Techniques for a handheld input apparatus are described. Generally, a handheld input apparatus can be used to provide input to various types of devices. According to various embodiments, a described handheld input apparatus includes a strain sensor for determining different load forces on a tip of the apparatus. According to various embodiments, a described handheld input apparatus includes components for determining an angular and/or rotational orientation of the apparatus relative to an input surface. Based on the different determined forces and/or orientation information, input characteristics of a handheld input apparatus can be controlled.