3

I'm trying to be the most inclusive when writing a procedure that involves usage of a tablet computing device.

I've read about hardware buttons for Microsoft Tablet PCs. I want to know if there's a more inclusive term for them on devices from other manufacturers, as well.

An example sentence would be:

"Press the device's ____ and verify there is no response.

Improve this question
4
  • 1
    How about controls?
    – user888379
    Commented Jan 10, 2018 at 19:36
  • 1
    Can you add an example sentence?
    – Azor Ahai -him-
    Commented Jan 10, 2018 at 19:41
  • 1
    Software buttons are known as "soft buttons" (as in "software"); by analogy, we might retronym all these real, physical buttons as "hard buttons" (as in "hardware") or "hard controls". Or maybe we just go simple and say "physical buttons", "physical controls".
    – Dan Bron
    Commented Jan 10, 2018 at 19:47
  • 1
    @Azor-Ahai, an example sentence would be "Press the device's ____ and verify there is no response."
    – OwnDevise
    Commented Jan 10, 2018 at 20:27

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
5

Microsoft uses "hardware buttons" and "physical buttons" interchangeably.

Physical buttons

Hardware buttons let users perform many common tasks that do not have a convenient user interface alternative. For the scenarios addressed in this section, the hardware buttons are typically used for tasks that occur while the physical keyboard is not available to the user, on form factors such as convertibles or slates.

You could really use either one. But as always, pick one and stick to it.

Improve this answer
1

Well, on the iPad user guide by Apple Inc., It tells you the names of the buttons.

On an IPad Pro: Front Back

On Ipad(5th generation), IPad Air, IPad Air 2: Front Back

Hope it helped.

Improve this answer
3
  • 1
    Thanks. It doesn't help because my intent is to group all buttons under one term.
    – OwnDevise
    Commented Jan 10, 2018 at 19:29
  • Ahhh, okay. Miss understood the question. I’ll try to see on google :) @00Zero
    – Me myself and I
    Commented Jan 10, 2018 at 19:35
  • 2
    @00Zero Well, There are synonyms though, but ‘button’ is the best term.
    – Me myself and I
    Commented Jan 10, 2018 at 19:41

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.