Patent Publication Number: US-2023162929-A1

Title: Input devices with multi-directional input capabilities

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/281,541, filed Nov. 19, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to electronic devices and, more specifically, to input devices for electronic devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Many types of electronic devices, such as smart phones, tablets, gaming devices, computers, wearables, and the like, use input devices, such as dials, buttons, or switches, to receive input from a user. Many of these input devices may allow for translational and/or rotational inputs (each of which may be used by an associated electronic device to impact operation of the electronic device), but translational inputs are generally limited to a single direction of movement. For example, a button may be pressed in a single direction to receive a user input. Alternatively, a dial (such as a crown on a watch) may be rotated to receive a rotational input and may be pressed in a single direction (like a button) to receive a translational input. It may be desirable to provide input devices that allow a user increased flexibility in providing input to an electronic device. 
     SUMMARY 
     Described here are input devices that include buttons moveable by a user in multiple directions to register a translational input. In general, the input devices comprise a button that is moveable along any of a first set of different directions. The button may also be moveable in an additional direction that is perpendicular to each of the first set of different directions and/or rotatable around an axis of rotation. Movement in the additional direction may also be registered as a translational input, while rotation around the axis of rotation may be registered as a rotational input. 
     Some embodiments may include an input device comprising a housing, a button moveable relative to the housing in a first set of different directions, and a switch assembly that includes a cavity surface defining a cavity and a first switch. Movement of the button in any of the first set of different directions creates relative movement between the cavity surface and the first switch, thereby actuating the first switch and registering a first translational input. In some variations, the button is moveable relative to the housing in an additional direction that is perpendicular to the first set of different directions. The first switch may be a tactile switch. 
     In some of these embodiments, the switch assembly further comprises an intermediate component positioned between the cavity surface and the first switch, and the switch assembly is configured such that the relative movement between the cavity surface and the first switch moves the intermediate component toward the first switch. In some of these variations, the input device comprises a stationary component and the intermediate component is constrained to move in a single direction relative to the stationary component. Additionally or alternatively, the intermediate component is a magnetic intermediate component. 
     The switch assembly may be configured such that the first switch pivots during the relative movement between the cavity surface and the first switch. In some of these variations, the cavity surface comprises a first magnet arrangement and the first switch comprises a second magnet arrangement. The first magnet arrangement attracted is attracted to the second magnet arrangement during the relative movement between the cavity surface and the first switch. 
     Other embodiments may include an input device comprising a housing, a button moveable relative to the housing in a first set of different directions, and a switch assembly that comprises a rotatable member and at least one switch. The rotatable member is rotatable and translatable relative to a pivot point, and the switch assembly is configured such that the movement of the button in any of the first set of different directions causes the rotatable member to move relative to the pivot point, thereby actuating the at least one switch. The at least one switch comprises multiple switches, and in some of these instances the multiple switches comprise a first switch and a second switch. In these variations, the switch assembly is configured such that the first switch is actuated when the rotatable member translates toward the first switch, and the second switch is actuated when the rotatable member rotates in a first direction. The multiple switches may further comprise a third switch, where the third switch is actuated when the rotatably member rotates in a second direction opposite the first direction. 
     Additionally or alternatively, the switch assembly comprises one or more springs connecting the rotatable member to a stationary component. The rotatable member may further comprise a proximal contact surface facing the button, and the movement of the button in any of the first set of different directions causes the button to apply a force to the proximal contact surface. Additionally or alternatively, the button is rotatable around a rotational axis, the input device registers a rotational input when the button rotates around the rotational axis, and the first rotational axis is perpendicular to the first set of different directions. 
     Yet other embodiments may include an input device comprising a housing, a button moveable relative to the housing in a first set of different directions, and a switch assembly that comprises a rotatable linkage and a set of switches. The button is slidably coupled to the rotatable linkage and the movement of the button in any of the first set of different directions moves the button relative to the rotatable linkage, thereby actuating at least one switch of the set of switches. The rotatable linkage may be rotatable around a pivot point and, in some of these embodiments, the pivot point is slidable relative to a stationary component of the input device. Additionally or alternatively, the button may comprise a post that is slidably positioned within a first track defined in the rotatable linkage. In some of these embodiments the set of switches comprises a first switch positioned in the first track. Optionally, the at least one switch further comprises a second switch positioned in the first track. 
     In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the drawings and by study of the following description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG.  1    shows an example schematic diagram of an electronic device that may utilize one or more of the input devices described herein. 
         FIG.  2 A  shows a top view of a such variation of a button suitable for use with the input devices described herein.  FIGS.  2 B- 2 E  show cross-sectional side views of input devices that may incorporate the button of  FIG.  2 A . 
         FIG.  3    shows a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative variation of an input device including a button as described herein. 
         FIGS.  4 A and  4 B  show cross-sectional side views of an illustrative variation of an input device including a rotation member. 
         FIGS.  5 A- 5 F  show cross-sectional side views and  FIG.  5 G  shows a top view of variations of input devices that have switch assemblies including a switch and a surface that defines a cavity. 
         FIGS.  6 A- 6 G  show cross-sectional side views of variations of input devices that have switch assemblies that include a switch and a surface that defines a cavity, where the switch rotates with relative movement between the switch and the cavity. 
         FIG.  7    shows a cross-sectional side view of a variation of an input device including a magnetic intermediate member. 
         FIGS.  8 A- 8 C  show cross-sectional side views of input devices having magnet assemblies. 
         FIG.  9 A  shows a cross-sectional side view and  FIGS.  9 B and  9 C  show cross-sectional top views of a variation of an input device utilizing a rotatable linkage.  FIGS.  9 D and  9 E  show cross-sectional side and cross-sectional top views, respectively, of another variation of an input device utilizing a rotatable linkage. 
         FIGS.  10 A and  10 B  show cross-sectional side views of a variation of an input device utilizing a rotatable linkage. 
         FIGS.  11 A and  11 B  show a cross-sectional side view and a cross-sectional top view, respectively, of an input device including an annular dome switch. 
     
    
    
     It should be understood that the proportions and dimensions (either relative or absolute) of the various features and elements (and collections and groupings thereof) and the boundaries, separations, and positional relationships presented therebetween, are provided in the accompanying figures merely to facilitate an understanding of the various embodiments described herein and, accordingly, may not necessarily be presented or illustrated to scale, and are not intended to indicate any preference or requirement for an illustrated embodiment to the exclusion of embodiments described with reference thereto. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims. 
     Described herein are input devices configured to receive an input from a user. In some embodiments, the input devices comprise a button, where at least a portion of the button is moveable in a first set of different directions, and may be configured to register a first translational input when the button (or a portion thereof) is moved along any of these different directions. For the purpose of this application, when a component is discussed as being configured to move in “a set of different directions,” or “different directions,” the component is configured to move along two or more non-parallel directions (i.e., the component moves in two or more dimensions). In other words, movement of a component back and forth along a common axis would not be considered movement in different directions. 
     Generally, all of the first set of different directions are coplanar, which may allow the button to be moved in multiple directions in a common plane. While in some instances the button is constrained to move only one of the first set of different directions at a time (i.e., the button is constrained to move within the common plane), it should be appreciated that in other instances that the button also simultaneously moves along an additional direction that is perpendicular to the first set of different directions. In these instances, the button is actually moving in a third direction represented by a vector having a first component along a direction of the first set of different directions and a second component along the additional direction. For the purpose of this application, the button is considered to move along a given direction so long as a vector component of the button&#39;s movement is parallel to the given direction. In other words, so long as a portion of the button moves along one of the first set of different directions (i.e., by a threshold amount needed to actuate a switch, as discussed below), the button (or portions thereof) may also rotate, pivot, or otherwise move in the additional direction. 
     Additionally, in some instances, the button may be further configured to function as a dial and rotate around a rotational axis to register a first rotational input. In these variations, the rotational axis is typically perpendicular to each of the first set of directions (e.g., perpendicular to the common plane in which the first set of different directions lie). Additionally or alternatively, and as mentioned above, the button may also be able to move in an additional direction that is perpendicular to each of the first set of different directions (e.g., perpendicular to the common plane of the first set of different directions). In instances where the button is configured to rotate around a rotational axis, this additional direction may be parallel to the rotational axis. Movement along the additional direction may also register as a translational input to an associated electronic device and, depending on the design on the input device, may be treated as the same as translational input registered from movement along one of the first set of different directions (i.e., it is treated as the first translational input) or may be treated as a different translational input (i.e., a second translational input). 
     By allowing a translational input to be registered from movement along any of a first set of different directions, the input devices described herein may make it easier for a user to provide an input to a button. A traditional button can only register a translational input as the button is depressed (or otherwise translated) in a single direction, which may be inconvenient for a user in certain instances. For example, when the button forms a crown for a watch, a user may need to move their hand to a particular position in order to properly press the button. By contrast, a button that can be translated in multiple different directions to register a translational input may allow a user to provide the input from a wider range of possible positions. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 11 B . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these Figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. 
     The input devices described herein may be used with any suitable electronic device, including, but not limited to, mobile telephones (e.g., smart phones), computers, tablets, gaming devices, wearable devices (e.g., smart watches, head-mounted devices), electronic systems of a vehicle, peripherals thereof (e.g., keyboards, controllers), or the like.  FIG.  1    depicts an example schematic diagram of an electronic device  100  that may utilize one or more of the input devices described herein. It should be appreciated that this is merely an illustrative example of an electronic device  100 , and that the input devices described herein may be used with electronic devices that do not include some of the functionality described herein with respect to electronic device  100  of  FIG.  1   . 
     As shown in  FIG.  1   , electronic device  100  includes a processing unit  102  operatively connected to computer memory  104  and/or computer-readable media  106 . The processing unit  102  may be operatively connected to the memory  104  and computer-readable media  106  components via an electronic bus or bridge. The processing unit  102  may include one or more computer processors or microcontrollers that are configured to perform operations in response to computer-readable instructions and may use inputs registered by the input devices described herein in performing these operations. The processing unit  102  may include the central processing unit (CPU) of the device. Additionally or alternatively, the processing unit  102  may include other processors within the device including application specific integrated chips (ASIC) and other microcontroller devices. 
     The memory  104  may include a variety of types of non-transitory computer-readable storage media, including, for example, read access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable memory (e.g., EPROM and EEPROM), or flash memory. The memory  104  is configured to store computer-readable instructions, sensor values, and other persistent software elements. Computer-readable media  106  also includes a variety of types of non-transitory computer-readable storage media including, for example, a hard-drive storage device, a solid-state storage device, a portable magnetic storage device, or other similar device. The computer-readable media  106  may also be configured to store computer-readable instructions, sensor values, and other persistent software elements. The processing unit  102  is operable to read computer-readable instructions stored on the memory  104  and/or computer-readable media  106 . The computer-readable instructions may be provided as a computer-program product, software application, or the like, and may utilize user inputs received by the input devices described herein during operation. 
