Aha! Same here, it looks like maybe DDG vs Google is the real difference here?

iPhone X here, running iOS 13.5.1. I have Google set as my search engine in Safari.

When I type sketch and press return I am taken to the Google Search results.

Notably, however, I have “Search Engine Suggestions” turned off in my Safari settings, and I also have “Safari Suggestions” turned off in my Safari settings. I’ve turned them off a while back because they were more of a nuisance than a help.

Maybe you and others turned those things off at some point too?

I have "Search Engine Suggestions" and "Safari Suggestions" both enabled, Google as "Search Engine" and I see the same behaviour as you (typing "sketch" RETURN in safari address bar takes me to the Google search results).

I have a completely stock iOS setup (Google search) and have had this happen occasionally. I thought I was going crazy. Glad to see this isn’t just me.

So the hypotheses is, it’s doing a web search and google is doing an auto “I’m feeling lucky” redirect.

I use ddg and I can confirm the sketch<enter> -> Skechers.com

I use DuckDuckGo ;)

I can reproduce on an ipad, with ddg as the search engine. Neat.