diff --git a/lisp/emulation/viper-keym.el b/lisp/emulation/viper-keym.el
index 2bb24f662fc..2f7d17351dc 100644
--- a/lisp/emulation/viper-keym.el
+++ b/lisp/emulation/viper-keym.el
@@ -182,7 +182,7 @@ In insert mode, this key also functions as Meta."
   :type 'string
   :group 'viper)
 
-(defconst viper-ESC-key (kbd "ESC")
+(defconst viper-ESC-key [escape]
   "Key used to ESC.")