A control knob (10) includes a base (14) and a shaped wall (12). A plurality of sensor elements (32) are located within and circumferentially spaced around said shaped wall. Processor circuitry (40, 50) is connected to the plurality of sensor elements (32) for controlling an end-use device. The processor circuitry (40, 50) senses user touch commands on both sides of the shaped wall (12), and determines user desired commands based on the sensed user touch commands.