Choosing a CW key. What to look for and why

[@mike94560]

Some other considerations. Not all radios have built in keyers so keep that in mind when buying paddles. Not all radios only have 12 volts on keying line. Does your straight key have exposed metal that will shock you if you touch it? Tube radios have 100v +. I prefer an external keyer for a couple reasons. First all keyer memories are in one place. Second all radios can be set up for hand keying since that is what the external keyer puts out. There are some tiny external keyers out there that run off a watch battery. And some other things but thats the highlights.

[@EvanK2EJT]

All REALLY good points, and things I didn't consider! Thanks for the input, I really appreciate it. I'm going to pin this post so people see it when they stop by this video.

[@EvanK2EJT]

I just realized I swapped dit and dah when talking about the dual paddle. Sorry about that.

[@rohnkd4hct260]

Been a ham for 30 years. I tried to learn CW many years ago, I would get so far and crash. Now, since I can learn because I want to, I am trying again. I think sending code is cool.

[@EvanK2EJT]

Awesome! Good luck with your CW journey!

[@EJRadio]

Some may consider this bad advice. I have been a ham for 18 years and 6 years ago finally learned CW. Like you I only got so far and crashed. Don't get hung up on letters and numbers that keep giving you trouble. There came a time when I knew most characters but missed a lot too. I decided that I would call CQ anyway and hoping nobody answered. Well...I got an answer and I copied maybe half of what he sent but I was sure to explain hey this is my first QSO. One you start having QSOs, those problem areas will slowly go away. After that first QSO I never touched a mic again. If you haven't already, I would be happy to have a QSO with you. 73 KB3NSK

[@w4baham]

@@EJRadio Thanks for your encouraging comments. I am just beginning my CW journey. Hope I have the necessary "stick to it ness"! Think I will buy a key, probably an iambic and practice on it as I learn the letters.

[@donz7992]

Thanks, Evan. This plus the other videos you showed me today helps greatly! 73!

[@EvanK2EJT]

No problem Don. Thanks for watching!

[@johnwest7993]

I was a no-code Extra, but a buddy of mine became a Silent Key, and bequeathed me his 1952 Vibroplex Zephyr. So now I know what key I'm going to learn and use. I understand that it's like learning to play a musical instrument, and it's a significant additional skill beyond simply knowing the code. I learned enough about his key to know that he was a master CW operator. The weight on the pendulum had been set up against the stop for years, just as fast as it would go. The spring tensions and contact positions were set extremely fast. I may never get to that point. I'll start with a clothes pin out on the end of the pendulum to make it as slow as possible, about 10 wpm. Lots to learn, but his key will not stay silent.

[@EvanK2EJT]

That's a hard key to learn on, but good on you for taking on the challenge!

[@johnwest7993]

@@EvanK2EJT, he'd tried for a few years to get me to learn the code. Bequeathing me his key was a little joke he played on me because he knew I couldn't just sit there looking at his unused key making me feel both curious and guilty. He knew me well. I suspect he smiled as he told his daughter to make sure that I received his key.

[@steveb.548]

I have a classic Bencher key that has been my go-to desktop key for 40 years, and it works well, but I was never super happy with its "all held together by one big spring" design, which always seemed just a bit sloppy to me. So, thanks for highlighting the UR5CDX key. After watching your video, I bought the CT599MX chromed version of your key the same day and am incredibly happy with it. The CT599MX is absolutely beautiful in mirror finish chrome, and is incredibly solid and precise, with none of the slight wobble and sloppiness of my Bencher key. I also have the CW Morse CNC Aluminum Pocket Paddle shown in your video, and agree 100% that it's a great choice for a lightweight portable key, but I also agree, nice as it is, as a permanent desktop key, the CW Morse Portapaddle is not in the same league as the CT599MX, which is the finest key I have ever had my hands on..

[@EvanK2EJT]

I'm glad you like your UR5CDX key and I agree, they're absolutely amazing, especially for what they cost. I've used lots of keys, and I always keep coming back to that one. Thanks for the feedback, and thanks for watching!

[@Larry-AK0Z]

Great video. I have a Begali Magnetic Pro and a Vibroplex Straight Key. I am happy with both. I stay away from the bug, mainly because I can't copy one very well. Thank you.

[@EvanK2EJT]

Bugs are tough. Once you get the feel for them, they're really fun to use though. Thanks for watching!

[@spencerhochstetler]

I just bought the carbon fiber paddles for my CT599 key (exactly like yours). A worthy purchase, IMO. They are stiffer than the stock plastic paddles and it makes me feel even more connected to the key...