     As shown in  FIG.  1   , the electronic device  100  also includes a display  108 . The display  108  may include a liquid-crystal display (LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, a light emitting diode (LED) display, or the like. The electronic device  100  may also include a battery  109  that is configured to provide electrical power to the components of the electronic device  100 , although it should be appreciated that electronic device  100  may be powered by an external power source (such as AC power) via power management circuitry. 
     In some embodiments, the electronic device  100  includes one or more input devices  110  configured to receive user input. The one or more input devices  110  include at least one of the input devices described here, but may also include one or more additional input devices, such as, for example, a rotatable input system, a push button, a touch-activated button, a keyboard, a keypad, or the like (including any combination of these or other components). The electronic device  100  may further comprise a touch sensor  120  (configured to determine a location of a touch on a touch-sensitive surface) and/or a force sensor  122  (configured to detect the magnitude of a force applied to a user input surface). The touch sensor  120  and/or force sensor  122  may be integrated with one or more layers of a display stack (e.g., the display  108 ,  FIG.  1   ) to provide the touch- and/or force-sensing functionality, respectively, of a touchscreen. 
     The electronic device  100  may also include one or more sensing systems  124 . Sensing systems  124  may include systems for sensing various different characteristics, parameters, and/or environments of or related to the electronic device  100 . One example sensing system  124  is one or more motion sensing systems configured to detect and/or measure motion of the electronic device  100 . For example, sensing systems  124  may include or use accelerometers, altimeters, moisture sensors, inertial measurement units, spatial sensors, cameras, ambient light sensors, gyroscopic sensors, global positioning systems, optical motion sensing systems (e.g., cameras, depth sensors, etc.), radar systems, LIDAR systems, or the like. Additionally or alternatively, sensing systems  124  may also include a biometric sensor, such as a heart rate sensor, an electrocardiograph sensor, a temperature sensor, or any other type of sensor. 
     The electronic device  100  may further include communication systems  128  that are configured to transmit and/or receive signals or electrical communication from an external or separate device. The communication systems  128  may be configured to couple to an external device via a cable, an adaptor, or other type of electrical connector, or via one or more wireless communication protocols (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular communications, etc.). The communication systems  128  may facilitate the communication of user input or other information between the electronic device  100  and other external devices. 
     As mentioned above, the input devices described herein are able to register a first translational input when a button of the input device is moved along any of a first set of different directions. Typically, each of the first set of different directions is positioned within a common plane (i.e., all of these directions are coplanar). In some instances, the button may also be moveable in an additional direction that is perpendicular to the first set of directions, and the input device may register a translational input (which may be treated the same as the first translational input, or as a different second translational input) when the button is moved along the additional direction. Additionally or alternatively, the button may be configured to function as a dial that is rotatable around a rotational axis to register a rotational input. 
     There are several possible ways in which an input device may be configured to allow a button to move in multiple different directions (and, in instances where the button functions as a dial, to rotate), but for the purpose of illustration,  FIGS.  2 A- 2 E  and  FIG.  3    show different variations of input devices with buttons that may be moved in multiple directions; such buttons may be suitable for use with the various embodiments of input devices described herein. It should be appreciated that the input devices described herein may be designed in any suitable manner to allow for movement of a button along a set of different directions (as well as to rotate around a rotational axis and/or move along an additional direction), as will be readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, a button may slide or otherwise move along a variety of tracks, pivot about a pivot point or pivot axis, move freely within a constrained area, and so on, in order to provide movement in a number of different directions. 
     The button extends from (and in some instances extends through) a housing along a first direction. In some instances, the first set of different directions is perpendicular to this first direction. This may allow the button to move laterally relative to the housing in multiple different directions (e.g., the first set of different directions are each “lateral” directions) and register movement along some or all of these lateral directions as a first translational input. In some instances, the button may optionally also be moveable along the first direction (which would be considered movement along the “additional direction” described above), which may also be used to register a translational input. Additionally or alternatively, the button may be configured to rotate around a rotational axis that is parallel to the first direction. In these instances, the rotation may be registered as a rotational input, thereby allowing the button to act as a dial. 
     For example,  FIG.  2 A  shows a top view of one such variation of a button  200  that may be incorporated into the input devices described herein. Button  200  is rotatable around a rotational axis (as indicated by curved arrow  202 ), and also may be moved in a first set of different directions (as indicated by arrows  204 ), each of which may be perpendicular to the rotational axis. This movement allows the button to receive (and the input device to register) both a translational input along any of first set of different directions and a rotational input. When the input devices described herein are discussed as using rotation of a button around a rotational axis to register a rotational input, it should be appreciated that the input device may be configured to measure the rotation of the button using any suitable technique, which will be readily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. As one non-limiting example, a magnet may be coupled to or otherwise integrated into a portion of the button, and the input device may comprise a magnetic field sensor that tracks the magnet as it moves during rotation. In another non-limiting example, the button may comprise a pattern (e.g., a series, set or other pattern of light and dark marks, stripes, or the like, or areas of varying reflectance, polish, and so on) and the input device may comprise an optical sensor that may measure the change in pattern as the button rotates. 
       FIG.  2 B  shows a cross-sectional side view of one variation of an input device  206  that incorporates button  200 . As shown, button  200  includes a cap  201  and a stem  210  extending from the cap  201 . The cap  201  and stem  210  may be formed as a single monolithic piece or may be formed separately and attached to fix the stem  210  relative to the cap  201 . The cap  201  may form one or more exterior surfaces (such as an outer surface  208  and an outer sidewall  209  as shown in  FIG.  2 B ) either or both of which are positioned to receive a user input, and one or more interior surfaces (e.g., inner surface  212 ). As shown in  FIG.  2 B , a proximal end of the stem  210  extends from (and may be integrally formed with, affixed to, or joined with) the inner surface  212  of the cap  201 . The input device  206  may comprise a sleeve  214 , and a distal portion of the stem  210  extends into a sleeve  214  along a first direction  218  (which may be parallel to the axis of rotation of the button  200 ); this portion may be a stem cap that has a greater cross-sectional diameter than an immediately adjacent portion of the stem  210 . The sleeve  214  may at least partially encircle and/or capture a portion of the stem  210  (such as a stem cap) and may constrain certain relative movement between the sleeve  214  and the stem  210 . 
     As one non-limiting example, the input device comprises a housing  216 , and in some variations the sleeve  214  may be fixed relative to the housing  216 , which may in turn limit relative movement between a distal end of the stem  210  and the housing  216 . When a lateral force (i.e., a force that, when exerted, causes the button to move in one of the first set of different directions, such as indicated by arrows  220 ) is applied to an outer surface  208  of the button  200 , the stem  210  may bend to allow the button  200  to move in one of the first set of directions. In these instances, the bending of the stem  210  may cause the button cap  201  to pivot and move slightly toward the housing  216  as it moves in one of the first set of directions, although it should be appreciated that in some instances the buttons described herein may be configured such that the button (or a portion thereof) is capable of translating along any of the first set of different directions without otherwise moving in an additional direction that is perpendicular to the first set of different directions (such as the embodiments described below with respect to  FIGS.  2 C- 2 E and  3   ). 
     Depending on the direction of the force applied, the button  200  may be capable of laterally moving in any radial direction from a neutral position (e.g., a position at which the button rests when not otherwise acted upon by an external force), and thus the button may facilitate a 360 degree range of lateral movement that may be registered as a first translational input (although it should be appreciated that the input device  206  may be configured to restrict lateral movement of the button  200  to a subset of radial directions if so desired). 
     The button  200  may be biased toward the neutral position (e.g., the shaft may be elastically deformed when bent and/or may include one or more additional components such as a spring that actively biases the button  200  to the neutral position), such that movement of the button  200  along any of the first set of different directions is reversed when any external forces are removed. While discussed above as being stationary relative to the housing  216 , in other variations, the sleeve  214  may be laterally moveable relative to the housing  216  (i.e., also moveable along the first set of different directions), such that the sleeve  214  moves laterally with the button  200  when a lateral force is applied to the button  200 . In these instances, the stem  210  may also bend to increase the distance traversed by the cap  201  as compared to the distance traversed by the sleeve  214 . 
     When an input device is described herein as having a housing, it should be appreciated that the housing need not completely enclose the other components of the input device, so long as a portion of the button is positioned external to the housing (i.e., to allow a user to interact with the button). In some instances, the input device is assembled as a standalone unit that is integrated into an enclosure of an electronic device. In some of these variations, the housing of the input device is connected to a first portion of the enclosure when the input device is integrated into the electronic device, such that the housing of the input device acts as a second portion of the enclosure (e.g., the first and second portions of the enclosure connect to form a continuous wall). In others of these variations, the housing of the input device does not form a portion of the enclosure and, instead, the enclosure of the electronic device encloses the housing of the input device. In still other variations, an input device can be integrally formed as part of the enclosure of the electronic device, in which case the enclosure of the electronic device is also the housing of the input device (e.g., a single structure may act as both the enclosure of the electronic device and the housing of the input device). 
     Returning to  FIG.  2 B , in instances where it is desirable for the button  200  to act as a dial, the input device  206  may be configured such that the button  200  is able to rotate (e.g., around a rotational axis which may be parallel to the first direction  218 , with the rotation indicated by curved arrow  222 ). In these instances, the stem  210  is configured to rotate relative to the sleeve  214 , thereby allowing the button  200  to rotate relative to the housing  216 . Additionally, the button  200  may further be configured to move along the first direction  218  relative to the sleeve  214 , which causes the stem  210  to extend further into the sleeve  214 . In some instances, the sleeve  214  may provide a stop that limits how far the button  200  may be pressed along the first direction  218 . This movement along the first direction  218  may also be registered as a translational input, such as discussed in more detail above. 
     In instances where a button of the input devices described herein is able to move along both a first set of different directions and an additional direction that is parallel along the first direction and a set of directions perpendicular to the first direction, the input device may either be configured such that these movements can occur simultaneously or configured such that movement along the additional direction is decoupled from movement along one of the first set of different directions. When a button moves along one of the first set of different directions and the additional direction simultaneously, the button is actually moving in a third direction represented by a vector having a first component along a direction of the first set of different directions and a second component along the additional direction. In other words, these buttons may be moved only along one of the first set of different directions, only along the additional direction, or simultaneously in both directions (i.e., along the third direction), depending on the force applied to the button by a user. 
