Triggers are abilities that, once equipped onto the Trigger Slot, can be activated via player input. On PC, this involves holding Q/W/E/R/T/Y for ship 1/2/3/4/5/6 respectively; on mobile, players hold at least two fingers on the corresponding ship card. The required duration of holding down the keys/fingers to activate the ability is known as the Charge Time.
Once activated, the ability enters a cooldown period during which it cannot be activated again. Moreover, each use of the ability permanently depletes one Charge. Charges can only be restored through equipping another instant credit onto the ship's Trigger Slot.
Note that removing a Trigger item that still has remaining charges will not refund them.