A communication device and methods for operating the same. One communication device includes a memory storing a software application, an electronic processor, a mechanical interface receiving a first user input, and a touch screen receiving a second user input. The touch screen is also configured to display an output generated by the software application. The electronic processor is configured to execute a software application stored in the memory, determine when the second user input is received simultaneously with the first user input, perform a first action based on the first user input when the second user input is not received simultaneously with the first user input, the first action being unrelated to operation of the software application, and perform a second action based on the first user input when the second user input is received simultaneously with the first user input, the second action relating to the operation of the software application.