     For example,  FIG.  2 C  shows a cross-sectional side view of one example of an input device  224  that has a button  226  that is able to translate in multiple directions simultaneously. As shown there, the button  226  extends at least partially through a housing  228  along a first direction (as indicated by arrow  230 ). As shown there, the input device  224  may include a retainer  232  that is positioned and configured to constrain the movement of the button  226 . In the variation of input device  224  shown in  FIG.  2 C , the button  226  may comprise a channel  234  that at least partially circumscribes a portion of the button  226 . A channel  234  that fully circumscribes the button  226  may allow for a full 360-degree rotation of the button  226  (e.g., around a rotational axis parallel to the first direction  230 , as indicated by curved arrow  236 ), while a channel  234  that only partially circumscribes the button  226  may restrict the rotational range of the button  226 . 
     The channel  234  may be sized to allow a portion of the retainer  232  (e.g., a lip, protrusion, or the like) to sit within the channel  234 , as well as to allow the portion of the retainer  232  to move within the channel  234  in multiple different directions, including along the first direction  230  (which corresponds to the “additional direction” mentioned above) as well as along a set of different directions perpendicular to the first direction  230  (which corresponds to the “first set of different directions” mentioned above, such as indicated by arrows  238 ). This may in turn allow for the button  226  to be moved along either the first direction  230 , one of the first set of directions  238 , or simultaneously along both of these directions, depending on the force applied to the button  226 . It should be appreciated that the input device  224  may comprise one or more additional components such as springs, spring-biased ball bearings, magnets, or the like (not shown) that may be configured to bias the button  226  to a neutral position, such that button  226  returns to the neutral position when not otherwise acted upon by an external force. 
     It should be appreciated that the channel  234  may be positioned on any suitable surface of the button  226 . For example, in instances where the button  226  comprises a cap and a stem (such as cap  201  and stem  210  discussed above with respect to  FIG.  2 B ), the channel  234  may be defined in either the cap or the stem. Furthermore, while the channel  234  is shown in  FIG.  2 C  as being defined in an outer sidewall of button  226 , in other variations a portion of the button  226  (e.g., a cap) may be hollow such that it defines one or more inner sidewalls, and the channel  234  may instead by defined in an inner sidewall of the button. It should also be appreciated that in other variations a channel is instead defined in the retainer  232  and a portion of the button (e.g., a lip or other protrusion) may extend at least partially into the channel. Additionally, while the housing  228  and retainer  232  are shown in  FIG.  2 C  as being two separate components, it should be appreciated that a single component may act as both the housing  228  and retainer  232  (e.g., the housing may act as a retainer). 
       FIGS.  2 D and  2 E  show another variation of input device  240  comprising a button  242  where movement along any of a first set of different directions  238  is decoupled from the movement along an additional direction  230  perpendicular to the first set of different directions  238 . As shown, the input device  240  may comprise a housing  228 , a retainer  244 , and a channel  246 . These components may be configured in any manner as described above with respect to  FIG.  2 C , except that the channel  246  has multiple regions with different heights, and the portion of the retainer  244  that extends into the channel  246  has a multiple regions with different heights. As shown in  FIGS.  2 D and  2 E , the channel  246  may comprise a first section and a second section that is taller than the first section, and overall has an L-shaped cross-section. Similarly, the portion of the retainer  244  that sits in the channel  246  may comprise a first section and a second section that is taller than the first section, and overall has an L-shaped cross-section. 
     When the button  242  is translated along one of the first set of different directions  238 , a portion of a taller second segment of the retainer  244  may move into a shorter first segment of the channel  246  (as shown in  FIG.  2 D ), which may each be sized such that the taller second segment of the retainer  244  is restricted from traveling along direction  230  when positioned in the shorter segment of the channel  246 . In this way, the button  242  may be prevented from being depressed along the additional direction  230  when it has already been moved from a neutral position along one of the first set of different directions  238 . Conversely, when the button  242  is in the neutral position, the taller second segment of the retainer  244  may be positioned in the taller second segment of the channel  246 , which may allow the button  242  to be pressed along direction  230 , such as shown in  FIG.  2 E . When the button  242  is pressed, the taller second segment of the retainer  244  may no longer be aligned with the shorter first segment of the channel  246 , which may prevent lateral translation of the button  242 . In this way, the button  242  of input device  240  is configured such that the button  242  may only be moved in one direction at a time (i.e., either along one of the first set of directions  238  or along the additional direction  230 ). 
     In other variations where the button extends from (and in some instances extends through) a housing along a first direction, the button may be moveable in a first set of different directions that is coplanar with the first direction. In these variations, the button may be pushed towards the housing in multiple different directions. The button may be further configured to rotate around a rotational axis that is perpendicular to the first set of directions. 
     For example,  FIG.  3    shows a cross-sectional side view of one such input device  300 . As shown there, input device  300  may comprise a button  302  that extends at least partially through a housing  304  along a first direction  306 . The button  302  may be configured to move in additional different directions (as indicated by arrows  308 ) that are coplanar with the first direction  306 , which may collectively form the first set of different directions as discussed above. In these variations, the input device  300  may be configured to register movement along any of the first set of different directions as a first translational input. 
     Additionally, the button  302  may further be configured to rotate around a rotational axis that is perpendicular to the first set of different directions  306 ,  308 . For example, the button  302  may comprise an axle or shaft  310  around which (or with which) the button  302  rotates, and the input device  300  may be configured to register this rotation as a rotational input. This may allow the button  302  to act as a dial that can register both translational and rotational inputs. In these variations, as the button  302  rotates, different portions of the button may be protruding outside of the housing  304 . The shaft  310  may translate with the rest of the button  302 , and dashed line  312  may represent the possible range of travel of the shaft  310  (and with it, the button  302 ). The input device  300  may be configured to constrict translation of the button to the range of travel  312 , and may do so using a track, spring, linkage, or the like. Additionally, in some instances, the input device is configured to bias the button  302  to a neutral position, such as discussed in more detail above. 
     When a button of an input device is able to move in any of a first set of different directions, it is necessary for the input device to be able to identify that the button has been moved in order to register the movement as a translational input. Additionally, it may be desirable to configure these input devices such that there is a consistent user experience across the various directions a user may move the button to register a translational input. For example, it may be desirable for there to be a consistent stroke (i.e., the distance the button moves between a neutral position and a position at which the translational input is registered) and/or consistent resistance to moving the button regardless of which direction of the first set of different directions the button is moved along. 
     The following embodiments describe different mechanisms for registering translational inputs from movement of a button along any of multiple different directions. While the following embodiments are described below in the context of variations of the input devices described above with respect to  FIGS.  2 A- 2 E and  3   , it should be appreciated that these mechanisms may be utilized with any suitable input device in which a button may be moved in a set of different directions. 
     In some variations, an input device may comprise a button and a switch assembly comprising a rotatable member and at least one switch, wherein the button is moveable along any of a first set of different directions to engage the rotatable member and actuate a corresponding switch of the at least one switch. In these variations, the rotatable member is positioned within the input device such that the rotatable member is configured to rotate and translate relative to a pivot point (which may be fixed relative to a housing of the input device). When the button is moved along one of the first set of different directions, the button applies a force to the rotatable member and causes the rotatable member to move relative to the pivot point. This relative movement actuates the switch (or one of different switches), where the input device registers a first translational input when the switch is actuated. 
       FIG.  4 A  shows a cross-sectional side view of a variation of an input device  400 . As shown there, the input device  400  comprises a button  402 , a housing  405 , and a switch assembly comprising a rotatable member  404  and a first switch  414 . The rotatable member  404  is configured to be rotatable and translatable relative to a pivot point  406 . For example, the rotatable member  404  may comprise a track  408  and the pivot point  406  may comprise a shaft that extends at least partially into the track  408 . The track  408  may both guide and constrain movement of the rotatable member  404 , allowing it to both rotate within the track  408  (i.e., around the pivot point  406 ) and translate in multiple directions (depending on the orientation of the rotatable member  404 ) relative to the pivot point  406 . 
     The input device  400  is configured such that movement of the button  402  along any of a first set of different directions (e.g., as indicated by a range of travel  422  and as described above with respect to the input device  300  of  FIG.  3   ) causes the button  402  to engage and move (i.e., rotate and/or translate) the rotatable member  404 . While the engagement between the button  402  and the rotatable member  404  may preferably include a portion of the button  402  physically pressing against the rotatable member  404  to move the rotatable member  404 , it should be appreciated that the button  402  may apply a movement force to the rotatable member  404  without physically contacting the rotatable member  404 . For example, the button  402  and the rotatable member  404  may each comprise one or more magnets, and the button  402  may repulse (or attract) certain portions of the rotatable member  404  as it moves relative to the rotatable member  404 . 
     The resulting movement of the rotatable member  404  may actuate switch  414  to register a translational input. In the variation of input device  400  shown in  FIG.  4 A , the switch  414  comprises a tactile switch. In these variations, the input device is configured such that a portion of the rotatable member  404  presses a button of the tactile switch to actuate the switch  414 . Because the operation of the tactile switch is perceptible to touch, a user may feel the actuation of the tactile switch as the user moves the button  402 , thereby allowing the user to know that the translational input has been registered. It should be appreciated that the switch  414  may be any suitable sensor configured to identify that the rotatable member  404  has either come within a predetermined proximity to the switch  414 , contacted the switch  414  (e.g., to close an electrical circuit), or contacted and applied a predetermined threshold force to the switch  414 . For example, the switch  414  may comprise a force sensor (e.g., a capacitive force sensor, a piezoelectric force sensor, or a piezoresistive force sensor), a proximity sensor (e.g., a magnetic proximity sensor, a capacitive proximity sensor, an optical proximity sensor), or the like. In these variations, the input device  400  (as well as any variations of the input devices described below) may further comprise a haptic output device (not shown), which may generate a vibration in the input device  400  (e.g., via the button  402 ) when the switch  414  is actuated to provide a user with a perceptible indication that the input device  400  has registered a translational input. 
     To facilitate actuation of the switch  414 , the rotatable member  404  may comprise a proximal contact surface  410  and a distal contact surface  412 . The rotatable member  404  may be positioned such that the proximal contact surface  410  faces the button  402  and the distal contact surface  412  faces the switch  414 . Movement of the button  402  in any of the first set of different directions causes the button  402  to contact the proximal contact surface  410 . Depending on the direction of movement of the button  402 , the button  402  may contact different portions of the proximal contact surface  410  (which may result in a different relative amount of translation and rotation of the rotatable member  404 ). 
