The Ring Sensor enables intuitive scrolling and menu navigation functionality for consumer electronic devices in an easy-to-integrate, high resolution, ultralow power package. It is ideal for media players, mobile phones, control panels, medical instruments, and home entertainment devices to control streaming media, audio, balance, menus, playlists, and gaming functions that involve rotation and steering. The sensor can be integrated directly into the device's host processor without the need for a dedicated microprocessor. "Wake on touch" functionality allows for low power consumption for battery-powered devices. Various actuator materials, including metallic, can be used to create unique design aesthetics.