Abstract: An apparatus for providing an input order independent character input mechanism may include a processor. The processor may be configured to receive an input comprising an element corresponding to a portion of a character being entered by a user independent of an order for inputting the element based on the portion of the character corresponding to the element, wherein receiving an input comprises receiving at least one radical. The processor may additionally be configured to retrieve at least one candidate character for the character being entered based at least in part on the received element. The processor may also be configured to provide a selection of candidate characters including the at least one candidate character to the user. Associated methods and computer program products may also be provided.