     Similarly, movement of the rotatable member  404  causes the distal contact surface  412  of the rotatable member  404  to move toward (and in some instances contact) the switch  414  to actuate the switch  414 . Accordingly, the distal contact surface  412  may actuate the switch  414  when the button  402  is moved in any of the first set of different directions. The profiles of the proximal contact surface  410  and the distal contact surface  412  may together at least partially define the stroke that the button  402  must travel in each of the first set of directions before the rotatable member  404  will actuate the switch  414 , and thus the design of these profiles may be adjusted to achieve a particular user feel for moving the button  402  in each these directions. In a preferred embodiment, the proximal contact surface  410  comprises a concave surface, and the distal contact surface  412  comprises a convex surface, though it should be preferred that the contact surfaces may include any suitable combination of profiles (e.g., one or both of the contact surfaces may comprise a concave surface, one or both of the contact surfaces may comprise a convex surface, one or both of the contact surfaces may comprise a surface comprising one or more linear segments, or the like). 
     In some variations, the input device may comprise one or more springs that are connected to the rotatable member  404 . For example, in the variation of input device  400  shown in  FIG.  4 A , the input device  400  comprises a first spring  416  and a second spring  418 , each of which may connect the rotatable member  404  to a stationary component of the input device  400  (which may be any structure that is fixed relative to the housing  405 ). The one or more springs may serve one or more functions. In some variations, the one or more springs may be configured to bias the rotatable member  404  to a neutral position, and the input device may be configured such that the button  402  is returned to its neutral position when the rotatable member  404  is moved to its neutral position. Accordingly, the springs can bias the button  402  to its neutral position when the button  402  is not otherwise being acted upon by external forces. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more springs may resist rotation and/or translation of the rotatable member  404 , which may impact both the stroke of the button  402  and the force that the button  402  needs to apply to the rotatable member  404  in order to actuate the switch  414  as the button  402  moves in one or more of the first set of different directions. Accordingly, the one or more springs and the shape of the rotatable member  404  (e.g., the proximal contact surface  410  and the distal contact surface  412 ) may each be selected to achieve a desired stroke the button  402  must travel in each of the first set of different directions (as well as the magnitude of force that must be applied to the button in that direction) in order to actuate the switch  414 . 
     The button  402  may also be configured to rotate around a rotational axis that is perpendicular to the first set of different directions, such as discussed in more detail above. As shown in  FIG.  4 A , the button  402  may comprise an axle or shaft  420  around which (or with which) the button  402  may rotate. In some instances, the button  402  may be further configured to translate along an additional direction that is parallel to the rotational axis (and thus is perpendicular to the first set of different directions, such as described above with respect to the input devices of  FIGS.  2 A- 2 E ). In these instances, the input device may comprise an additional switch (not shown) configured to actuate in response to movement of the button  402  along the rotational axis, thereby allowing the input device  400  to register a translational input. Because the input device  400  includes two switches (switch  414  and the additional switch), the input device  400  may be able to distinguish between a translational input caused by button movement along one of the first set of different directions and the translational input caused by button movement along the additional direction. In these instances, actuation of the switch  414  is registered as a first translational input and actuation of the additional switch is registered as a second translational input (each of which may be used differently by an electronic device). In other instances, however, the input device  400  does not distinguish between these inputs, and actuation of either the switch  414  or the additional switch is registered as a first translational input. 
     In other variations, the input device includes a switch assembly comprising a rotatable member and a set of different switches, where the rotatable member is able to actuate each of the set of different switches. For example,  FIG.  4 B  shows one such variation of an input device  424 . The input device  424  may share similar components and operate similarly to the variation of input device  400  described above with respect to  FIG.  4 A , and components sharing the same figure labels may be configured in any suitable manner as described above. As shown in  FIG.  4 B , the input device  424  may comprise a button  402 , a housing  405 , and a switch assembly comprising a rotatable member  404  and a set of different switches. The rotatable member  404  is configured to rotate and translate relative to a pivot point  406  (e.g., via a track  408  which may both guide and constrain movement of the rotatable member  404 ), such as discussed above. 
     In the variations shown in  FIG.  4 B , the set of different switches comprises a first switch  426 , a second switch  428 , and a third switch  430 , though it should be appreciated that the set of different switches may include any number of switches as desired. The switch assembly is configured such that each switch is actuated by movement of the button  402  in a corresponding set of one or more directions. For example, as shown in  FIG.  4 B , the first switch  426  is positioned such that translation of the rotatable member  404  (relative to the pivot point) toward the first switch  426  actuates the first switch  426 . The second switch  428  is positioned such that rotation of the rotatable member  404  in a first direction actuates the second switch  428 . Similarly, the third switch  430  is positioned such that rotation of the rotatable member  404  in a second direction (opposite the first direction) actuates the third switch  430 . 
     Engagement between the button  402  and the rotatable member  404  (as described above) causes translation and/or rotation of the rotatable member  404  necessary to actuate these switches, and the switch (or switches) that are actuated are dependent on the direction that the button  402  is moved. The button  402  may translate in any of a first set of different directions (e.g., within a range of travel  422 ) to actuate a respective switch of the set of different switches, which is registered by the input device  424  as a translational input. Each switch of the set of different switches has a corresponding set of one or more directions along which movement of the button will actuate that switch. For example, movement of the button  402  along any direction of a first set of one or more directions actuates the first switch  426  (e.g., translates the rotatable member  404  to actuate the first switch  426 ). Movement of the button  402  along any direction of a second set of one or more directions actuates the second switch  428  (e.g., rotates the rotatable member  404  in the first direction to actuate the second switch  428 ). Movement of the button  402  along any direction of a third set of one or more directions actuates the second switch  428  (e.g., rotates the rotatable member  404  in the first direction to actuate the second switch  428 ). Collectively, the first, second, and third sets of one or more directions make up the first set of directions such that at least one switch is actuated by movement of the button  402  in each of the first set of directions. 
     In some instances, there is no overlap between the corresponding sets of one or more directions for the set of different switches (e.g., no overlap between the first, second, and third sets of one or more directions mentioned above), such that movement along any direction of the first set of different directions actuates a single switch. Alternatively, there may be overlap between two sets of the corresponding sets of one or more directions (e.g., an overlap between the first set and the second set and/or between the first set and the third set of one or more directions mentioned above), such that movement along one or more directions of the first set of different directions actuates multiple switches. 
     Because different switches (or groups of switches) may be actuated depending on the direction of movement of the button  402 , the input device  424  may be configured to distinguish between actuation of different switches (or groups of switches) when registering a translational input. For example, in the embodiment of  FIG.  4 B , the input device  424  may be configured to register any of a first translational input when the first switch is actuated, register a second translational input when the second switch is actuated, and register a third translational input when the third switch is actuated. In this way, the input device  424  (or an electronic device using the input device  424 ) may use the first, second, and third translational inputs differently (e.g., as different inputs to have different impacts on device operation). 
     Alternatively, the input device  424  may not distinguish between actuation of the individual switches of the set of different switches, and the input device is configured such that actuation of any of the set of different switches is registered as the same first input. In this way, the input device  424  (or an electronic device using the input device  424 ) may operate the same regardless of which switch (or switches) of the set of different switches is actuated. 
     When an input device has a switch assembly comprising a set of different switches, it should be appreciated that the switches may be any combination of suitable switches, such as those described above. For example, the switches may all be of the same type (e.g., first switch  426 , second switch  428 , and third switch  430  are shown in  FIG.  4 B  as being tactile switches), while in other variations some switches may be of different types (e.g., a first set of one or more switches may comprise tactile switches while a second set of one or more switches may comprise proximity sensors). 
     While not shown in  FIG.  4 B , the input device  424  may comprise one or more springs, which may operate in any manner such as described above with respect to input device  400  of  FIG.  4 A . Similarly, the shape of the rotatable member  404  (as well as the design and placement of any springs connected to the rotatable member  404 ) may impact the stroke and force requirements of the button  402  required to register a translational input, as discussed in more detail above. 
     In some variations of the input devices described here, the input device includes a switch assembly that comprises a switch and a surface defining a cavity, wherein relative movement between the switch and the cavity in any of a first set of different directions actuates the switch to register a translational input. The portion of a surface of a given component that defines a cavity is referred to herein as a “cavity surface”, which are separate from other portions of the component&#39;s surface that do not contribute to defining the bounds of the cavity). These input devices are configured such that movement of a button along any of a first set of different directions results in relative movement between the cavity surface and the switch to actuate the switch (and thus register the translational input).  FIGS.  5 A- 5 G  and  6 A- 6 G show multiple variations of input devices that comprise switch assemblies with cavity surfaces that define cavities. 
     Specifically,  FIG.  5 A  shows a variation of an input device  500  comprising a button  502 , a housing  504 , and a switch assembly that comprises a switch  506 , a cavity surface  509  defining a cavity  508 , and a stationary component  510 . The button  502  is moveable along a first set of different directions (as indicated by arrows  512 ) to actuate the switch  506 . In some instances, such as shown in  FIG.  5 A , the first set of different directions is oriented such that movement in these directions moves the button  502  laterally relative to the housing  504  to actuate the switch  506  and register a translational input (such as in the variations of input devices  206 ,  224 , and  240  described above with respect to  FIGS.  2 B,  2 C , and  2 D), though in other variations the first set of different directions is oriented to allow the button to be pressed further inside the housing along these directions to actuate the switch  506  and register a translational input (such as in the variation of input device  300  described above with respect to  FIG.  3   ). Additionally, in some instances, the input device  500  may be further configured such that the button  502  is configured to rotate around a rotational axis and/or move along an additional direction perpendicular to the first set of different directions, such as described in more detail above. 
     Stationary component  510  may be any physical structure that is held or otherwise placed in a fixed position relative to the housing  504  (and in some instances, may even be a portion of the housing  504 ). In the variation shown in  FIG.  5 A , the cavity surface  509  that defines the cavity  508  is part of the stationary component  510  (i.e., the cavity  508  is defined in the stationary component  510 ), and the switch  506  is fixedly connected to and moveable with the button  502 . In these variations, movement of the button  502  along any of the first set of different directions moves the switch  506  relative to the cavity surface  509  and cavity  508  to actuate the switch  506 . Depending on the selection and design of the switch  506  (which may be any switch as described above), actuation of the switch  506  may result when either a portion of the cavity surface  509  comes within a predetermined proximity to the switch  506 , contacts the switch  506  (e.g., to close an electrical circuit), or contacts and applies a predetermined threshold force to the switch  506 . For example, in the variation shown in  FIG.  5 A , the switch  506  comprises a tactile switch, and actuation of the switch  506  occurs when contact between the cavity surface  509  and the tactile switch presses a button of the tactile switch. 
