Abstract: A directional pointing device produces cardinal and intercardinal directional output reliably by providing more stable axes of rotation. In some cases, the rotation is made more stable by guiding the activation of the pad in a generally perpendicular manner. In one embodiment, a directional pointing device comprises a substrate; a plurality of switches disposed on the substrate; and a cap movably coupled with the substrate to activate the switches for directional selection. The cap includes a plurality of activation features each disposed above a corresponding one of the switches to activate the corresponding switches by moving with respect to the substrate. The activation features are arranged in different radial directions with respect to a center position of the cap. Each activation feature has a width oriented generally perpendicular to the radial direction from the center position of the cap to the activation feature and a thickness oriented generally along the radial direction.