A technique for re-mapping the input elements disposed on a hand-held electronic device to an executable function that is different than the pre-loaded or pre-assigned function(s) provided in software applications may include receiving configuration settings for a software application or a class of software applications, including at least one physical input element, such as a key, rotary dial, or a button, associated with at least one function, such as a shifting or index function or insertion of a specific character; modifying a mapping function, such as a keyboard device driver, a device layout or a translation layer, based on the configuration settings; and executing the function associated with the physical input element upon an activation, e.g., a press or actuation, of the physical input element during operation of the software application.