Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media are described for generating a virtual keyboard user interface with at least one multi-state display portion. The user interface may include a plurality of keys of a virtual keyboard generated on a display, with at least one key among the plurality of keys having a first function. The user interface may also include a mnemonic device configured to be displayed on the virtual keyboard, where the mnemonic device may be irrelevant to the first function. The mnemonic device may have a first display state when the at least one key is not selected, and have a second display state when the at least one key is selected. In some aspects, the mnemonic device has a reduced visibility in the first display state and a heightened visibility in the second display state, so as to emphasize the second display state.