The present invention is related to a system and method for providing input mechanisms in a handheld electronic device. The handheld electronic device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a casing having a first surface and an opposing second surface, where the first surface includes a display on which a user interface is displayed to a user of the device, a plurality of input keys on the second surface, a layout of the plurality of input keys displayed on the display, and means for allowing the user to enter commands into the device by pressing at least one of the plurality of input keys, whereby the layout allows the user to select an appropriate input key of the plurality of input keys associated with a particular command without viewing the input key.