The Best CW Key / Paddle in the WORLD!!!

[@Rareed63]

The best CW key is always the one you haven't bought yet

[@k9kj]

Indeed!!

[@N3PEM]

The best CW key is the one that gets you doing CW on the air!

[@k9kj]

💯💯💯👍

[@charlescohen1536]

The paddle tension on a Bencher paddle _is_ adjustable. The adjustment screw moves the end of the spring _toward_ the vertical paddle axis to reduce paddle tension, and _away_ from the axis to increase paddle tension. It's never really heavy tension - there are better paddles for heavy-handed users. If the spring stretches over time, get a new one from Bencher (or whomever makes/distributes them now).

[@anderskarlsson9881]

I use an old Vibroplex brass racer that I bought about 35 years ago. It has been restored a couple of times. The paddles are in the same style as on the Bencher and the brass, that turned green really fast, is all chromed. I have adjusted it so the contact spacing is minimal and it's almost no movement needed to key, just a light touch. It's probably completely wrong but I like it and has used it in this way for many years.

[@k9kj]

@@anderskarlsson9881 that sounds like a great key! I like mine with minimal effort to press also!

[@mikehuizenga9854]

For your lightweight keys with magnets on the bottom, consider buying a jeweler's bench block, for ~10 bucks online. They add about 20 oz to the paddle and have a silicone bottom that grips the desk. I went with the Owden (3" round/ 3/4" tall). Works great for my POTA paddles that attach to the metal case of my QRP rig. Now I can use my BamTech TP-III and Pico Palm Paddle at my home station.

[@MadGoat]

I put magnets on everything, and use a 2 pound jewellers block.

[@k9kj]

Great idea!

[@petersichel9934]

Great idea! I love the BamaTech TP-III. I use a 2" steel washer taped to my desk. About a dollar at any hardware store. For POTA I tape a washer to a small clip board. I like your idea better for desktop flexibility. As far as I'm concerned POTA has changed the game. The future of CW paddles is small, lightweight, adjustable, rugged, elegant, and artistic. BamaTech nailed it.

[@Coyotehello]

Another great video, thanks! I LOVE the mirror ball, in fact I need that mirror ball! LOL "When the fhit hits the san" LOL Never heard that before. 🙂 Yes, I am learning code... Thank you. I just bought a BAMA TPIII (in red) and I am tickle pink about receiving it. My first key.

[@k9kj]

@@Coyotehello very awesome! Love it!

[@KeepEvery1Guessing]

I'm pretty happy (for at home) with my Brass Racer (Vibroplex paddles). Maybe a little light, but I have found that if I moisten the bottoms of the rubber feet (a little spit works) and let it sit for a couple of minutes, then it has more than enough traction.

[@IanNA4A]

Like the sculpture for the desk. Traveler for mobile/portable., although you may need a sticky pad under it to keep from wandering. Also have a couple cw Morse paddles for backpacking. Great video om.

[@SpinStar1956]

When I first started out, it was with a Ten-Tec magnetic key kit. Although I somewhat liked the kit, I learned that I don’t really like magnetickeyers. The reason is is you have to put pressure on them, and then they all of a sudden give away, finally making the closure. What I found is, I actually like the Bencher the best, because it has springs which are very predictable (and you can adjust the spring of a Bencher), but most of all the paddles, and their associated contacts have extremely low mass. It is this total low mass that I really find to be the absolute best. 73… 😊

[@k9kj]

@@SpinStar1956 I have also noticed this with magnetic keys.

[@dondonaldson1684]

Answer: the best one is the one that you use? I have a straight key and have seldom ever used it. Thanks for showing the different types. Just getting back to the hobby and like your content.

[@k9kj]

Thanks for watching Don! Glad you're back in the hobby.

[@blugoose86]

Hi TJ, you have an impressive key collection.

