A display device that both displays visual information and that serves as a mechanical actuator to generate input signals is disclosed (i.e., display device is not only an output device, but also a mechanically actuated input device). By way of example, the display device, which displays visual information such as text, characters and graphics, may also act like a push or clickable button(s), a sliding toggle button or switch, a rotating dial or knob, a motion controlling device such as a joystick or navigation pad, and/or the like. The display actuator may be incorporated into any electronic device to control various aspects of the electronic device. Alternatively, the display actuator may be a stand alone device that operatively couples to an electronic devices through wired or wireless connections. In either case, the display actuator can be configured to generate commands, make selections and/or control movements in a display.