Continue to walk after releasing key

When the w-key is released even after a short period of time and  the camera (mouse) is changing direction at the time the key is released Minecraft client will continue walking for a while, then finally stop on its own.

What I expected to happen was...:
When I release a key, I expect the game to respond immediately.

What actually happened was...:
Instead, it continues as if I'm still pressing the key, for a short distance

Steps to Reproduce:
1. Open a world in survival mode
2. Start walking (key: w).
3. Change direction with the mouse and release the key
4. Observe you continue walking and then it stops; the distance seems to vary