diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 6ff09727..bb9e7415 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -122,6 +122,15 @@ modifiers and one-shot layer keys. It has the following methods:
 > momentary layer switchers. As `on()`, this method is idempotent, and can be
 > called at any time, from anywhere.
 
+### `.timeOut`
+
+> The number of loop iterations to wait before timing out and cancelling the
+> one-shot effect, unless interrupted or cancelled before by any other means.
+>
+> Not strictly a method, it is a variable one can assign a new value to.
+>
+> Defaults to 40.
+
 ## Further reading
 
 Starting from the [example][plugin:example] is the recommended way of getting
diff --git a/src/Akela/OneShot.cpp b/src/Akela/OneShot.cpp
index 77c45e1c..98693683 100644
--- a/src/Akela/OneShot.cpp
+++ b/src/Akela/OneShot.cpp
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ namespace Akela {
   // ---- state ---------
 
   uint8_t OneShot::Timer = 0;
-  uint8_t OneShot::TimeOut = DEFAULT_TIMEOUT;
+  uint8_t OneShot::timeOut = 40;
   uint32_t OneShot::State = 0;
   uint32_t OneShot::stickyState = 0;
   uint32_t OneShot::pressedState = 0;
@@ -57,7 +57,7 @@ namespace Akela {
 
 #define toNormalMod(key, idx) {key.flags = 0; key.keyCode = Key_LCtrl.keyCode + idx;}
 #define toNormalMT(key, idx) { key.raw = Key_NoKey.raw; Layer.on (idx - 8); }
-#define hasTimedOut() (Timer >= TimeOut)
+#define hasTimedOut() (Timer >= timeOut)
 
   // ----- passthrough ------
 
@@ -255,7 +255,7 @@ namespace Akela {
       return;
 
     if (postClear) {
-      if (Timer < TimeOut)
+      if (Timer < timeOut)
         Timer++;
 
       if (hasTimedOut ())
diff --git a/src/Akela/OneShot.h b/src/Akela/OneShot.h
index 4902c0c0..77b7377e 100644
--- a/src/Akela/OneShot.h
+++ b/src/Akela/OneShot.h
@@ -36,6 +36,7 @@ namespace Akela {
     static bool isActive (void);
     static void cancel (bool withStickies);
     static void cancel (void) { cancel (false); };
+    static uint8_t timeOut;
 
     static bool isModifierActive (Key key);
 
@@ -43,7 +44,6 @@ namespace Akela {
 
   private:
     static uint8_t Timer;
-    static uint8_t TimeOut;
     static uint32_t State;
     static uint32_t stickyState;
     static uint32_t pressedState;