Elecraft KH1 vs. KX2: Which one should you buy?

[@jockirvine105]

The KX3 has been my main transceiver for almost ten years now, but I've been dreaming of a radio like the KH1 for a long time... An HT-sized CW-only rig that I can hold in my hand while walking without having to attach external batteries, antenna tuners, paddles, etc. Like you said on the Ham Radio Workbench podcast, I feel like this radio was made just for me. I ordered mine last week. Thanks for all your videos featuring the KH1 - They helped me to make the decision to order one.

[@billcosgrave6232]

Similar problem I had several years ago when trying to decide between the KX2 and KX3. I carefully considered the use cases and features of both radios and did what any self respecting ham radio operator would do. I bought both! Seriously, as you stated, it depends on the use cases and personal preferences. Great video and 73!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Ha ha! I did the same!

[@peterhardy5071]

I just got a tracking number for the KH1 yesterday! Fingers crossed. Now I'm considering replacing my KX2 with a KX3. With the KH1 being the "small" option, why not have the added features of the KX3 for the "medium" kit. I have the KPA100 to add for the "large" field kit. As always, love the videos, Thomas. Keep being awesome!

[@AE5X]

On what date did you order your KH1?

[@tysonherzog8010]

Great comerson...... Thank you for doing this . I have a KX 2 and I love it .

[@MakeDoAndMend1]

I've just started QrP portable operation. Had two attempts so far. Derbyshire Stanton Moor etc. Rutland Water was my latest attempt with 3 x Italian Stations. My vertical antenna and loading coils work great. Cheers from G1BKI Mick known as George

[@Johnmfoss]

Hi Thomas - just a quick update on the KX2 pricing - the kit with all the necessary stuff - tuner/ battery is now $1603 and the key is another $170. Things are getting more expensive, but I think the KX2 is well worth it. I’d love to play with the KH1 tho.

[@KD9ZHF]

I want to own and play with all the Elecraft radios!

[@m.p.6330]

Great review Thomas. As someone who listens to your videos in the background, as part of a CW training regimen, I have a hard time listening to the KH1. It's good Elecraft is possibly addressing this issue. The KH1 is an Interesting radio for sure.

[@djsomers100]

Users have reported that the sidetone sounds fine when using headphones or buds, or connected to an external speaker. Also reportedely sounds worse on videos that in real life but the internal speaker is really considered more of a backup.

[@DXJungle]

Thank you Thomas.

[@meganwoods7922]

I would be interested in the KH1 for the weight, but it is advantagous to have 80m and 10m in VK. Once again thanks for the videos!

[@K4MJV]

Thanks for the video. Love my KX2. Love the idea of the KH1. Wish I was a better CW op. Just need put more time aside for practice.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

There's no better time to learn CW. The resources out there are simply amazing!

[@67aztecc]

Just got my KH1 in and charging battery. Have the KX3 and satisfied with the size for what it offers in flexibility. Would like the KX2, but the 3 is such a complete rig and still portable hard to justify it. The KH1 is very different. Can't wait to get the KH1 in the field! Hope to make KH1 to KH1 contact from TX with ya in the future. KJ5W

[@sockeatinggolden8316]

Thank you!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Good Topic! Good job on the hike! Was it out and back? 14 miles?!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

It was about 7.5 miles round trip that day. Not actually a difficult hike--it was on a single track mountain bike trail (I walked opposite of the traffic and there were only two bikes out that day!). Not a lot of elevation change so it went by pretty quickly.

[@DL1GKC]

For air traveling or ultra lightweight hiking, the tru(SDX) is still my favorite. It requires a resonant antenna though as it has no tuner.

[@8231trosen]

very useful

[@m.k.7199]

I have and use all the KX line and KH1. Each serve a distinct purpose for me. I don't always go to the field for CW, so my KX2 is my most used radio, But for CW only it's the KX1. Doesn't mean my KX1 or MTR3B sit on the shelf, because both of them are really fun radios. I can say the Elecraft support is one of the best in the industry. 73's KJ6KYQ

[@CharlesTersteeg]

Sunlight was awesome to compare as that's the wx that happens.

[@AK4TF]

KX2 or KH1? The answer is YES. You make a really compelling argument for either, which makes it all the harder. I already have a KX2 and until your initial videos had no interest in the KH1. I now can't wait for it. I've also had a KX3, which I bought while hunting for a KX2. The KX3 was traded to a friend for a 705, because I missed having one. Edited to say, I canceled my KH1 order after Elecraft changed the delivery time frame. I should have been expecting a shipping notice between Dec 11-25. Nope, no longer shipping again until mid-January. So I'd be looking at maybe March or April at best. I don't want the radio that bad I'm willing to wait that long.