[@EvanK2EJT]

Yeah, I definitely want some. I might actually make my own. I have carbon fiber, and it's easy to work, so maybe I'll give it a shot. Thanks for watching!

[@JamesHindsW5ATJ]

Great video. I am just starting to learn CW and trying to choose a CW key. Looking forward to watching some of your other videos. Thanks, Jim

[@EvanK2EJT]

Thank you, and thanks for watching!

[@jmac217x]

I use my Vibro-Keyer in Manual mode. Sometimes like a Cootie sometimes like a Straight Key. Love seeing this lineup, you got a little bit of everything.

[@TomSherwood-z5l]

Feel is everything. I got some fancy straight keys and have had all sorts but my ancient brass AT&T that says Western Electric on the shorting bar, has the best feel to me and emits a nice click clack when operated. Some day I will get it cleaned up to look like new instead of patinated. I have almost identical keys but maybe the spring is different or something or other not the same feel.

[@EvanK2EJT]

@@TomSherwood-z5l Yeah, feel is definitely everything when it comes to CW keys

[@TheWingnut58]

Great video, very informative.....please do one on the "cootie key" as well, it looks very interesting from what I've seen.

[@EvanK2EJT]

Thanks! Will do.

[@k9kj]

That N3ZN key sure looks like mine! Same with the CT 599 from Ukraine! Great stuff!

[@dugbohamradio]

Awesome assortment of keys. look forward to seeing a video on your cootie key.👍

[@EvanK2EJT]

Thanks man! Yeah, when I get the new cootie I'll shoot a video. Should be a sweet key

[@k9eihamradio]

Still anxiously awaiting delivery of my UR5CDX paddle!

[@EvanK2EJT]

Trust me, it's worth the wait!

[@gkeyman565]

Very nice keys, and great explanation of the different types. I always wanted to learn, not sure if I'll ever get there but I always kept an eye out for a key, found one last Sunday (3/24/24), at a fleamarket, very good price, just an old I think military J-37 with the J-47 baseplate, was in two pieces but found both the main piece and the key arm, works perfectly as far as I can tell. At least I have a starting point. have a great day

[@EvanK2EJT]

The J-37 is an EXCELLENT key! Great find

[@englundus]

Hey Evan, great video! Thank you! Do you know how to connect a CW key to an Icom M802? I know they have an accessory cable, but I'm wondering how people would actually physically connect the key?

[@EvanK2EJT]

Page 12 of the manual show the connections: icomuk.co.uk/files/icom/PDF/productManual/IC-M802man.pdf I'm not sure that radio has a keyer built in. It might only work with a manual key unless you have an external keyer, but again I'm not 100% sure.

[@W4EMB]

DE W4EMB, thanks! Great show

[@EvanK2EJT]

Thanks Ed!

[@Steven-u5w]

I started off with a straight key a Kent key later on I move to a paddle and I chose vibraflex pedals and for portable operation qrp I moved on to a palm paddle 73s de G0HDA

[@EvanK2EJT]

All great choices. Palm made AWESOME keys.

[@W2QH]

(I had fast forward vid, I didn't hear you name the make of the sk) I want a good straight key, if not the best, waiting for you to name the key you like, the Cadillac of straight keys, until I heard the Bentley price. I will have to try it before I buy it though. I had gone from a cheap Radio Shack Key to a bug original. I came across an old Brown Bros straight key and was blown away how good it was. the Brown Bro key gave me the "I didn't know what I was missing feeling, after all these years" ,The RS key went straight into the junk box and never came out again.

[@EvanK2EJT]

Yeah, the N3ZN keys are expensive. They feel amazing to send on though. It's definitely an eye opener the first time you use a really high quality key!

[@gallonsofhairspray5451]

Great video, thanks for the info

[@EvanK2EJT]

Thanks for watching!

[@kimchaneyko4ipibrandenburg55]

Great video, thank you!

[@marcinmerrimack1726]

Can you compare and contrast the Begali and UR5CDX keys and explain why you have a preference for the latter?

