$VISUAL
–
Editor used to choose ZLE keymap
$VISUAL is used by ZLE to choose the keymap.
If it contains the string vi, then keymap viins is chosen.
Otherwise, keymap emacs is selected.
Variable $EDITOR is used in the same way as $VISUAL by ZLE.
Links
BashSupport Pro is a Zsh IDE with support for $VISUAL – try it now!