[@sderhy]

Merci Thomas ! La comparaison est très intéressante. Il me faut les deux radios !!! J’espère qu’Elecraft acceptera bientôt d’expédier le KH2 vers l’Europe. 73 !

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Oui, exactement! J'ai le KX2 et le KH1 et je ne pense qu'à acheter un deuxième de chacun ! :) 73! Thomas

[@theradiorover]

The Icom IC-705 is the answer 😅. That's if you want all bands and modes. It is a pity the KH-1 won't allow owners to benefit from the looming sun spot maximum. The lack of 12m and 10m is a disappointment.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Yeah, as I understand it, to keep the package that size and that weight, all of the bands needed to be continuous. To add 12 and 10 would have likely meant the loss of 40 and 30. I use 40 and 30 heavily in the mornings and later afternoon/evening here.

[@ward5821]

I bought a used K3, and Elecraft was fantastic. I had some issues with the rig, and they treated me like I just bought a complete K4 package. i am getting ready to buy a KH1, because I am sold on Elecraft..

[@thuff3207]

I travel with my KX2 and have for years. I agree the KH1 is smaller but I just love the performance of the KX2. Ugg the KH1 is really smaller and space is everything. I would love to see a size comparison between these and the MTR 3B and 5B.

[@makskk6spm275]

I would buy both.

[@vitaflo]

This would be an easier choice if it was KX3 vs KH1, but the KX2 is just small and light enough for me to hand hold it and carry it everywhere, and has so many features the KH1 doesn't have, it would be hard for me to pony up for a KH1 as cool as the rig looks. Tho I would definitely buy this if the KX2 didn't exist, but the KX2 just handles all my needs so well it's hard to want anything else.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

The KX2 is a marvelous machine!

[@alanthomas8817]

KX3 ❤

[@JamesBoddie]

Both are very attractive but a huge downside is availability. From Elecraft website, the KH1 lead time is 8 weeks and the KX2, 16! I don't have the patience to wait 4 months for a radio toy. Since the world wide supply chain issues, non-availability of products has saved me a lot of money and made me appreciate the things I already own.

[@Timberfist]

In the UK, we don’t even have a distributor so even if I could source one, I’d have no after sales support or meaningful warranty.

[@TheBjameso]

I have waited 23 weeks for a KX2 so far. No word from Elecraft. ATU is backordered according to the Shipping Status page. I'm coming up on 6 weeks wait for a KH1. Which one will be ready first? I don't believe Elecraft radios exist. They are unicorns.

[@owlcricker-k7ulm]

​@TheBjameso , when they are available, you will the the proud owner of two of the finest unicorns in the QRP world. Stay strong. 🎉

[@owlcricker-k7ulm]

Like all high quality toys, they bring you hours and hours of joy and fun. Some great fun I have is having contacts with my friends in Europe. They enjoy playing with toys the same as me.

[@stevekj5t]

If you can have both that is great. I personally can't really justify buying the KH1 since the vast majority of my operations are mobile (I have a KX Mount with a cup holder mount) or park benches. There are times when I have sat on a rock by some water where the KH1 would have been amazing but that is rare for me. If I was doing SOTA I could justify the KH1, but I am in Central Texas so SOTA is a serious drive for me. Thanks for the great comparison video though. 73 de KJ5T

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Yeah, in your case I really think the KX2/3 is a much better choice.

[@oe6kyg]

i have made hundreds of Sota Summits with my KX2, but the higher the summits the place for antenna will be smaller, so i am waiting for my orderd KH1

[@taekehf]

AX1/AX2 can help you. Or the MFJ whips. Cheaper than buying a KH1 😄

[@willieb6529]

also, the kx2 has built-in menu help unlike many rigs

[@gliderrider]

I’m holding off until the kh2 comes out. Hihi

[@ThomasK4SWL]

:)

[@pkvalsvik]

You with your collection of bags, are a one bag traveler? 😜 Hehe, just kidding. Thank you for another great review!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Ha ha! So true! I've so many "one bags" to choose from! :)

[@willieb6529]

pleased to see CW over SSB in the KH1...just did this last week using my kx2 to contact pota ops on 14.237 using cw!

[@arnoldgrubbs2005]

I hate making decisions like that.. so I guess the answer is just get them all! Been an Elecraft "user" (not unlike a drug user) since they first came out. So of course I have a KH1 on order, to complete the 'collection' of Elecraft gear. I don't have a KPA1500, and probably won't, but its little brother the KPA500 will help me get over that!

