Crossword Genius

Shows no character when depressed (5,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

space bar

'shows no' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot see how they can define each other.

'character when depressed' is the wordplay.
'character' becomes 'space' (space is a kind of character).
'when depressed' becomes 'bar' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'space'+'bar'='SPACE-BAR'

(Other definitions for space bar that I've seen before include "Restaurant at the End of the Universe?" , "provision for thirsty astronauts?" , "A keyboard feature" , "Longest typing key" , "Long key on a typewriter" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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