Source for low profile rotary encoder and housing

[brianbarr]

When building an airmanager panel using a LCD display mounted close behind a "thin" panel board with circular cutouts to simulate an instrument panel with round gauges, what is the best way to install rotary encoders for instruments such as an altimeter or a DG, Heading Bug, HSI or VOR OBS?

There is very limited physical space in which to accomplish this easily.

Surface mounting of the encoder on the face of the panel appears to need a fairly large housing -- how have others created something that both looks good and is functional?

[JackZ]

Flat encoders which were used mainly in old mouses with ball are a good solution. Only 1.2 mm width you have to add a shaft though and there’s no pushbutton