Abstract: An actuating element mounted on an electrical appliance for pivotal movement about a pivoting axis in the switching direction of a switch, in order to switch a function of the electrical appliance by actuating the switch, and comprises a slide with an actuating surface that is guided along a slide path provided on the actuating element to adjust an operating parameter. An operating rocker/slide is provided enabling uniform forces introduced into the operating rocker during displacement of the slide. The actuating element includes the slide path and the pivoting axis extending substantially parallel to each other. The parallel orientation of the pivoting axis and the slide path enables the same length of lever arm to be obtained in relation to the pivoting axis of the actuating element, in each position of the slide, during the introduction of forces into the actuating surface of the slide.