---
title: Chords
description: Trigger an action by pressing two keys at the same time.
---

A chord fires when keys go down together. Pressing <kbd>j</kbd> and <kbd>k</kbd>
at once to send Escape is a common one for Vim users.

## In karabiner.ts

```ts index.ts
mapSimultaneous(['j', 'k']).to('escape')
```

## In Vimputer

1. **Record the chord**

    In a new binding's **Trigger** row, record <kbd>j</kbd>, choose **+ with**, and
    record <kbd>k</kbd>.

2. **Add the action**

    Under **Actions**, set Press to a **Shortcut** of <kbd>esc</kbd>.

**Pressed together within** sets how close together the keys must land. Leave it
empty to use the default in [Generate](/docs/runtime/generate#compiler-settings).

**Chord rules…** covers the rest of Karabiner's `simultaneous_options`:

| Rule | Karabiner |
| --- | --- |
| Down order, Up order | `key_down_order`, `key_up_order` |
| Release when | `key_up_when` |
| Uninterrupted detection | `detect_key_down_uninterruptedly` |
| On chord release | `to_after_key_up` |