Abstract: A handheld appliance includes a user operable button, a switch and an actuator including an arm extending between the button and the switch wherein the button has three linearly spaced positions each position corresponding to a different state for the switch. The arm may include a surface adapted to engage with the switch. The switch may include a lever and the lever is moved by contact with the surface. The lever may have a first position and a second position. The second position of the lever may be a neutral position where the lever is not in contact with the surface. When the lever is in the first position, the surface may engage with the lever. The lever may be housed within a recess of the arm. The switch may comprise a first switch and a second switch which may be longitudinally spaced.