Skills off the GCD

Whenever I want to use one of my PLD cool-downs, it seems like the only way I can trigger them is if I tap the hotkey multiple times. Nothing will happen if I tap just once.

I know they're off the the GCD because I've seen them trigger in-between GCD combo attacks -- but I'm wondering if anyone else has had similar issues. This only becomes annoying during intense encounters where I use them, only to realize 15 seconds later that they never triggered even though I know I pressed the right key.

I'm playing on a PS4 with a DS4.

Everybody deals with this and it's rather annoying, especially Hallowed Ground which feels like it takes 3 seconds to activate after you hit it.

Happens to me on the PC too, it's not a PS4 or any system issue but some kind of game issue.

Basically most moves aren't finished until the animation is finished and the client doesn't allow for animation clipping. So for things like rage of halone you have to wait about 1.5 seconds before you can do anything else. This is further exacerbated by the fact that most effects don't take place until their respective animation is finished as well. That's why hallowed ground can be used, be placed on cool down and yet you can still be dead.