[@EvanK2EJT]

I can. Actually, I should shoot a short video explaining it. I'll give you the Cliff's notes version here though. First, it's heavier. That keeps it from moving on my desk. It also has stickier feet, so it doesn't want to slide as I'm using it. Second, it's lower. I personally prefer a lower hand position. Third, the adjustments lock, so once you have them set they won't move. Lastly, I can get the adjustments tighter without having it stick and send a string of dits or dahs. Don't get me wrong, the Begali key is amazing, and it does have some advantages over the UR5CDX key as well, but ultimately it's the Ukrainian key I end up using the most here at home. If I'm going into the field and operating from a fixed position for a while though (like I did this past weekend for the POTA plaque event) I bring the Begali. It's a better field key for several reasons which I'll get into when I shoot the video. Thanks for watching, and thanks for giving me the idea to make a video comparision! 73

[@marcinmerrimack1726]

Thanks for your reply. Have you tried a non-slip (silicone?) pad to keep the paddle in place? I’m surprised that the Begali adjustments aren’t self-locking given that there aren’t separate lock nuts. How easily do the adjustments shift on their own? For comparable contact spacings, do the two paddles make a similar amount of (clicking) noise when operating? Looking forward to your comparison video of the two paddles.

[@EvanK2EJT]

@@marcinmerrimack1726 I haven't put anything under the key, but I'm sure that would help. The adjustments don't necessarily shift on their own, but if you inadvertently bump one, it'll be out of adjustment. Both paddles feel very similar. The contacts are the same on both.....solid silver. I'm not sure why you can get Yury's keys so tight without issues, but you can. It's kind of weird. Don't get me wrong, the Begali is a fantastic key, and for a field key I prefer it, but here at home, I prefer the UR5CDX.

[@raymundomarroquin7105]

Thank you!

[@ronaldschatte1383]

Any thoughts/experience on using Army field radio Morse keys?

[@EvanK2EJT]

I don't have any personal experience with military keys, but I can tell you that there are thousands of CW ops out there running things like J37s, J38s, Nave Flameproof keys, Czech army keys, Soviet military keys, etc. They are tried and true designs that have stood the test of time, so I'd have no issues whatsoever running a military key. That being said, they've gotten much more expensive in recent years, so be careful if you're looking to buy one. I see people paying hundreds of dollars for old surplus keys, and that I feel is a bit on the insane side. Thanks for watching!

[@sketchyAnalogies]

Ok, so for the money, do you recommend UR5CDX CT599 USmorse with Aluminum paddles(and base) USmorse with plastic paddles (and base)

[@EvanK2EJT]

For the money, the best key there is the UR5CDX (I'd contend it's better than keys two to three times its price). The best field key for the money isn't on that table though. I'd say that title belongs to the BaMaTech TP-III

[@ammoshortage]

What model is the UR5CDX? They've got some nice keys.

[@EvanK2EJT]

That's a UR5CDX CT599

[@ammoshortage]

@@EvanK2EJT Wouldn't you know it, they're all sold out. I like the looks of that one. I'll keep checking back.

[@stevecrawford3551]

Excellent. 😀🥳

[@Eduar-d-o]

Great video. Thank you Sir. 73

[@EvanK2EJT]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@Superacerc]

I both agree and disagree about what type of key to begin with. I think its very person dependant. If you have some musical skill and timing, the paddles may actually be easier and you dont have to worry so much about timing. If you have not musical skill and rhythm, a straight key is probably better to start with. I started with a straight key and had no issues sending with it oretty easily but switched very quickly over to paddles. I find the paddles much easier to deal with and like to know my spacing is accurate as possible. I would conisder myself a fairly skilled musician and easily keep track of various rhythms and starting and stopping them was eaier for me than the straight paddle. If i were recommending a key to my father who isnt musical...id say straight key. Im not sure that rule would hold true for everyone but seems to be my experience.

[@matthewwilliams9317]

Bug is my first key how screwed am I?

[@EvanK2EJT]

LOL.....well......there's a pretty steep learning curve on a bug. It certainly wouldn't be my first choice for a beginner, but it's certainly doable.

[@jdotson41041]

What radio was that?

[@EvanK2EJT]

Which one? There are four on my desk in the video. The big one on the main desk is a Xiegu G90, and on the filing cabinet to the left there are a TX-500, an SW-3B, and a (tr)uSDX

[@jdotson41041]

The one you had to change keying speed

[@EvanK2EJT]

@@jdotson41041 That's a Xiegu G90

[@KD9ZHF]

Your keys are worth more than the radio!

[@EvanK2EJT]

Oh, many many times more than that radio LOL. My main rig is an FTDX10 now, so that's a little more in line with the price of the keys, but my keys STILL cost more than the radio. I own a lot more keys than just what are in the video. I have a key problem 😂

[@KD9ZHF]

@@EvanK2EJT I fear I will as well.

[@ВикторАрзютов-е1ъ]

TNX!!!!

