HOW TO SPECIFY THE BEST POTENTIOMETER TUNING KNOBS FOR MY DEVICE

TUNING KNOBS VS TOUCH SCREENS

With the inexorable rise of touch screens in electronics, it’s easy to forget the critical role that the not-so-humble tuning knob continues to play. Menu-driven interfaces in particular are boosting demand for more advanced potentiometer knobs.

And while it’s true that touch screens have become increasingly popular due to their sleek design and ease of use, tuning knobs still reign supreme in many applications. Collet knobs are preferred for their reliability and secure fit in professional audio equipment and other high-precision applications. Additionally, there is a growing trend towards incorporating both touch screens and physical controls to balance aesthetics with functionality.

Furthermore, there’s growing concern about the overuse of touch screens in certain applications, such as automotive controls. Euro NCAP, Europe's leading automotive safety industry body, will in 2026 introduce new guidance to encourage the use of physical buttons and switches for key functions in cars. This move is aimed at reducing driver distraction and promoting safer driving.

WHICH KNOB FIXING SYSTEM IS BEST FOR MY APPLICATION?

Lateral Screw Fixings. This method is known for its secure fit, making it less likely for the knob to slip or become loose over time. However, it can be more time-consuming to install and remove each knob. This might not be ideal for applications requiring frequent adjustments or maintenance. This type of fixing is often used in medical, social care and wellness electronics where tampering needs to be minimised.

View knobs with a lateral screw fixing >>

Collet Fixings. These knobs use a collet mechanism to clamp the knob on to the potentiometer shaft. This method provides a very secure fit and is reliable for applications where precision and stability are crucial. The installation process is slightly more complex and time-consuming compared with push-on knobs but the secure fit makes it worth the effort. Collet fixings are commonly used in professional audio equipment and other precision applications.

View tuning knobs with a collet fixture >>

Push-On Knobs. These are the simplest to install and remove as they simply push on to the potentiometer shaft. This ease of use makes them perfect for applications where knobs need to be frequently removed or replaced. However, they may not provide as secure a fit as lateral screw or collet fixings. This can be a disadvantage in environments where the knobs are subject to heavy use or vibration.

View push-on tuning knobs >>

Each method has its advantages and disadvantages. If you need a secure and stable fit, collet fixings might be the best option. For ease of installation and frequent adjustments, push-on knobs are great. Lateral screw fixings offer a balance between security and ease of use.

1). LATERAL SCREW TUNING KNOBS

OKW offers two ranges of lateral screw tuning knobs for potentiometers with shaft ends corresponding to DIN 41591:

Award-winning TOP-KNOBS have a contemporary design with a clever twist: they come with a range of individual marking elements as standard. So you can choose from Pin, Globe, Disk, Wing and Arrow elements in a selection of pastel colours: coral, beach, lagoon, sky and mineral.

It’s simply a matter of specifying the main knob body in your preferred size and colour (volcano, nero) and adding your desired marking element. All the plastic components are moulded from PA 6 Ultramid® B3S (UL 94 HB), an easy-flowing, fine-crystalline grade of Polyamide (which is like Nylon). Choose from five sizes: ø 16 mm, ø 20 mm, ø 24 mm, ø 31 mm, ø 40 mm . TOP-KNOBS are also available with a push-on fixing.

View the TOP-KNOBS range >>

CLASSIC Tuning Knobs are, as the name suggests, more conventional in their aesthetics with black, metal effect and even vintage-style chickenhead designs. The choice of standard shapes, colours and styles in this one range alone is very wide.

They are well suited to measuring/control, medical/wellness, laboratory, communications and HVAC equipment. The fastening features a cupped-point threaded stud, either with or without a square-head nut. Choose from knobs with:

• a lateral screw fixing and an aluminium cap/plate (ø 12 - ø 38.9 mm)
• a lateral screw fixing (ø 11.4 - ø 31 mm).

View the CLASSIC range >>

2). TUNING KNOBS WITH A COLLET FIXTURE

CONTROL-KNOBS – like TOP KNOBS – are one of OKW’s many iF product design award winners. They are our newest knobs and also among our most advanced, featuring optional 5 V SMD LED illumination. That elegant glow comes via a translucent optic ring on the top. RGB LEDs allow individual illumination and colours – which also extend to the optional pointer on the side wall.

Specify this model as the central element of a menu-driven interface. When you have one click-to-confirm potentiometer at the heart of your technology, the knob controlling it needs to be a cut above the rest. Luckily it is – as the award confirms.

