To provide a space-saving operating device using the fewest number of constituent components, and an electronic device using that operation device with designing versatility improved.

The operation device is structured of an illumination knob 20 comprising an operating part 22 and a retainer part 24 integrally formed, and a plate 11 as well as a panel 13 pinching the retainer part 24. The panel 13 has a concave part 15 housing the retainer part 24 and a pair of arm-shaped hinge parts 14a, 14b, in the vicinity of free ends of which 14a, 14b, a positioning boss 16, a rotation-inhibiting boss 17, and a switching operation boss 30 are formed.