparser._keystring == ''
+        assert not keyparser._sequence
 
     def test_partial_keychain_timeout(self, keyparser, config_stub,
                                       fake_keyevent_factory):
@@ -74,11 +74,11 @@ class TestsNormalKeyParser:
         assert timer.isActive()
 
         assert not keyparser.execute.called
-        assert keyparser._keystring == 'b'
+        assert keyparser._sequence == keyutils.KeySequence.parse('b')
         # Now simulate a timeout and check the keystring has been cleared.
         keystring_updated_mock = mock.Mock()
         keyparser.keystring_updated.connect(keystring_updated_mock)
         timer.timeout.emit()
         assert not keyparser.execute.called
-        assert keyparser._keystring == ''
+        assert not keyparser._sequence
         keystring_updated_mock.assert_called_once_with('')