Button (control)
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A button is a simple physical mechanism for controlling some aspect of a machine. Buttons are typically made out of hard material, usually plastic or metal. This piece of plastic is usually shaped to accommodate the human finger or hand, so as to be easily depressed or pushed. When the button is pushed, a (usually electrical) event takes place; for example, an electrical circuit might be completed.
The article on switches covers most aspects of button functionality. It is important to note that many buttons are biased switches which return to their original state immediately after being depressed.
Also note that buttons, like switches more generally, are not exclusively electrical in nature. Some buttons might ring a bell or cause other actions through purely physical means. For example, typewriter keys could reasonably be considered buttons.
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