     Additionally, in input devices where the button is also moveable along an additional direction perpendicular (e.g., along direction  514 ) to the first set of different directions, this movement also causes relative movement between the switch  506  and the cavity surface  509  to actuate the switch  506  and register a translational input. Alternatively, these input devices may comprise an additional switch, such that movement along the additional direction actuates the additional switch instead of the switch  506 . 
     The size and profile of the cavity surface  509  (which in turn defines the size and shape of cavity  508 ), as well as the relative positioning between the switch  506  and the cavity surface  509 , may define the stroke of how much the button  502  may need to move in each of the first set of different directions in order to actuate the switch  506  and register a translational input. Additionally, in instances where the button  502  may move in an additional direction perpendicular to the first set of different directions to actuate the switch  506  (either simultaneously or separately), these parameters may further define how much the button  502  needs to move along the additional direction in order to register a translational input. This may allow the input device  500  to be designed to have a desired user experience in pressing the button  502  along these directions to provide an input. 
     While the cavity  508  is shown in  FIG.  5 A  as defined in the stationary component  510 , it should be appreciated that in other instances the cavity surface  509  is part of the button  502  such that the cavity  508  is defined in a portion of the button  502 . For example,  FIG.  5 B  shows one such variation of input device  516 . Input device  516  is the same as input device  500  (and utilizes the same figure labels), except that the button comprises the cavity surface  509  and the cavity  508  is defined in the button  502  (and thus is moveable with the button  502 ) and the switch  506  is fixedly connected to the stationary component  510 . In these variations, movement of the button  502  in any of the first set of different directions  512  (and optionally along the additional direction  514  perpendicular to the first set of different directions  512 ) causes the cavity surface  509  and cavity  508  to move relative to the switch  506  and the stationary component  510  to actuate the switch  506 . 
     In some variations, switch assemblies described herein that comprise a cavity surface and a switch may further comprise an intermediate component positioned between the cavity surface and the switch. These switch assemblies may be configured such that relative movement between the cavity surface and the switch causes movement of the intermediate component relative to the switch. In these variations, the relative movement between the intermediate component and the switch actuates the switch. Thus, relative movement between the switch and the cavity surface in any of a first set of different directions actuates the switch to register a translational input via movement of the intermediate component. Preferably, the intermediate component is constrained to move in a single direction and the switch assembly is configured such that that movement of the button in any of a first set of different directions results in movement of the intermediate component in the single direction. 
       FIGS.  5 C and  5 D  show two variations of input devices (input device  518  and input device  520  respectively) having switch assemblies comprising an intermediate component  522  positioned between a switch  506  and a cavity surface  509  that defines cavity  508 . Input device  518  and input device  520  may otherwise be configured as described above with respect to  FIG.  5 B , and common components are labeled the same. As shown there, the cavity  508  is defined in the button  502  and a portion of the intermediate component  522  extends into the cavity  508  to contact the cavity surface  509  (though it should be appreciated that an intermediate component need not contact the cavity surface  509  in order for movement of the cavity surface  509  to cause movement of the intermediate component  522 , as will be described below with respect to  FIG.  7   ). The intermediate component  522  may be biased toward the cavity surface  509  (e.g., by one or more springs or the like), which may cause the intermediate component  522  to remain in contact with the cavity surface  509  as the button  502  and the cavity surface  509  move relative to the intermediate component  522 . 
     The portion of the cavity surface  509  contacted by the intermediate component  522  changes as the cavity surface  509  moves relative to the intermediate component  522  along any of the first set of different directions  512 , and the intermediate component  522  is effectively pushed away from the button  502  as it contacts the shallower portions of the cavity  508 . Specifically, in some variations, the switch assembly may be configured such that the intermediate component  522  extends a first distance into the cavity  508  (which may optionally be the farthest distance the intermediate component  522  is capable of extending into the cavity  508 ) when the button  502  is in a neutral position. The profile of the cavity surface  509  is configured such if the button  502  is moved in any direction of the first set of different directions, there is at least one point along that direction where the intermediate component  522  extends a second distance into the cavity  508 , wherein the second distance is less than the first distance by an amount sufficient to cause intermediate component  522  to actuate switch  506 . In this way, the switch  506  may be actuated to register a translational input from movement of the button  502  along any of the first set of directions. 
     As mentioned above, the intermediate component  522  may be configured such that it may only move along a single direction. For example, the intermediate component  522  may be slidably positioned within a channel defined through a stationary component (which may be separate from or an extension of the stationary component  510 ) or a sleeve. In instances where the button  502  is moveable in an additional direction  514  perpendicular to the first set of different directions  512 , the single direction may preferably be parallel to this additional direction  514 . Alternatively, the single direction may be another direction that is not coplanar with the first set of different directions. In these variations, movement of the button  502  in any of the first set of different directions may result in movement of the intermediate component  522  along the single direction. Additionally, in variations where the button  502  is also configured to move along the additional direction  514 , movement of the button  502  along the additional direction  514  may also result in movement of the intermediate component  522  along the single direction. 
     Movement of the intermediate component  522  along the single direction may actuate the switch  506  in any suitable manner as described above. For example, in some variations, the switch  506  may be actuated when the intermediate component  522  comes within a predetermined proximity of the switch  506 . In other variations, the switch  506  may be actuated when the intermediate component  522  contacts the switch  506  (e.g., to close an electrical circuit). In still other variations, the switch  506  may be actuated when the intermediate component  522  contacts and applies a predetermined threshold force to the switch  506 . 
     The intermediate component  522  may comprise a spring or a structure with any shape suitable to engage both the cavity surface  509  and the switch as described above. For example, the intermediate component  522  may comprise a sphere, ovoid, box, capsule or the like. As a couple of non-limiting examples, the input device  518  of  FIG.  5 C  is shown there as having an intermediate component  522  comprising a sphere  524 , while the input device  520  of  FIG.  5 D  is shown there as having an intermediate component  522  comprising a spring  526 , though it should be appreciated that any other intermediate component may be substituted for those shown there. In some variations where the intermediate component  522  comprises a spring  526 , the spring  526  may be configured to maintain contact with both the cavity surface  509  and the switch  506 . In these variations, motion of the cavity surface  509  relative to the spring  526  may compress the spring  526  against the switch  506 , and the switch  506  is actuated when the spring  526  is compressed enough to apply a predetermined threshold force to the switch  506 . For the purpose of this application, compression of the spring  526  along a direction is considered movement of the spring along that direction. 
     The size and shape of the intermediate component  522  (as well as the spring constant in instances where the intermediate component  522  comprises a spring) may at least partially determine how much the intermediate component  522  moves (and/or the amount of force it applies to the switch  506 ) as a result of movement of the button  502 . Similarly, the profile of the cavity surface  509  also at least partially determines how much the intermediate component  522  moves as a result of movement of the button  502 . The cavity surface  509  is configured such that cavity  508  may have any suitable cross-sectional shape. For example, the cavity  508  may have a curved cross-section (such as shown in  FIGS.  5 A- 5 C and  5 F ), a triangular cross-section (such as shown in  FIG.  5 D ), a trapezoidal cross-section (such as shown in  FIG.  5 E ), or the like. The cavity surface  509  and cavity  508  are preferably rotationally symmetric but need not be. 
     In some instances it may be desirable for a switch of the input devices described herein to have a particular size and shape for engaging with a cavity surface or an intermediate component. Accordingly, the input devices described herein may comprise a shell that is connected to the switch. The shell determines an exterior portion of the switch and may engage a cavity surface or intermediate component to actuate the switch. For example,  FIG.  5 E  shows one such variation of an input device  528  comprising a switch  506  and a shell  530  attached to the switch  506 . The input device  528  may otherwise be configured in any manner described above with respect to  FIGS.  5 A- 5 D  (and common components are labeled the same). In instances where actuation of the switch  506  is based on identifying contact with and/or application of a threshold force to the switch  506 , contact with and/or force applied to the shell  530  (e.g., via the cavity surface  509  or an intermediate component) may be detected by the switch  506  to actuate the switch. The shell  530  may be optionally electrically conductive, which in some instances may be used to close an electrical circuit to detect contact with the shell  530 . 
     In another example, the switch  506  may be a tactile switch and the shell  530  may be attached to a button of the tactile switch. In such a variation, relative movement between the cavity surface  509  and the switch  506  (e.g., as the button  502  is moved in one of the first set of different directions) causes the cavity surface  509  to press against the shell  530 , which in turn may depress the button of the tactile switch to register a translation input. The use of a shell  530  may provide flexibility in selecting components for a given input device (or range of input devices). For example, the same switch  506  may be incorporated into two different input devices, and shells of different shapes may be attached to effectively provide switches having two different shapes (and thus may provide two different user experiences when registering a translational input). 
     While the embodiments of input devices described above with respect to  FIGS.  5 A- 5 E  all depict switch assemblies where the relative movement between the surface  509  and the switch is translational, it should be appreciated that in other variations this relative movement may also include a rotational component. For example,  FIG.  5 F  shows one such variation of an input device  532  comprising a button  534 , a housing  504 , and a switch assembly comprising a switch  506  and a cavity surface  509  defining a cavity  508 . As shown there, the button  534  comprises a cap  536  and a pivot portion  538  and is positioned relative the housing  504  such that the button can pivot around the pivot portion  538  in multiple rotation directions to move the cap  536  in a first set of different directions  512  (in these variations, the cap  536  may also rotate when moving in each of the first set of different directions). The button may also be rotated around a rotation direction perpendicular to the first set of different directions  512  (e.g., rotating around direction  514 ) to register a rotational input. In the variation shown in  FIG.  5 F , the button  534  (e.g., in the pivot portion  538  of the button) includes the cavity surface  509  and cavity  508  is defined in the button  534 , such that as the button  534  pivots to move the cap  536  in one of the first set of different directions, the cavity surface  509  and cavity  508  rotates and translates relative to the switch  506 . This relative motion may cause the cavity surface  509  (or an intermediate component between the cavity surface  509  and the switch  506 , as described above) to engage and actuate the switch  506 . While the cavity  508  is shown in  FIG.  5 F  as defined in the button  534  and the switch  506  is shown there as being connected to a stationary component  510 , the switch assembly may alternatively be configured such that the switch  506  may be fixedly connected to and moveable with the button  534  (e.g., fixedly connected to and moveable with the pivot portion  538 ) and the stationary component  510  includes the cavity surface  509  (and cavity  508  is defined in the stationary component  510 ). 
