Although door handles come in a great many designs ranging from classically ornate to the purely functional, generally all are operated by a lever latch mechanism. A spindle connects the handles on either side, so when the door handle is turned a mortise latch is retracted.
The only alternatives are the pull door handle, the pull knob and the D-handle which use a catch mechanism to hold the door closed. These door handles can be used for doors leading to different rooms but are more likely to be found on cupboards and cabinets, where they are only to one side of the door.
As the name suggests this type of catch holds the door closed by magnetic force and are frequently used on glass doors.
A hydraulic mechanism in the closer body pulls the door shut without allowing it to slam.