diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 5002fe6..71dc773 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -104,12 +104,17 @@ plugin, not just this one.
 - **Typing** — shows just the character: `g`, `G`, `!`, `5`.
 - **Modifier combos** — shows every modifier plus the key: `Super Shift G`,
   `Ctrl C`, `Super Enter`.
+- **Combos are a unit** — a combination stays intact no matter the order you
+  release it: press `Ctrl Shift N`, let go of `Ctrl` first, then `Shift`,
+  then `N`, and the display keeps showing `Ctrl Shift N` the whole time
+  (keyviz shrinks key-by-key; this plugin treats the chord as one unit).
 - **Non-printing keys** — labeled: `Esc`, `Tab`, `F1`, arrows, `Space`.
 - Modifiers that produce the shifted character (`Shift` with a letter) are
   folded into the character itself: `Shift + 1` shows `!`.
 - Key repeat is ignored; a held key shows once.
 - After the last key is released the combo lingers briefly (1s by default,
-  keyviz-style "Duration") and then vanishes in one frame — no fade.
+  keyviz-style "Duration") and then vanishes in one frame — no fade. The
+  lingering combo is always the last full one, never a partial release state.
 - In `mode: "bindings"` only combos with a modifier are shown; plain typing
   stays off screen.
 
diff --git a/key-visualizer.lua b/key-visualizer.lua
index b445e5a..4c707de 100644
--- a/key-visualizer.lua
+++ b/key-visualizer.lua
@@ -145,6 +145,13 @@ local function emit()
   end
 end
 
+-- Combos: a combination of keys is treated as a unit. The display only
+-- updates on key-down (the combo grows as you press) and when the last key
+-- is released (the empty payload starts the panel's linger with the last
+-- full combo). Intermediate releases never shrink the display, so the order
+-- in which you let go of a shortcut doesn't matter: Ctrl+Shift+N stays
+-- Ctrl+Shift+N whether you release Ctrl, Shift, or N first.
+--
 -- state: 0 = released, 1 = pressed, 2 = repeat (ignored).
 hl.on("input.keyboard.key", function(keycode, timeMs, state)
   if state == 2 then return end
@@ -158,6 +165,7 @@ hl.on("input.keyboard.key", function(keycode, timeMs, state)
       end
       if not found then combo[#combo + 1] = keycode end
     end
+    emit()
   else
     pressed[keycode] = false
     if not MODS[keycode] then
@@ -168,7 +176,12 @@ hl.on("input.keyboard.key", function(keycode, timeMs, state)
         end
       end
     end
+    -- Only emit when the last key goes up: intermediate releases keep the
+    -- full combo on screen (the panel lingers it after the empty payload).
+    local any_down = false
+    for _, down in pairs(pressed) do
+      if down then any_down = true break end
+    end
+    if not any_down then emit() end
   end
-
-  emit()
 end)
diff --git a/manifest.json b/manifest.json
index 7e20900..46614c3 100644
--- a/manifest.json
+++ b/manifest.json
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
   "schemaVersion": 1,
   "id": "felixzsh.key-visualizer",
   "name": "Key Visualizer",
-  "version": "1.3.3",
+  "version": "1.4.0",
   "description": "Shows the keys you press on screen. Great for keybinding tutorials, demos, and screencasts.",
   "kinds": [
     "panel",