A hand operable switch includes an operating knob that is movable longitudinally or rotationally about a longitudinal axis of the hand operable switch. The operating knob is accessible from any circumferential location of the hand operable switch. A housing includes switching elements wherein movement of the operating knob moves an activation rod relevant to the switching elements for activating a switching element that corresponds to movement of a controlled device. A converter converts the hand operable switch into a foot operable switch.