[@dewindoethdwl2798]

At its crudest, a CW key is a switch. It’s interesting to see how evolution has happened to deal with operating conditions and get the best performance.

[@EvanK2EJT]

Yeah, it's kind of funny that you could send code with a pair of bare wires, but we spend hundreds of dollars on what is for all intents and purposes a single pole single throw switch.

[@socholife]

Thanks for the video, very interesting. The Ukrainian paddle is beautiful. DE JJ1XTG 73

[@EvanK2EJT]

Yeah, the UR5CDX keys are VERY nice. Thanks for watching!

[@KC2BKM]

See this is the problem with your review videos. I had no desire to get another straight key. I have 20 some straight keys. Now I want that N3ZN key. I may have to sell off some of the ones I have.

[@EvanK2EJT]

You're welcome 🤣

[@KC2BKM]

@@EvanK2EJT I miss counted its only 15 straight keys. Its not as bad as it seems I bought/was gifted them at the price I paid. Great fella and the only other CW man in all of Clinton County near as we can tell. He was as happy I found him as I was about finding him. All the old timers around here that used to be serious CW men have all went SK sadly.

[@Andrew-dg7qm]

Yikes. Looks like all standard keys are hundreds of $ What about the cheapy ones on Amazon? I’m seeing some for $20, some for 50-60…?

[@EvanK2EJT]

@@Andrew-dg7qm Well, for the most part you get what you pay for. There are a few cheaper keys that are halfway decent, but they're few and far between. It also depends on whether you're looking for a field key or a shack key. Prices can be all over the place, but good keys start around the $150 range and go up from there

[@Andrew-dg7qm]

@@EvanK2EJT got it, thanks. I have a G90 and am just getting interested. I’d take your advice and start with a straight key on the desk. As for the paddles, what’s the name of the $40 versions you have?

[@EvanK2EJT]

@@Andrew-dg7qm Those are from cwmorse.us .......if I remember correctly they're they pocket paddles.

[@Andrew-dg7qm]

@@EvanK2EJT thank you, outstanding video by the way

[@EvanK2EJT]

@@Andrew-dg7qm No problem. Thanks for watching. I appreciate it!

[@maureen3134]

Sorry, but for me, someone interested in learning CW and seeking information about the different types of keys, you are all over the place. My head is spinning…

[@EvanK2EJT]

Sorry about that. Is there something specific you want to know about when it comes to keys (or CW in general)?

[@maureen3134]

@@EvanK2EJT Well, you started out great, going one by one, but then you lost me when you jumped to the end one, and then kept going back and forth between them. I just wanted to get a feel either way for which is generally the preferred style for beginners. Since seeing your video, I have learned it’s better to see them in person to decide which will be best for me to begin with as I start learning CW. There are Hamventions, Field Days and Hamfests coming up so I think I’ll have plenty of opportunities to see them in person. Sorry if I came across harsh in my first comment. I should have waited until my head stopped spinning before I commented (😆).

[@EvanK2EJT]

@@maureen3134 LOL not a problem at all. I know I can bounce around a lot and I talk fast. As a beginner, there are a few things you need to consider. First, where do you primarily intend to operate? Shack, field, both? That will help guide you in the direction of what style of key to choose. You also need to consider manual key vs. paddles. Starting on a straight key helps solidify the characters in your brain since it's a 1:1 translation. Paddles are easier to send good code on, but there's a level of muscle memory involved, and I don't feel like you learn the patterns as well if you start on paddles. My personal recommendation would be to start on a straight key, learn all of the letters and numbers, as well as common punctuation and prosigns. Once you have that down, transitioning to paddles is easy. In the end, it's personal preference. I send on all different types of keys, but I use double lever paddles probably 80% of the time. Thanks for watching, and if you have any other questions feel free to give me a shout!

[@maureen3134]

@@EvanK2EJT Awesome information, Evan, thank you!! Your point about starting with a straight key is exactly what I was looking for. So many people say either are fine for beginners and that it’s about personal preference; but I want to learn the best way to help me build my new skill and it sounds like a straight key is the way to go. And I just passed both my Tech and General yesterday, so I’m eager to get started! Thanks again!

[@EvanK2EJT]

@@maureen3134 Congrats on getting your license! If you're really interested in learning CW, formal training can help a ton. The two best training organizations are the Long Island CW Club and the CW Ops CW Academy. They're very different, but both work very well (full disclosure, I'm an instructor at the Long Island CW Club). There are lots of online resources as well, but nothing beats formal training. I look forward to hearing you on the air (and maybe seeing you in class LOL).