A numeric keypad (100) for entering ideographic characters is provided. The numeric keypad (100) comprises a first set of input keys (102) corresponding to numerals 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, and a second set of input keys (104) corresponding to numeral 6, 7, 8, 9, and 0. Each of the first set of input keys (102) has a predefined single character stroke, which complies with the GB18031 standard. The second set of input keys (104) is assigned a first particular sequence of the predefined single character strokes and a second particular sequence of the predefined single character strokes different from the first particular sequence of the predefined single character strokes.