Key Comparison: BaMaTech TP III vs. N0SA SP-X

Today we'll compare the BaMaTech TP-III with the N0SA SP-X key. Both keys are high quality, top notch field CW keys. The N0SA key is lighter, smaller, and a little more delicate and precise. The BaMaTech key is more robust, more versatile, and probably a better key for most people (unless you're like me lol). Both keys are amazing, and of course the correct answer is to buy both, but if you can only have one, hopefully this video will give you some insight into which key might be right for you. As always, thanks for watching and 73!
Evan
K2EJT
www.buymeacoff...

[@w2aew]

Nice video. I have both of those keys too. The TP-III is my main POTA key, mainly because of it's thinner profile and removable cord - it packs better in my KX2 bag. I also have the Begali Adventure (Christmas present from the XYL). Great key, but as you said, very $$$ and not designed for hand-held use. It is super precise and a pleasure to use. I've only used it on the KX2 once (during my self-imposed P2P activation challenge back in Dec 2023). It spends basically all of its time in use in the shack. A good analogy: The TP-III is the Porsche of portable paddles, while the Adventure is the Ferrari. The Porsche is arguably more robust and and awesome performer, while the Ferrari is also an awesome performer, it is a bit more "delicate". The analog fits the nationality of these keys too.

[@EvanK2EJT]

I like the Porsche vs Ferrari analogy! Oddly enough, the next car I buy (albeit down the road a ways) will probably be a used Ferrari 😂

[@mysteryham4065]

Wow. Great comparison video. I am in the market for a new portable paddle. Perfect timing for a video like this.

[@EvanK2EJT]

You can't go wrong with either, but I think the TP-III is probably better for most people (even though I prefer the N0SA key), and it's FAR easier to get.

[@misteraon]

I really like the design of the TP-III. Only thing that would concern me would be how close the paddles are together and there size. If you remove the rubber boots, maybe someone could 3D print paddle covers that would friction fit over the paddle that could both increase the surface area of the paddles as well as add more meat to the outside to give a perceived wider spacing. That would probably make it a perfect paddle IMO. 73

[@misteraon]

Downside I guess would be you’d probably have to remove the covers to make adjustments. But with the screws being on the opposite sides you could probably just remove one at a time.

[@EvanK2EJT]

I agree with that assessment. The paddles are too small and too close together. I like the key a lot, but that's definitely one thing I think needs to be improved.

[@Matt61702]

Two VERY nice field keys. If I could have the sending feel of the SP-X in the form factor of the TP-III, I think that would be the perfect package. I do find myself using the TP-III more than anything else though, for all the reasons you mentioned.

[@KU9L]

I have both, except I only have the CW Morse version. I love both in different ways just like you. I tend to use my CW Morse version on my Tuna Can Kits and my TP-II for my POTA adventures. If I didn't just blow out my ACL I'd say for SOTA I'd go with the N6ARA tiny key version, but my knee brace says all three works from my picnic table now, lol.. Since the Penntek kit radios are all going to be retired now, I'll enjoy what keys I got with what radios I got. Hmmm, now I have to save up for the IC-705 since I won't be able to get my dream high band version of my Penntek's, but it's all good and I appreciate every one of your review videos Evan as it makes me look at my gear in ways I may not have thought of before. Now it's time to leave FL in a week to visit the grandbabies near Chicago for a couple of weeks before we head out RV to Colorado for the summer to work. I hope to do a few Activations from the state park in IL that we are staying at in N. IL. Cheers, Davey --KU9L

[@bryantwalley]

Dang brother. Hope that knee heals up good.

[@JonathanKayne]

You mention the the automotive vacuum caps making it less responsive. Mine had actually worn out and i had to replace them with some different caps from Amazon and those seemed to help. They were thinner and made from a vinyl like material instead of the silicone that the original used.

[@EvanK2EJT]

That's a good idea. I have some of those at work. I'll have to swap them out and see what happens. Thanks for the idea!

[@Orbit2020]

Another fine video. Would be interested in seeing a comparison between the Tp3 and the Aluminum double paddle key from CW Morse. I know you touched on in your field key overview. Curious about the CW Morse one with magnetic return. I've seen your comments with the spring one, so I'm guessing you may not have both varieties. 73

[@EvanK2EJT]

The only key that I'm aware of from cwmorse that has magnetic return is the SP4 key which I did a comparison video on with the SP-X key. The aluminum double paddle is only available in spring return as far as I know. The magnet option for the double paddle is for magnets in the base so you can attach it to steel (mine has that), not for magnetic return unfortunately.

[@Orbit2020]

@@EvanK2EJT looks like they now carry two versions of the aluminum double paddle, one with spring tension and one with magnetic tension. Maybe it's new?

[@EvanK2EJT]

@@Orbit2020 Oooh......you're RIGHT! That is new! That's definitely the way to go then. Good catch!

[@walshgeo]

Evan, can you tell me who makes the dummy load (and what the model # )that you used in this video? Thanks 73 George KB3WAQ

[@EvanK2EJT]

Sure, here's a link: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07T5BQBR2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

[@EssexCountyPhoto]

Nice video, I've just ordered a TP-3 from the UK today. Do I need a stereo cable of a certain type to make sure it works with my IC-705?... I've found a lot of "audiophile" cables on music shops websites but they're $50 a pop!!!... In advance, many thanks for your help. 73 de 2E0HJN

[@EvanK2EJT]

Just a regular old cheap 3.5mm TRS cable for a few bucks will do. Nothing special. You'll love the TP-III. It's an amazing key!

[@EssexCountyPhoto]

@@EvanK2EJT Thanks! Hopefully my little Morserino will help my training as well... Have a great weekend. 👍🏼

[@jimbragg8909]

I thought N0SA quit making them and retired but “transferred “ the design to CWMorse to produce. Was I misinformed?

[@EvanK2EJT]

Larry still makes small batches of keys from time to time. He doesn't make many, and they go fast. If you want a key from him, shoot him an email and let him know you're interested in a key next time he makes some. My second N0SA key should be here tomorrow.

[@jimbragg8909]

@@EvanK2EJT Thank you Evan, I will keep that in mind. Since I do POTA and not SOTA, I am currently using a CWMorse set of 3D Printed paddles, but when the time is right, plan to add the BaMat Tech TP-III to my collection for all the reason you stated.

[@KC2BKM]

So who da ya gotta know to get hooked up with this Larry guy? I know Kyle AA0z lives down the road from him. Maybe me and Rocko go down there and put the squeeze on Kyle see, maybe give him some motivation to speak to Larry on our behalf Capisce?

[@EvanK2EJT]

Email him and ask him to let you know if and when he makes another batch of keys. Just understand that there's no schedule. He makes a few keys every once in a while. It could be six months from now, or two years, or never. That's the hard part

[@KC2BKM]

@@EvanK2EJT Thanks worth a shot. Did ya see the QRP’er post the Penntek is retiring. Half tempted to snag a TR35 just because.

[@EvanK2EJT]

@@KC2BKM Yeah, I did. If you're gonna do it, now is the time!