Ctrl-C is much much easier on the fingers.
There are only a few case where this does not work so well like in the visual block mode, generally I think its really nicer than ESC.
FWIW, Ctrl-[ is ESC's equivalent.<p>Ctrl-C escapes insert mode, and does not check for abbreviations. It has a different behavior.<p><pre><code> <Esc> or CTRL-[ End insert or Replace mode, go back to Normal mode. Finish
abbreviation.
Note: If your <Esc> key is hard to hit on your keyboard, train
yourself to use CTRL-[.
If Esc doesn't work and you are using a Mac, try CTRL-Esc.
Or disable Listening under Accessibility preferences.
i_CTRL-C
CTRL-C Quit insert mode, go back to Normal mode. Do not check for
abbreviations. Does not trigger the InsertLeave autocommand
event.
</code></pre>
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