A miniaturized user input device or input button (14) for a computing or communication device, such as a personal digital assistant device or a mobile phone. A user provides inputs to the computing or communication device by inserting an end (12) of a pen or other indicator instrument (11) into a receptacle (14a) of the input button (14) and applying a force, as a result of which the input button (14) actually or only barely perceptibly moves or deforms. Sensors (14b-c) proximate to the input button (14) detect the moving or deforming and provide signals corresponding the moving or deforming, and so corresponding to the user input.