[@linuxuberuser]

I wish the Elcraft KH1 had voice

[@David-km8in]

Hello Thomas, Interesting video. How long does the KH1 battery last and can you add a external battery pack. Had lots of interest in the KH1 from our CW club members. David M0DUU, Northampton, UK

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Yes, absolutely. It has an external battery port that can be used with pretty much any battery type within its generous voltage range. Also, that same port is used to charge the internal battery if that option is installed. With the internal battery? I bet I could do 7-10 activations on one charge, depending on the length of activation.

[@David-km8in]

@@ThomasK4SWL Hi Thomas, thank for the battery information. I've got my Mfj morse tutor out today. I think I will start learning morse code. Have you any tips for learning the code. I do like the idea of going portable with a simple low powered tranciever and simple antenna setup. You can do so much more with CW qrp over ssb. I do like the Mountain top radio's. David M0DUU

[@ThomasK4SWL]

@@David-km8in I would highly recommend the Long Island CW Club. The membership is affordable and the community is spectacular. Lots and lots of participants and instructors from the UK, too, so hours of programs are reasonable. Their resources are vast and their community very supportive. longislandcwclub.org/

[@N4DJC]

I cancelled my KH1 order after giving it a lot of thought. Were I a lot younger and more physically active the KH1 would make perfect sense. I’m going with the KX2 at some point. I had a 705 but we didn’t meld…

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Oh the KX2 is a SUPERB field radio. Well done!

[@panicpoint2000]

What is your air travel pouch for the KX2? Been trying to find a more compact one that fits the rails.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

When I'm travelling and have limited space, many of my packs have a padded pocket I use. If not, I'll wrap it in a shirt or clothing. This is if I'm only using a personal carry on. If I have a larger carry on, then I've even used the CS60 or (in the past) and old version of the CS40 from Lowepro.

[@idonotcomplyrevolution]

hi, im new to radio which ive found out is way more complex than what i was expecting, my interest is CW which is how i found your channel. elecraft has caught my attention and my wallet lol, which of elecrafts range of radio's would you recommend to a noob to the hobby? i live in a very built up area in the UK ,though semi rural, from a USA perspective where i live would be better described as dense city in terms of built-up area. so which of elecrafts radios would be best for out and about/hills/mountains/hiking/dog walks lol, what would you recommend for antenna options? really enjoying your channel, thanks!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

So if you can find and afford one, I *highly* recommend the Elecraft KX2 for portable operating. If you load it with the optional ATU and battery, it's a go anywhere, do everything HF field rig. It's probably my all time favorite radio in terms of versatility and performance. Simply outstanding. That's the radio I'd go for. The KX3 is a close second--only slightly less portable and one of the best receivers you'll find in a field radio. Hope this helps! Thomas K4SWL / M0CYI

[@flavorfave2601]

Any email add to keep in touch for more technical queries for the K series elecraft radios ?😊

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Elecraft has an excellent email discussion board. mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft

[@AG7SM]

All the radios.

[@jahangirhuseynov6679]

What pouch do you use for KX2 in this video?

[@ThomasK4SWL]

This one (affiliate): amzn.to/3UiuOyD

[@JoseArrom]

You must always travel with your electronics, drones, cameras, LiOn batteries with you, never check them in.

[@RobPetty622]

When you are in a hurry to wrap up a video or QSO: "72's"

[@nohill4climber]

I'll keep carrying my FT-818.

[@owlcricker-k7ulm]

Classic rig that you should never sell, even if you buy an Elecraft.

[@ag1382]

KX2 does way more than KH1 for the same cash and almost the same size to carry.

[@linearphaselowband]

i think its too expensive for only cw

[@gliderrider]

Agreed. And it’s really hard to not have 10 meters right now. Also 12 meters.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

The basic radio is $550, though. For a radio made in the US that's 5 bands with an internal speaker, encoder, AF gain, variable filter widths, 6 message memories and so much more? I think it's a great deal. Unloaded (just the basic radio) it only weights 6oz too!

[@mattjames9755]

Do either have cw decoder for those of us who are learning?

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Yes. Both have CW decoders.

[@mattjames9755]

@ThomasK4SWL Thanks Thomas... I'll catch you on a slow speed pota qso someday.... (hopefully) 73s AC1OX

[@rabbit6914]

Yes, both decode. . That said, maybe you will do better just listening and using the decoder in your head. Both the radios and you will make errors, but over time your errors will decrease faster, and you'll have more fun.

[@TheBjameso]

Order them both today, and you'll get an email for payment in 2026.

[@TinyTJ04]

😂

[@ThomasK4SWL]

It does feel like that. :)

[@racoondiver]

I don’t like the looks of the KH1.

[@carolannefisher1516]

Thrre is only one answer, of course - both! -N0RNM

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Exactly!