Suitable for Human interface input, changing menu (forward and backward), volume control, and selection
This Cytron Rotary Switch Breakout Board is a 15-step/pulses rotary encoder with a nice "step" feel. It is different from a potentiometer because an encoder has full rotation without limits. The unit emits a gray code so that you can tell how much and in what direction the encoder was rotated.
A potentiometer normally has an output voltage, while a rotary switch has output pulses: you will need to detect it to know the direction of rotation and pitch. This unit does not come with a button.