DIP switches (dual in-line package) were designed to have the same pin spacing as integrated circuits (chips.)
Some DIP switches have slide switches and some have little levers that pivot. Manufacturers might even change the style of switch in a production run.
I have worked on equipment where we didn't have the convenience of an actual switch - we had to cut wire jumpers (maybe eight of them) to set an option in some old electronic equipment. If you made a mistake, out came the soldering iron