The M3K adopts a set of capacitive buttons + touchpad for operation, a substantial upgrade over last generation's simpler physical buttons. There are five sets of touch buttons to make getting around the UI easy: next/previous track, confirmation, back, and menu keys. The touch buttons are also backlit to greatly enhance usability in dark areas and make the M3K much easier to use when the screen is off – you get both more convenient operation while enjoying huge power savings from the turned-off screen.