what I am looking for is a a type of rotary switch, similar in functionality to those used in some higher end car stereo tuning knobs and/or volume controls.
the knob is lightly spring loaded, returning to a middle neutral position when you release the knob. It has two positions: left and right. rotate it to the right, and one of the legs of the switch goes hot until you release and it returns to neutral. rotate it left, same thing but another different leg goes hot.
It would also (hopefully) have a third leg whose state is controlled by pushing the knob in.
I don't even know the proper name for this knob, so all my searches are coming up with nothing.
(I am not looking for a rotary encoder btw...actually looking to replace the rotary encoder currently in my circuit design with the much simpler multi-position switch)
Unfortunately specialist user-interface controls like this are usually bespoke for a particular product - the modern equivalent would be a joystick switch and these are much easier to source. If you are needed a replacement for a particular piece of equipment you might just be able to track it down from a parts supplier if you have the part-number.