"Physical knobs" refers to physical controls or buttons that can be touched and manipulated with hands, often found on devices or equipment to adjust settings or functions. Full definition
The climate controls also now use a touchscreen interface to change the air vent settings or activate the heated seats, although you still use physical knobs to adjust the temperature. (automobilemag.com)
You now use the touchscreen to change the air - vent settings or activate the heated seats, but you still use physical knobs to adjust the cabin temperature. (automobilemag.com)
Even with all that touchscreen taking up a considerable amount of surface area on the dash, Ram has stuck with physical knobs for volume, radio tuning, and HVAC controls to our delight. (carbuzz.com)