[@johnwest7993]

I have a Vibroplex Zephyr, and I think of it as a musical instrument more than a code key. It needs a musician to play it properly. But when you put the 2 together you get beautiful music.

[@k9kj]

I love it!! Totally agree!

[@timsmith428]

TJ..nice video as usual. One of the best straight keys I have ever used is a U.S. Army Signal Corp Flame Proof J-5-A. I don't use a straight key too often, but with all the keys I have, the J-5-A is the smoothest. Surprising, they are not that expensive at hamfests, etc..

[@k9kj]

I think I should keep my eye open for one of these!

[@rays9033]

Begali is currently offline for at least one week due to a flooding disaster. I hope they do not suffer inventory or manufacturing losses. Good thing it occurred after the Dayton event, so inventory was sold and not lost due to flooding.

[@k9kj]

Indeed! I heard about it !

[@rays9033]

@@k9kj I can only hope they had sufficient warning time of the flood!

[@franka7691]

Thanks for posting. Please list the models that you showed in the Description.

[@k9kj]

@@franka7691 That's a good idea, I'll do that!

[@jrpefx]

Hello, the one tip that I may add is put new soft rubber feet, that way you will not chase the key all over the desk. 73

[@k9kj]

@@jrpefx excellent idea!

[@fredlodden1538]

I think it is misleading to refer to a sideswiper/cootie as a single lever paddle. A single lever paddle requires a keyer. It is the keyer that generates the dits and dahs. A cootie/ sideswiper is really a cousin of a straight key where the formation of the dits and dahs is entirely up to the operators' manipulations without any intervention by electronics. Other things I would look for in a single lever or dual lever paddle are low friction movement of the arms, quality contact materials and zero up/down slop. So, they should be mechanically smooth and consistent. The up/down slop is where I think the Bencher is less than great. Like you, I prefer to touch the paddles a little higher up. Of course that would depend on what base or non-slip material you have it on. I have replaced the stock paddles on a few of mine, but that then becomes an opportunity to modify the appearance to suit your preference, with rare wood types, carbon fiber, different color plastic, drilled with lightening holes (allegedly permitting higher speed operation (not me) and it looks more sporty!). 73

[@bobwo6w730]

Paddle finger pieces are often asymetrical with a bulge up or down near the tip. You can swap the finger pieces right with left and move the bulge to the other direction... Move the touch point from low to high, or high to low. An asymetric single paddle finger piece can be reversed for the same effect. Often good for around a half inch adjustment.

[@Paul-VA4ADM]

yet another great CW video. Thank you for putting it out. We need more content like this.👍

[@k9kj]

Thanks for watching!

[@w4baham]

While learning the alphabet, is it best to learn all the letters and numbers before buying a CW key? Or, does it help the learning process to practice on the CW key while learning? Dumb question? Recommendations?

[@k9kj]

This was a really good question. I would go ahead and buy something because I think it would help if you practiced sending also.

[@jimbabcock6285]

Thank you for this helpful video. I'm looking to buy my first desktop paddle. One thing that you didn't provide any commentary on is the choice between magnetic and spring returns. What are the differences between them? 73 Jim N4FAF

[@k9kj]

Great question I had a couple of folks ask the same thing and think I will do a quick video on this.

[@w9sn491]

I just want to know where to get one of those RA1AOM keys.

[@k_meowington]

Hi. Could you please recommend a good key for beginners to learn Morse code? Thanks

[@k9kj]

I would say possibly the UR5CDX keys are beautiful, work great and feel great and aren't super expensive.

[@SteveG4YTK]

Thanks for another great video. I must agree weight is very important. My Begali Pearl, 3.7lb what a monster that wont move. Did you spot your name in my Bio on this months CWOPS Newsletter. I am thinking of buying a Dynamometer to set my paddle up, do you have one?

[@k9kj]

I dont, but I often thought of getting one...!

[@JamesHindsW5ATJ]

Great video TJ. Is that a Begali paddle with the round base? What is the weight on that one?