Ergonomic CONTROL-KNOBS are pleasant to operate because the tough polycarbonate inner core is wrapped in a soft-touch TPE outer shell. This outer is grooved to ensure a good grip and anti-slip operation. CONTROL-KNOBS are available in two colours (nero and volcano) and two diameters: ø 36 mm and ø 46 mm.

View the CONTROL-KNOBS range >>

STAR-KNOBS were – until the launch of CONTROL-KNOBS – our only model with optional energy-saving 5 V SMD LED illumination. Again, they’re designed for menu-driven interfaces with click rotation and push-to-OK functionality. Choose from two versions – either flush fitting or surface mounted.

The flush-fitting version has an illuminated ring in the top. This ring lights up between a recess and the knob cover. The main body is offered with/without knurls on the top edge. The covers can be specified with/without a circular dimple for easier operation.

On the surface-mount version, the lighting shines through a 3 mm high ring which sits below the main body of the knob. The body is slightly inclined towards the inner axis, making the knob more comfortable to operate.

STAR-KNOBS are moulded from PA 6 or PC with PA 6 covers. The main body colours are volcano, nero, diamond, emerald and sapphire. The covers are volcano and nero.

View the STAR-KNOBS range >>

COM-KNOBS share a common design language with TOP-KNOBS. They have the same colour scheme: nero and volcano for the main body, with a choice of pastel-coloured covers (and the option of a matt-chromed finish). Some covers also feature a dimple (like STAR-KNOBS).

Like TOP-KNOBS, you can add a marking element to COM-KNOBS. And again, these markers come in a wide choice of pastel shades to match the covers: coral, beach, lagoon, sky, mineral and nero. But unlike TOP-KNOBS, there is only one element shape – Peak.

COM-KNOBS are moulded from PA 6 (the matt-chromed cover is ABS). Choose from six sizes: ø 16 mm, ø 20 mm, ø 23 mm, ø 31 mm, ø 40 mm, ø 50 mm. 

View the COM-KNOBS range >>

COMBINATION KNOBS are more conservatively styled than TOP-KNOBS. But they look more modern than the CLASSIC range. In effect, they’re timeless – with smart but understated looks that will suit a broad spectrum of devices.

Choose from three shapes, all moulded from ABS (UL 94 HB):

• ROUND KNOBS – in black (RAL 9005) or dusty grey (RAL 7037) with red, yellow, green, light blue, pebble grey, dusty grey or black covers (with/without a marking line). Sizes: ø 9 mm, ø 10 mm, ø 13.5 mm, ø 16 mm, ø 20 mm, ø 23 mm, ø 31 mm, ø 40 mm, ø 50 mm. 
• WING KNOBS – in black (with cover colours similar to those offered for ROUND KNOBS). Marking lines are optional on both the knobs and the covers. Sizes: ø 13.5 mm, ø 16 mm.
• SPINDLE-SHAPED KNOBS – in black or dusty grey, with black, dusty grey or pebble grey covers. Again, marking lines can be specified on both the knobs and the covers.  Sizes: ø 16 mm, ø 23 mm, ø 31 mm, ø 40 mm.
• Accessories include arrow disks, dials, disks, nut covers, stators, torsion protection (for D-profiled axes), adjusting keys, round nuts and a spanner.

View the COMBINATION-KNOBS range >>

3). PUSH-ON KNOBS

OKW has only one range of push-on knobs – TOP-KNOBS, which won an iF product design award. The push-on fixing method of this variant of TOP-KNOBS rules out any possible contact with live parts.

For more information about design features (such as interchangeable marking elements), sizes and colours, please refer back to the Lateral Screw Tuning Knobs section of this blog post.

View the push-on TOP KNOBS range >>

SPECIFY CUSTOMISED TUNING KNOBS

Tuning knobs do not tend to require much customisation. All our various ranges have lots of standard options, reducing the need for modifications. So you can usually find the shape/size/colour you need from the various off-the-shelf options available.

Most knobs are either black or grey. This usually complements the standard or custom colour of the host enclosure. And the different coloured knob covers and markers are a quick and easy way to add branding highlights.

But sometimes customisation is needed, and we’re happy to help. We carry out all the work in-house to ensure quality. We’re accountable for the look and feel of your customised enclosures and tuning knobs from start to finish. This also saves you time and money.

Here are some of the customisation services we offer for tuning knobs:

• machining, printing, and installation/assembly of accessories are available for all OKW tuning knobs
• lacquering – available for STAR-KNOBS and COM-KNOBS
• laser marking – available for all tuning knobs except CLASSIC and COMBINATION-KNOBS.

Find out more about customisation >>

GET EXPERT TECHNICAL ADVICE

Contact our expert team for advice on specifying the best potentiometer knobs for your electronics. Request a sample of your preferred tuning knob.