     When the buttons described above with respect to  FIGS.  5 A- 5 F  are configured to rotate around a rotational axis perpendicular to the first set of different directions, it may be preferable to position the switch and cavity surface centered on the rotational axis when the button is in a neutral position. This may allow the switch and cavity surface to engage each other to actuate the switch, regardless of how much the button is rotated around the rotational axis. Conversely, if the switch and cavity surface are positioned too far from the rotational axis, rotation of the button may move the cavity away from the switch (or vice versa), such that motion of the button along some or all of the first set of different directions will not result in actuation of the switch. 
     To address this, in some instances, an input device may include a switch assembly having a cavity surface that defines a cavity and a first set of switches, where both the cavity surface and the first set of switches are positioned so they do not intersect a rotational axis of the button.  FIG.  5 G  shows a top view of one such variation of an input device  540  comprising a button  542  and a switch assembly comprising an annular cavity surface  543  defining an annular cavity  544 , a first set of switches  546 , and a stationary component (not shown). The annular cavity  544  may be defined in either the button  542  or a stationary component, and the first set of switches may be fixedly connected to the other of the button  542  and the stationary component. 
     Each of the set of different switches is positioned such it is aligned with the annular cavity surface  543  and annular cavity  544  when the switch is in the neutral position. The annular cavity surface  543  and annular cavity  544  in turn may be centered around a rotational axis (not shown) of the button  542 . When the button  542  moves along one of the first set of directions (shown in  FIG.  5 G  as arrows  512 , which are perpendicular to the rotational axis), the annular cavity surface  543  may translate relative to each of the set of multiple of switches  546 , which may actuate one or more of the set of different switches such as described above. At the same time, rotation of the button  542  around the rotational axis will cause relative rotation between the annular cavity  544  and the set of different switches  546 , but each of the set of different switches will remain aligned with the annular cavity surface  543  and annular cavity  544  during this relative rotation. While it may be possible for the set of different switches  546  to be replaced by a single switch, the annular nature of the annular cavity surface  543  may require the button to travel farther in some of the first set of different directions than in others to be able to actuate the switch. Conversely, having a set of different switches (e.g., two, three, or four or more switches) may increase the uniformity of required stroke across the first set of different directions to register a translational input. 
     In some variations of the input devices described here, the input device may comprise a button and a switch, where the switch is coupled to a stationary component and is configured to change orientation when the button moves in any of a first set of different directions. For example,  FIGS.  6 A and  6 B  show cross-sectional side views of one such variation of an input device  600 . As shown there, the input device  600  may comprise a button  602 , a housing  604 , and a switch assembly comprising a switch  606  and a cavity surface  607  defining a cavity  608 . The button  602  is configured to move in a first set of different directions  612  (such as described above with respect to  FIGS.  2 A- 2 E and  3   ) and may optionally be further configured to move in an additional direction  614  perpendicular to the first set of different directions  612  and/or rotate around a rotational axis parallel to the additional direction  614 . 
     The switch  606  is pivotable in multiple pivot directions and is configured to pivot in response to relative movement between the switch  606  and the cavity surface  607  (and thus between the switch  606  and cavity  608 ). The switch assembly is configured such that movement of the button  602  along any of the first set of different directions  612  results in relative movement between the cavity surface  607  and switch  606  to actuate the switch  606  (and thus register the translational input), such as described in more detail above. When the switch  606  is able to pivot during relative movement between the switch  606  and the cavity surface  607 , the relative orientation of the switch  606  and the cavity surface  607  changes during this motion. This may be used to align a portion of the switch  606  with a portion of the cavity surface  607 , which may facilitate actuation of the switch  606 . 
     For example, in the variation of input device  600  shown in  FIGS.  6 A and  6 B , the switch  606  may comprise a tactile switch. When the button is in a neutral position as shown in  FIG.  6 A , the button of the tactile switch may be aligned with a direction  614  perpendicular to the first set of directions  612 . In variations where the button  602  is moveable along this direction  614  (e.g., the “additional direction” described above), the button  602  may be moved along direction  614  to actuate the switch  606  as a first portion of the surface of the cavity  608  presses the button of the tactile switch. The profile of the cavity surface  607  may be configured such that the switch (which is aligned with direction  614 ) is positioned normal to the first contact point of the surface of the cavity surface  607  (i.e., the button faces the first contact point) as it contacts the cavity surface  607 . 
     When the button  602  is moved along one of the first set of different directions  612 , the switch  606  may contact a second contact point of the surface of the cavity surface  607 . If the switch  606  were to maintain its orientation, during this motion, the switch  606  would not be positioned normal to the second contact point as the button of the tactile switch is pressed. This may result in a different user feel when actuating the switch  606  by moving the button along the additional direction  614  as compared to doing the same moving the button  602  along one of the first set of different directions  612 . In the present variation, however, the switch  606  pivots as the button  602  moves along any of the first set of directions  612 , resulting in the switch  606  being aligned normal (or another predetermined angle) to the second contact point, such as shown in  FIG.  6 B . In this way, the input device may be configured such that the switch has the same relative orientation to whatever portion of the surface  608  the switch  606  contacts, regardless of which direction from the first set of different directions  612  and the additional direction  614  along which the button  602  is moved. This in turn may provide for a more consistent user experience in providing a translational input via the button  602 . 
     The input device  600  may comprise any number of mechanisms for pivoting the switch  606  in response to movement of the button  602 . For example, in the variation of input device  600  shown in  FIGS.  6 A and  6 B , the cavity  608  is defined in the button  602  (i.e., the button  602  includes the cavity surface  607 ), and the switch  606  is pivotably coupled to a stationary component  610 . Specifically, the stationary component  610  (which may be any physical structure that is held or otherwise placed in a fixed position relative to the housing  604  as discussed above) may define a cavity or comprise a holding structure that allows the switch  606  to pivot in multiple pivot directions but is restricted from translating relative to the stationary component  610 . In other words, a pivot point of the switch  606  is fixed in one spot, but the switch  606  may change its orientation by rotating around its pivot point. While the cavity  608  is shown in  FIGS.  6 A and  6 B  as being defined in the button  602  (i.e., the cavity surface  607  is part of the button  602 ), in other variations the cavity  608  is defined in the stationary component  610  (i.e., the cavity surface  607  is part of the stationary component  610 ), and the switch  606  is pivotably coupled to the button  602 . 
     In some variations, one or more magnets may be configured to pivotally connect the switch  606  to the stationary component  610  or the button  602 . For example,  FIG.  6 C  shows a variation of input device  618 , which is shown and labeled the same as  FIGS.  6 A and  6 B  except that the switch  606  is pivotably coupled to the stationary component  610  by a magnet assembly  620 . In these variations, the switch  606  is magnetized (e.g., comprises a first magnetic component) and the stationary component  610  is magnetized (e.g., comprises a second magnetic component) such that the switch  606  is magnetically attracted to the stationary component  610 . This attraction may hold the switch  606  against the stationary component  610  while still allowing the switch  606  to pivot relative to the stationary component. 
     The switch assembly may further comprise one or more components configured to pivot the switch  606  as the button  602  is moved in any of the first set of different directions. For example, in the variations of input devices  600  and  618  described above with respect to  FIGS.  6 A- 6 C , the switch  606  is magnetically attracted to at least a portion of the cavity surface  607 , which causes the switch  606  to pivot toward the cavity surface  607  as these portions of the cavity surface  607  get closer to the switch. For example, the component that has the cavity surface  607  may comprise one or more magnets  616  (e.g., a ring-shaped magnet or multiple individual magnets) and the switch  606  may comprise one or more magnets (not shown). As the cavity surface  607  is moved relative to the switch  606 , a portion of the cavity surface  607  may move closer to the switch and the magnetic force between the one or more magnets of the switch  606  and a portion of the one or more magnets of the cavity surface  607  increases to cause the switch to pivot toward that portion of the cavity  608 . 
     In other variations, another portion of a button  602  may facilitate pivoting of the switch  606 . For example,  FIG.  6 D  shows a variation of an input device  622  which is configured and labeled the same as the input device  600  except that instead of the cavity surface  607  comprising one or more magnets  616 , the button  602  comprises an extension  624 , which is a portion of the button that engages and pivots the switch  606  at an interface (depicted in  FIG.  6 D  as box  626 ) between the extension  624  and the switch  606 . In some variations, such as shown in  FIG.  6 E , the interface  626  may comprise a magnet arrangement (e.g., the extension  624  may comprise a first magnet  628  and the switch  606  may comprise a second magnet  630 ) configured to provide an attractive force between the extension  624  and the switch  606 . Movement of the button  602  (and with it the extension  624  and first magnet  628 ) changes the direction of the attractive force between the extension  624  and the switch  606 , causing the switch  606  to pivot. 
     In other variations, there may be a mechanical connection between the extension  624  and the switch  606 . For example, such as shown in  FIG.  6 F , the interface  626  may comprise a tether  632  connecting the extension  624  to the switch  606 . In these embodiments, movement of the button  602  may cause the extension  624  to pull the switch  606  into a new orientation. In variations where the button  602  is moveable along an additional direction  614 , the tether  632  may have sufficient elasticity or the extension  624  may be otherwise configured to accommodate this movement. In other variations, such as shown in  FIG.  6 G , the interface  626  may comprise a gear interface  634 . In these variations, the extension  624  may comprise a first pattern of teeth and the switch  606  may comprise a corresponding pattern of teeth to make an omnidirectional driving gear, such that movement of the extension  624  in any of the first set of different directions causes a corresponding rotation of the switch  606 . 
     In other variations of the input devices described here, the input devices may include a button and a switch assembly comprising a first magnet arrangement, a switch, and a magnetic intermediate component positioned between the first magnet arrangement and the switch. For example,  FIG.  7    shows a cross-sectional side view of one such variation of an input device  700 . As shown there, input device  700  comprises a button  702 , a housing  704 , and a switch assembly comprising a switch  706 , a first magnet arrangement  708 , and a magnetic intermediate component  710  positioned between the switch  706  and the first magnetic arrangement  708 . The first magnet arrangement  708  may include a ring-shaped magnet, multiple individual magnetics in a concentric arrangement, or the like. The button  702  is configured to move in a first set of different directions  714  (such as described above with respect to  FIGS.  2 A- 2 E and  3   ) to register a translational input. The button  702  may optionally be further configured to move in an additional direction  716  perpendicular to the first set of different directions  714  (e.g., to register a translational input) and/or rotate around a rotational axis parallel to the additional direction  716  (e.g., to register a rotational input). 
