diff --git a/.xinitrc b/.xinitrc
index e52037e..e7056c9 100644
--- a/.xinitrc
+++ b/.xinitrc
@@ -49,7 +49,8 @@ setxkbmap -option grp:alt_shift_toggle
 # this only works when we already substitute a ctrl for caps with the lines above,
 # otherwise control itself will act as escape.
 # Needs xcape package installed. https://github.com/alols/xcape
-type xcape >/dev/null 2>&1 && xcape -e 'Control_L=Escape'
+# set a timeout of 500ms, if pressed longer it will ignore esc
+type xcape >/dev/null 2>&1 && xcape -e 'Control_L=Escape' -t 500
 
 # if unclutter exists start it
 type unclutter >/dev/null 2>&1 && unclutter &