Keyboard frequently locks up

The keyboard on my MacBook Pro will lock up, and become unresponsive when typing.

This issue happens frequently, and does not seem to be caused by a specific key. The keyboard will accept no input (cannot type or toggle caps lock etc) until I hold down the power button and hard reboot, or sometimes the issue can be resolved by closing the laptop lid and reopening it (this does not always work though). I would like to note that the trackpad continues to work fine and the OS remains responsive when the issue is present.

I tried resetting the SMC and NVRAM/PRAM to no success. I also wiped the disk and reinstalled MacOS, and the issue happened again in the setup process.

To me, it seems like a software or firmware issue since a restart or closing the lid and reopening can fix it. But considering the steps I took to rule out software, I’m inclined to think it must be hardware related… despite a reboot fixing it (this fact bothers me).

I haven’t spilled any liquids and there doesn’t seem to be any obstructions in the keyboard (it happens on random keys). There seems to be no rhyme or reason as to when this occurs, I can have long typing/coding sessions with no issues and then I can have the issue occur multiple times within minutes.

What would be my next step for diagnosing/fixing this issue? I’m not under any warranty, so Apple is out of the question.

I am thinking maybe I should open the MacBook and check the connector for the keyboard, and perhaps give it a clean.

Any suggestions/help is appreciated. Thank you. :)