     The switch assembly is configured such that movement of the button  702  along any of a first set of different directions  714  causes the first magnet arrangement  708  to push the magnetic intermediate component  710  toward the switch  706  to actuate the switch (in any manner as discussed above) to register a translational input. For example, the magnetic fields of the first magnet arrangement  708  and the magnetic intermediate component  710  may be arranged to create a repulsive force between the first magnet arrangement  708  and the intermediate component  710 . Movement of the button  702  along one of the first set of directions  714  causes relative movement between the first magnet arrangement  708  and the magnetic intermediate component  710 . Specifically, as the button  702  is moved away from a neutral position, the magnetic intermediate component  710  may be moved closer to a portion of the first magnet arrangement  708 , thereby increasing the repulsive force between the two. As the repulsive force increases, the magnetic intermediate component  710  is biased toward the switch  706  and may actuate the switch  706  to register a translational input. In some variations, the magnetic intermediate component  710  may be slidably positioned within a channel defined through a holding component  712 , which may constrain movement of the magnetic intermediate component  710  to a single direction. 
     To create the relative movement between the first magnet arrangement  708  and the magnetic intermediate component  710 , the first magnet arrangement  708  may be fixedly connected to the button  702  such that the first magnet arrangement  708  is moveable with the button  702 . In these variations, the magnetic intermediate component  710 , holding component  712 , and the switch  706  may be connected to a stationary component  718 , such as described above. In these variations, movement of the button  702  moves the first magnet arrangement  708  relative to the magnetic intermediate component  710 . 
     Alternatively, the magnetic intermediate component  710 , holding component  712 , and switch  706  may be fixedly connected to the button  702  such that the magnetic intermediate component  710 , holding component  712 , and switch  706  are moveable with the button  702 . In these variations, the first magnet arrangement  708  may be connected to the stationary component  718  (which may be any physical structure that is held or otherwise placed in a fixed position relative to the housing  704  as discussed above). In these variations, movement of the button  702  moves the magnetic intermediate component  710  relative to the first magnet arrangement  708 . 
     The switch assembly of input device  700  may comprise a cavity surface  719  defining a cavity  720  (such as shown in  FIG.  7   ) but need not. In variations, the input device  700  comprises a cavity surface  719  defining a cavity  720 , a portion of the magnetic intermediate component  710  may extend at least partially into the cavity (e.g., as the button  702  is moved along direction  716 ). The first magnet arrangement  708  may be positioned around (in some instances may at least partially define) the cavity  720  (i.e., at or near the cavity surface  719 ). It may be possible to register a translational input when the button is moved in any of the first set of different directions  714  as well as the additional direction  716  without the magnetic intermediate component  710  physically contacting the cavity surface  719 . In other variations, the magnetic intermediate component  710  may contact a portion of the cavity surface  719  when the button is moved along the additional direction  716 , which may allow the cavity surface  719  to press the intermediate component  710  and facilitate actuation of the switch  706 . 
     As mentioned above, when the input devices described above utilize a tactile switch, actuation of the tactile switch may provide perceptible feedback to a user, while the use of other switches may not. Accordingly, it may be desirable to configure an input device to provide a varying resistance to movement of a button along any of a first set of directions, which may replicate the feel of depressing the button of a tactile switch (or another desirable force profile). In some instances, the input devices may comprise one or more magnets configured to adjust the resistance to moving the button along any of the first set of directions.  FIGS.  8 A- 8 C  show three such variations of input devices. 
     For example,  FIG.  8 A  shows a first variation of an input device  800  comprising a button  802 , a housing  804 , and a magnet assembly comprising a first magnet  806 , a second magnet  808 , and a third magnet  810 . The button  802  is configured to move in a first set of different directions  814  (such as described above with respect to  FIGS.  2 A- 2 E and  3   ) and may optionally be further configured to move in an additional direction  816  perpendicular to the first set of different directions  814  and/or rotate around a rotational axis parallel to the additional direction  816 . Each of the first magnet  806 , second magnet  808 , and third magnet  810  is preferably configured as a ring magnet, although any or all of these magnets may be configured as multiple individual magnets fixed in a concentric arrangement. 
     The magnet assembly is configured such that the first magnet  806  is moved relative to the second magnet  808  and the third magnet  810 . For example, as shown in  FIG.  8 A , the first magnet  806  is fixedly connected to the button  802  such that the first magnet  806  is moveable with the button  802  along the first set of directions. The second magnet  808  and the third magnet  810  are connected to a stationary component  812  (which may be any physical structure that is held or otherwise placed in a fixed position relative to the housing  804  as discussed above). The first magnet  806  may have a first diameter which is larger than a second diameter of the second magnet  808 , which is in turn larger than a third diameter of the third magnet  810 . Additionally, the magnetic fields of the first, second, and third magnets may be configured such that the first magnet  806  is repulsed by the second magnet  808  and is attracted to the third magnet  810 . 
     When the button  802  is in a neutral position such as shown in  FIG.  8 A , the first magnet  806  is closer to the second magnet  808  than the third magnet  810 . As the button  802  is moved along one of the first set of directions  814 , a portion of the first magnet is moved toward a corresponding portion of the second magnet  808  and the third magnet  810 . The repulsive force between the first magnet  806  and the second magnet  808  will resist this movement, while the attractive force between the first magnet  806  and the third magnet  810  facilitates the movement. The magnet assembly may be configured such that initially the repulsive force increases at a faster rate than the attractive force increases, such that over a first portion of the stroke the overall resistance to movement increases. The magnet assembly may be further configured that, at a certain point, the attractive force starts to increase faster than the repulsive force increases, such that over a second portion of the stroke the overall resistance to movement decreases. 
     Eventually the first magnet  806  will contact a stationary portion of the input device  800  (e.g., the second magnet  808 , the third magnet  810 , or the stationary component  812 ), which will resist further movement of the first magnet  806  (and with it, the button  802 ). Accordingly, when a user moves the button  802  along one of the first set of different directions  814 , the force required to move the button will increase, then decrease, then increase again. The exact transition points may be tailored to achieve a desired feedback to the user. The input device  800  may be configured to register a translational input at a desired point along the stroke of the button  802 , preferably when the first magnet  806  contacts the stationary portion of the input device  800 . This contact may be detected using any suitable switch or switch assembly such as described in more detail above. When the button  802  is no longer being pressed by a user, the magnet assembly may be configured such that the second magnet  808  biases the button  802  back to the neutral position. 
     While the first magnet  806  is shown in  FIG.  8 A  as having a larger diameter than the diameters of the second magnet  808  and the third magnet  810 , in other variations the diameter of first magnet  806  may be smaller than the second and third magnets. For example,  FIG.  8 B  shows one such variation of input device  818 . As shown there, the input device  818  comprises a button  802 , a housing  804 , and a magnet assembly comprising a first magnet  806 , a second magnet  808 , and a third magnet  810 . As shown there, the button  802  may comprise a cap  820  and a stem  822 , though it should be appreciated that the magnet assembly may be used with any input device such as described above with respect to  FIGS.  2 A- 2 E and  3   . 
     In this variation, the first magnet  806  may have a first diameter that is less than a second diameter of the second magnet  808 , and the second diameter of the second magnet  808  is less than a third diameter of the third magnet  810 . The first magnet  806  is fixedly attached to the button  802  (e.g., to the stem  822 ), and the second magnet  808  and the third magnet  810  are connected to a stationary component (not shown). The magnetic fields may otherwise be configured as described above with respect to  FIG.  8 A , such that magnet assembly variably resists movement as the button is moved in any of the first set of directions. 
       FIG.  8 C  shows a cross-sectional side view of a third variation of an input device  824  comprising a magnet assembly. As shown there, the input device  824  may comprise a button  826  with a cap  828  and a stem  830 , a housing  804 , and a magnet assembly comprising a first magnet  832  and a second magnet. The button  826  may be moveable along a first set of different directions  814  and optionally moveable along (and/or rotatable around) an additional direction  816  perpendicular to the first set of different directions  814  as discussed above. The first magnet  832  may be a ring magnet or multiple individual magnets fixed in a concentric arrangement and may be connected to a stationary component (not shown) of the input device  824 . The second magnet may be connected to the stem  830  (or in other instances, such as shown in  FIG.  8 C , the stem  830  may be magnetized to act as the second magnet). 
     The magnet assembly is configured such that first magnet  832  is attracted to the second magnet. The stem  830  may have a first portion  830   a  and a second portion  830   b , where the second portion  830   b  is stiffer than the first portion  830   a  (e.g., due to different material selection and/or the first portion  830   a  being thinner than the second portion  830   b ). When the button  826  is moved from a neutral position along one of the first set of directions  814 , the stem may preferentially bend along the first portion  830   a  of the stem. The resistance to bending may increase as the first portion  830   a  deviates from the neutral position. As the stem  830  approaches the first magnet  832 , the attractive force between the stem  830  and the first magnet  832  increases. 
     The magnet assembly may be configured such that initially the resistance to bending of the first portion  830   a  of the stem  830  increases at a faster rate than the attractive force increases, such that over a first portion of the stroke the overall resistance to movement increases. The magnet assembly may be further configured that, at a certain point, the attractive force starts to increase faster than the resistance to bending increases, such that over a second portion of the stroke the overall resistance to movement decreases. Eventually the first magnet  832  will contact a stationary portion of the input device  824  (e.g., preferably the first magnet  832 , though it may be any stationary portion). At this point, the first portion  830   a  may be prevented from bending any further, and any further bending occurs in the second portion  830   b  of the stem. This results in an increased resistance to further bending, and an overall resistance profile that may be tailored similar to the embodiments discussed in  FIGS.  8 A and  8 B . 
     The input device  824  may be configured to register a translational input at a desired point along the stroke of the button  826 , preferably when the stem  830  contacts the first magnet  832 . This contact may be detected using any suitable switch or switch assembly such as described in more detail above. When the button  826  is no longer being pressed by a user, the stem  830  may bias the button  826  back to the neutral position. 
     In some variations of the input devices described here, the input devices may include a button and a switch assembly that comprises a rotatable linkage and a switch. The button is slidably coupled (and in some variations rotatably coupled) to the rotatable linkage and the rotatable linkage is rotatably coupled to a stationary component, such that movement of the button along any of a first set of different directions causes the linkage to rotate to align with that direction and actuates the switch. For example,  FIGS.  9 A and  9 B- 9 C  show a cross-sectional side view and cross-sectional top views respectively of one such variation of an input device  900 . As shown there, the input device  900  comprises a button  902 , a housing  904 , and a switch assembly comprising a first switch  906  and a rotatable linkage  908 . The button  902  is configured to move in a first set of different directions  918  (such as described above with respect to  FIGS.  2 A- 2 E and  3   ) to register a translational input. The button  902  may optionally be further configured to move in an additional direction  920  perpendicular to the first set of different directions  918  (e.g., to register a translational input) and/or rotate around a rotational axis parallel to the additional direction  920  (e.g., to register a rotational input). 