[@SteveG4YTK]

The Pearl weighs 3.7lb I have one, superb

[@fredlodden1538]

The one with the round base is not a Begali Pearl. On the pearl the arms are straight, and the contacts are at the rear. The one on screen has 90 degree arms.

[@KD9ZHF]

Quakehold! 88111 Museum Putty Neutral - this will hold a light CW paddle in place. Suggested by my instructor at LICW.

[@N7KOM]

Love the disco ball in the PC.

[@k9kj]

Good catch!!

[@vladtepes481]

Just buy a Begali. Now you just need to decide whether is a straight key, iambic or single paddle is best for your purpose and experience.

[@courierdog1941]

I use a 2 Kg block of steel to keep my paddles from moving

[@DD-gd3fr]

Great demo. I have my eye on the UR5Dx paddle CT599 are you familiar with it? Whats your thoughts please? Thank you KI5CDQ DON

[@k9kj]

It is an excellent paddle, and it is also somewhat affordable too. I did a detailed video on it on my channel here

[@steveclark8731]

The 9A5N looks neat. Do you have one or have any experience using one?

[@k9kj]

I received this question a couple of different times from some people and I think it's time for me to buy one. I've never tried one but it really looks interesting.

[@steveclark8731]

I got one, a dual lever. I really like it.

[@AA0Z]

That is a hefty collection of keys!

[@k9kj]

😀 it's only about 30% of them... 😱

[@JxH]

Nah, the best way to aggravate an old Ham is to refer to Paddles as a "Key".

[@k9kj]

Yesssssssss! That's gonna be my next video!!

[@JayN4GO]

Fit hits the Shan 😂 yep buy once cry once on a good paddle. I’m always kinda bummed to see a crappy key at field day.

[@k9kj]

Tell me about it!

[@k9eihamradio]

Left, right, squeezie-squeezie!

[@IanNA4A]

Got a chuckle when he said that. Haha

[@KC2BKM]

Why the one I own of course! Isnt that usually how those conversations start "Mine is better or bigger then yours" right? If ya Don't believe a guy, just ask him he will tell ya lol.

[@MadGoat]

The OM himself talking about upsetting OMs. 😛 *Old man yells at cloud*

[@k9kj]

Haha! Yesss! 😎🤣

[@N1IA-4]

With keys - like all things - you get what you pay for. Personally, there's nothing better in the world than a Begali. If you do lots of CW, one of these is a must. You may think "I'm not paying $600.00 for a paddle". How much do you pay for a good radio though? It is a crafted instrument for sending morse code. Surely that counts for something. Some paddles: Bencher (awful), Vibroplex iambic (mediocre), Kent (better)....N3ZN (great).....Begali (best).if you use them long enough you'll see what I mean. 73 de Scott W1AL

[@k9kj]

Great commentary! All true

[@LensForgotten]

BENCHER for the win!

[@Jim-xs2fl]

The best paddle is The one you use.

[@k9kj]

❤️❤️💯💯

[@janetwinslow2039]

What? No 'proper' straight key? What type of Morse operating is this? Covered in another video I hope...

[@k9kj]

Yes, this was strictly a video on paddles...

[@GH0ST369]

Never have your wrist bone on the desk, or you will suffer carpel tunnel.

[@stevecrawford3551]

The intro is looping. Let’s make it shorter. 😀

[@k9kj]

Geez, I just saw what you mean. I'm not sure why KZbin put that in there.

[@leroymay8156]

I do like your white PC bild!

[@k9kj]

Thanks! I do love it too

[@hb9csacw-op.118]

There is no best Morse paddle. A Morse paddle should be individually adjusted to the hand, like a ski boot. Just my piece of cake. Very cool Video, Tnx and vy73 de HB9CSA, DL4FDM

[@k9kj]

Great input! Thank you for watching

[@AussieAndyHardy]

Great exposé on key options - thanks! 73 de G1AJH