diff --git a/src/core.py b/src/core.py
index 3ac0a0b5..4cf0a7d4 100644
--- a/src/core.py
+++ b/src/core.py
@@ -1072,9 +1072,11 @@ class Core(object):
         """
         main loop waiting for the user to press a key
         """
-        def replace_line_breaks(key):
+        def replace_special_keys(key):
             if key == '^J':
                 return '\n'
+            elif key == '^I':
+                return '     '
             return key
         while self.running:
             if self.paused: continue
@@ -1102,11 +1104,11 @@ class Core(object):
                 if func:
                     func()
                 else:
-                    res = self.do_command(replace_line_breaks(char), False)
+                    res = self.do_command(replace_special_keys(char), False)
                     if res:
                         self.refresh_window()
             else:
-                self.do_command(''.join(list(map(replace_line_breaks, char_list))), True)
+                self.do_command(''.join(list(map(replace_special_keys char_list))), True)
                 self.refresh_window()
             self.doupdate()