1. A method of character input for a computing device with a character input device having at least one mode-altering key, and a plurality of character keys each configured to cause the input of one of a number of characters based on a value of a mode, the method comprising steps of: changing the mode from a first mode to a second mode upon a single input of a mode-altering key for a single input of an immediately subsequent character key entry; and automatically changing the mode back from the second mode to the first mode following the entry of the immediately subsequent character key entry.