diff --git a/src/input_handler.hh b/src/input_handler.hh
index daac0c18e..8086323c0 100644
--- a/src/input_handler.hh
+++ b/src/input_handler.hh
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ using KeyCallback = std::function<void (Key, Context&)>;
 class InputMode;
 class DisplayLine;
 enum class InsertMode : unsigned;
-enum class KeymapMode : int;
+enum class KeymapMode : char;
 
 class InputHandler : public SafeCountable
 {
diff --git a/src/keymap_manager.hh b/src/keymap_manager.hh
index 855290d5e..d5e96322b 100644
--- a/src/keymap_manager.hh
+++ b/src/keymap_manager.hh
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@
 namespace Kakoune
 {
 
-enum class KeymapMode : int
+enum class KeymapMode : char
 {
     None,
     Normal,