Brushed Chrome Knobs

The picture is a retro radio made by Troika. It uses the classic chrome radio knob as a feature, goin so far as to use the same aesthetic for its buttons and speaker.

I really like these brushed chrome knobs. For me, they are a symbol of audio equipment such as radios. They are easily recognizable from their texture. Because of this, they can work as a kind of visual indicator to tell people what a product does: if a box has one of these knobs it's probably to control volume, a second is usually for tuning, and any more would suggest an equalizer. So they can be added to more unusual designs to tell people at a glance that this is a radio, or other audio device.

I also think they are attractive and sleek. The concentric grooves on the front end are especially nice, as they make radiating patterns of reflection, which to me looks futuristic and technical, but still remains a simple geometric shape, which will appeal to most people.

Although they are commonly made of cheaper metals or plastic on the inside, the outer metallic shell makes them seem classy and hard wearing.

These small knobs can be seen everywhere in audio electronics, because they are a great design, and when trying to design a larger product, it must really help to be able to use small elements that have been refined so well by others over the years.