     The rotatable linkage  908  is rotatably coupled to a stationary component  910  (which may be any physical structure that is held or otherwise placed in a fixed position relative to the housing  904  as discussed above) at a pivot point  912  (which is shown with a dashed line in  FIGS.  9 B and  9 C ), and the button  902  is slidably coupled with the rotatable linkage  908 . Specifically, the button  902  comprises a post  914  slidably positioned within a track  916  that is defined in the rotatable linkage  908 . The post  914  is slidable within the track  916  to slidably couple the button  902  to the rotatable linkage  908 . Additionally, the post  914  may be able to rotate within the track  916  to allow the button  902  to rotate around a rotation axis (e.g., parallel to additional direction  920 ) to register a rotational input without otherwise impacting the operation of the switch assembly. 
     When the button  902  is in a neutral position, the post  914  may be at a first position within the track  916  (e.g., aligned with the pivot point  912  such as shown in  FIGS.  9 B and  9 C ). As the button  902  is moved along any of the first set of different directions  918 , the post  914  may slide to a second position within the track  916 , as shown in  FIG.  9 C . If the track  916  is not already aligned with this direction  918 , the rotatable linkage  908  will rotate around pivot point  912  to align the track  916  with the direction of motion, thereby allowing the first switch  906  to be actuated as that post  914  is slid to the second position regardless of which of the first set of different directions  918  the button  902  is moved along. 
     The first switch  906  may detect that the post  914  has reached the second position using any proximity, contact, and/or force sensing techniques as described above. For example, in the variation shown in  FIGS.  9 A- 9 C , the switch  906  may comprise a tactile switch that is positioned in the track  916  at a first end of the track  916 . As the post  914  slides within the track  916  to the second position, the post  914  may contact and depress a button of the tactile switch to actuate the switch  906  and register a translational input. Additionally, when the button  902  is configured to be moved in the additional direction  920 , the switch assembly may optionally further comprise a second switch  922  configured to detect movement of the post in that direction. 
     In some variations, the rotatable linkage may comprise two switches configured to detect movement of the post  914  within the track  916 .  FIGS.  9 D and  9 E  show cross-sectional side and top views, respectively, of another variation of an input device  924 . Input device  924  is configured and labeled the same as the input device  900  of  FIGS.  9 A- 9 C , except that the switch assembly comprises a first switch  906  and a second switch  926 , where at least one of which is actuated when the button  902  is moved in any of the first set of directions  918 . The first switch  906  is positioned at a first end of the track  916  and the second switch  926  is positioned at a second end of the track  916 . When the button  902  is in a neutral position, the post  914  may be at a first position within the track  916  (e.g., aligned with the pivot point  912  such as shown in  FIGS.  9 D and  9 E ). 
     When the button  902  is moved along one of the first set of different directions, the post  914  will either slide toward the first end or the second end (depending on the direction and the initial orientation of the rotatable linkage  908 ), and the rotatable linkage  908  may rotate (if needed) to align the track  916  with the direction of movement of the post  914 . If the post  914  slides towards the first end, the first switch  906  is configured to actuate when the post  914  reaches a second position at or near the first end of the track. Conversely, if the post  914  slides toward the second end, the second switch  926  is configured to actuate when the post  914  reaches a third position at or near the second end of the track. This may reduce the amount of rotation that the rotatable linkage  908  may need to rotate (and/or the force required to rotate the rotatable linkage  908 ) in order to align the track  916  with the direction of motion. 
     While the rotatable linkage  908  is shown in  FIGS.  9 A- 9 E  as being translationally fixed to a stationary component  910  at pivot point  912  (i.e., the rotatable linkage  908  may rotate at pivot point  912 , but may not translate relative to pivot point  912 ), in other variations, the pivot point  912  may be able to translate relative to the stationary component. For example,  FIGS.  10 A and  10 B  show cross-sectional side views of one such variation of an input device  1000 . As shown there, the input device  1000  comprises a button  1002 , a housing  1004 , and a switch assembly comprising a switch  1006  and a rotatable linkage  1008 . The button  1002  is configured to move in a first set of different directions  1010  (such as described above with respect to  FIGS.  2 A- 2 E and  3   ) to register a translational input. The button  1002  may optionally be further configured to move in an additional direction (not shown) perpendicular to the first set of different directions  1010  (e.g., to register a translational input) and/or rotate around a rotational axis parallel to the additional direction (e.g., to register a rotational input). 
     As shown there, the button  1002  is slidably coupled (and in some instances rotatably coupled) to the rotatable linkage  1008 . For example, the button  1002  comprises a first post  1012  slidably positioned within a first track  1014  that is defined in the rotatable linkage  1008 . The first post  1012  may be able to rotate within the track  1014  to allow the button  1002  to rotate around a rotational axis to register a rotational input without otherwise impacting the operation of the switch assembly. The rotatable linkage  1008  in turn may be rotationally and translationally coupled to a stationary component (not shown, which may be any physical structure that is held or otherwise placed in a fixed position relative to the housing  1004  as discussed above). Specifically, the rotatable linkage  1008  may comprise a second post  1016  (which may act as a pivot point as discussed above) that is slidably positioned within a second track  1018  defined in the stationary component. The second post  1016  may slide and/or rotate within the second track  1018  to allow the rotatable linkage  1008  to slide and/or rotate, respectively, relative to the stationary component. 
     For example, when the button  1002  is in a neutral position as shown in  FIG.  10 A , the first post  1012  may be at a first position within the first track  1014  (e.g., positioned at or near a first end of the first track  1014 ) and the second post  1016  may be at a corresponding first position within the second track  1018 . At the button  1002  is moved along any of the first set of different directions  1010 , the first post  1012  may slide to a second position within the first track  1014  (e.g., at or near a second end of the first track  1014 ), as shown in  FIG.  10 B . If the first track  1014  is not already aligned with this direction  1010 , the rotatable linkage  1008  will rotate around the second post  1016  and the second post  1016  will slide along the second track  1018  to a corresponding second position, to allow the first track  1014  to align with this direction  1010 . This allows the switch  1006  to be actuated as that first post  1012  is slid to the second position regardless of which of the first set of different directions  1010  that the button  1002  is moved along. 
     The switch  1006  may detect that the first post  1012  has reached the second position using any proximity, contact, and/or force sensing techniques as described above. For example, in the variation shown in  FIGS.  10 A and  10 B , the switch  1006  may comprise a tactile switch that is positioned in the first track  1014  at or near the second end of the first track  1014 . As the first post  1012  slides within the first track  1014  to the second position, the first post  1012  may contact and depress a button of the tactile switch to actuate the switch  1006  and register a translational input. 
     In some variations, the input devices described herein may comprise a button and an annular dome switch that is actuated as the button is moved in any of a first set of different directions.  FIGS.  11 A and  11 B  show a cross-sectional side view and a cross-sectional top view, respectively, of one such variation of an input device  1100 . As shown there, input device  1100  comprises a button  1102 , a housing  1104 , and an annular dome switch  1106 . The button  1102  is configured to move in a first set of different directions  1108  (such as described above with respect to  FIGS.  2 A- 2 E and  3   ) to register a translational input. The button  1102  may optionally be further configured to move in an additional direction  1110  perpendicular to the first set of different directions  1108  (e.g., to register a translational input) and/or rotate around a rotational axis parallel to the additional direction  1110  (e.g., to register a rotational input). The annular dome switch  1106  may be connected to a stationary component  1116  such as described in more detail above. 
     The input device  1100  may be configured such that a portion of the button  1102  engages the annular dome switch  1106  when the button  1102  is moved in any of the first set of different directions  1108 . For example, the button  1102  may comprise a post  1112  that extends past a top surface of the annular dome switch  1106  along the additional direction  1110 . When the button  1102  moves along any of the first set of different directions  1108 , the post  1112  also moves along that direction until it contacts the annular dome switch  1106  (as shown, for example, by dashed line  1114 ). This contact in turn depresses a portion of the annular dome switch  1106  to actuate the switch (and thus register a translational input). For example, depression of the annular dome switch  1106  may cause a first electrical contact within the annular dome switch  1106  to contact a second electrical contact within the annular dome switch  1106  to complete an electrical circuit (which may be identified to register the first translational input). 
     The annular dome switch  1106  is preferably circular, although it should be appreciated that the annular dome switch  1106  may be configured in any other suitable polygonal shape. Additionally or alternatively, the annular dome switch  1106  may comprise multiple individual dome switches arranged in a circle or another polygonal shape, any of which may be individually depressed to register a translational input as the button  1102  (and with it the post  1112 ) is moved in any of the first set of different directions  1108 . The annular dome switch  1106  may comprise a set of slits defined therethrough which may selectively adjust the resistance of the annular dome switch  1106  to being depressed by the post  1112 . In variations where the button  1102  is configured to move along an additional direction  1110  to register a translational input, the input device  1100  may further comprise an additional switch (not shown) configured to actuate when the button  1102  has been sufficiently moved along the additional direction  1110 . 
     It should be appreciated that the input devices described here may include a plurality of different switch assemblies, each of which registers a translational input when a button is moved in a different set of different directions. For example, an input device may include a first switch assembly with a first switch that is actuated when the button is moved along any of a first set of different directions. The input device may further include a second switch assembly with a second switch that is actuated when the button is moved along any of a second set of different directions. As one non-limiting example, an input device may include two switch assemblies, each of which comprises a rotatable member such as those described above with respect to  FIGS.  4 A and  4 B . 
     As used herein, the phrase “at least one of” preceding a series of items, with the term “and” or “or” to separate any of the items, modifies the list as a whole, rather than each member of the list. The phrase “at least one of” does not require selection of at least one of each item listed; rather, the phrase allows a meaning that includes at a minimum one of any of the items, and/or at a minimum one of any combination of the items, and/or at a minimum one of each of the items. By way of example, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C” or “at least one of A, B, or C” each refer to only A, only B, or only C; any combination of A, B, and C; and/or one or more of each of A, B, and C. Similarly, it may be appreciated that an order of elements presented for a conjunctive or disjunctive list provided herein should not be construed as limiting the disclosure to only that order provided. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not targeted to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. Also, when used herein to refer to positions of components, the terms above and below, or their synonyms, do not necessarily refer to an absolute position relative to an external reference, but instead refer to the relative position of components with reference to the figures.