A user input device, comprising: a housing that defines an internal cavity of the user input device and includes an aperture; and a button-based control mechanism, comprising: a button that comprises a button top and a button stem, the button top extending into or through the aperture in the housing such that the button top is externally accessible with respect to the housing, the button stem being disposed within the internal cavity of the user input device; a button depression guide that is disposed within the internal cavity of the user input device that engages with the button stem to cause the button to move from a default position and along a substantially arc-shaped path when pressure is applied to the button top, the substantially arc shaped path being around an axis of rotation that is external to the user input device; a button biasing mechanism disposed within the internal cavity that causes the button to return the default position when the pressure is removed from the button top; and at least one sensor that detects actuation of the button responsive to movement of the button away from the default position. a housing that defines an internal cavity of the user input device and includes an aperture; and a button-based control mechanism, comprising: a button that comprises a button top and a button stem, the button top extending into or through the aperture in the housing such that the button top is externally accessible with respect to the housing, the button stem being disposed within the internal cavity of the user input device; a button depression guide that is disposed within the internal cavity of the user input device that engages with the button stem to cause the button to move from a default position and along a substantially arc-shaped path when pressure is applied to the button top, the substantially arc shaped path being around an axis of rotation that is external to the user input device; a button biasing mechanism disposed within the internal cavity that causes the button to return the default position when the pressure is removed from the button top; and at least one sensor that detects actuation of the button responsive to movement of the button away from the default position. a button that comprises a button top and a button stem, the button top extending into or through the aperture in the housing such that the button top is externally accessible with respect to the housing, the button stem being disposed within the internal cavity of the user input device; a button depression guide that is disposed within the internal cavity of the user input device that engages with the button stem to cause the button to move from a default position and along a substantially arc-shaped path when pressure is applied to the button top, the substantially arc shaped path being around an axis of rotation that is external to the user input device; a button biasing mechanism disposed within the internal cavity that causes the button to return the default position when the pressure is removed from the button top; and at least one sensor that detects actuation of the button responsive to movement of the button away from the default position.