Thumbwheel switches are input devices that feature a series of small wheels, typically arranged in a row, each representing a digit or character. Users can adjust the position of the wheels using their thumbs to input numerical or alphanumeric data. Thumbwheel switches are commonly used in electronic devices such as calculators, digital meters, and data entry systems where precise manual input is required. They offer a tactile interface and precise control over data entry, making them suitable for applications where accuracy and ease of use are essential.