An improved water sealing side key system for use in electronic device 24, such as but not limited to a mobile phone, and which provides for the construction of the seal assembly 21 as a rigid frame 29 and an elastomeric sealing material that allows for both a compressive and circumferential (perimeter) seal 28 as well as the overall non-binding movement of a side key 20 within the seal and the ability to closely control the thickness, tolerance spacing and tactile feel of the side key 20.