The ear buds are touch sensitive, and each one has different commands (i.e. single-tap on the left is s different command than single-tap on the right). There's quite a list of commands, and I've found it challenging to remember all of them, especially if I go for a time without using them. As for ease of use, I guess that depends on how good you are at tapping your ear while running. They are fairly sensitive to touch, and sweat does not seem to inhibit this function.