Abstract: A data input device and method for producing signals corresponding to symbols, comprises: at least one manually actuatable switch having a home state and manually actuatable from the home state to one of a set of first states and manually actuatable from the set of first states to one of a set of second states including the home state. A first signal corresponding to a transition from the home state to a selected one of the set of first states is produced and a second signal corresponding to a transition from the selected one of the set of first states to a selected one of the set of second states is produced. An output signal representing one symbol is produced in response to the first and second signals.