[jQuery] [autocomplete] tabbing out of field instead of selecting clears user input

[jQuery] [autocomplete] tabbing out of field instead of selecting clears user input


Is there any way to configure auto complete so that, when the user
tabs out of the field without finding a match, the input the user
typed does not disappear.
I have a search form which contains one input field and a submit
button. The user can type their search term in the field and a list of
options is displayed. If the user selects one of the options it
redirects to an appropriate page. However, if the user does not see an
option that suits them they can click the submit button and be sent to
a search results page.
Currently, if I type in the field and then click the submit button
this works fine but if I type in the field and then press the tab key
the input is cleared from the field.