Which CW Key should I buy?

I get asked quite frequently about what kind of CW key I recommend. I take a small tour of some of the keys / paddles I have as well as chat a little bit about Iambic keying - doing a small demonstration.

[@Utahforrest]

I needed this. I actually didn’t know there was such a significant difference. I just liked the look of the straight key and went with it but yeah as I am trying to learn I can tell an iambic would simplify a lot of where I’ve struggled.

[@k9kj]

Thanks for watching - cant wait to hear about what you decide to go with!

[@peterm2618]

That is an incredible collection of keys! Congrats!

[@shawnp6653]

Very nice! I like the looks of those RA1 paddles. Thanks for sharing!

[@thecalendarninja]

Wow 😮i just fell in love with those iambic keys. I’m a beginner and I didn’t even know there was something other than the traditional straight key. I saw a few on Amazon with the straight keys, but I didn’t know what they were until now.

[@dovetomarc]

Thanks. Very interesting and well done. I would offer up a thought…there are many experienced CW Operators who say that a straight key is the best way to learn CW as a novice. They claim operating a straight key does a better job of training your brain when you are just getting started. You’re doing something different with a paddle than what you’re learning to copy in your head. When learning to use a paddle you have to concentrate on when to release the paddle as much as when to press it. It adds a level of complexity for a beginner. Many experts say you should start with a straight key and once you’ve learned Morse Code/CW then you can switch to a paddle.

[@k9kj]

I hear this exact thing from many experts. I wish there was more data to support this theory. Thanks for watching!

[@machoneboard]

Nice collection. Thanks for sharing.

[@hs0zcw]

I searched a long time but I finally found a Vibroplex with a gold plated base and a straight key on the right and a squeeze key on the left on a heavy bace. Gold plating makes it a pleasure to own but I can't seem to get one of the plexiglas covers that Vibroplex also sells for this size unit. I own two of the W. M. Nye handmade squeeze keys with a metal plate screwed over the top of the mechanism making a kind of dust cover. I took one of those Nye squeeze kids and a triangular heavy base Vibroplex squeeze key with me in my checked baggage to chatchak, Nepal. Fortunately I've put all the radio items inside sealed plastic Baggies and the vibroplex came totally apart with the tiny nylon ballbearings in the bottom of the bag. The little balls fit in the top of a small groove and 9N1HA carefully put it back together where steady fingers. Vibroplex as the top of the line in key manufacturing but this triangular base model came totally apart from airplane vibration. It worked wonderfully reassembled I also have a Nye squeeze key on the left and straight key on the right mounted on a single plate with a covering METAL dust cover. NYE adjustments are a snap and the construction it is very strong. I believe in index finger and thumb keying on a squeeze key that shows real ham dedication. Other than I Istrong Nye would own nothing but Vibroplex. I don't think Bencher would make it in Nepal, although there are some other handmade bruit brands made. Oh, I have a straight key wired in line to key down amplifier tuning. Very convenient whereas either the side switch or just pushing down on the key.

[@N7MYW]

LOVE the collection and videos!!

[@k9kj]

Thanks Seumas!

[@michaelmullins3396]

Its the first time that I hard the sounding out the billboard and sign technique for learning. This was the technique that I used when I first learned back in late 60's early 70's. Its a very good system 73's Mike ZL2MY

[@Aimsport-video]

Surprized BaMaKeY TP-III isn’t on that table! Nice video.

[@k9kj]

I need to investigate this key - I've never heard of it!

[@NWMinnesota]

I think you are right that a Bencher is a good key to have. I find that my magnetic return paddles are just to twitchy for my ungraceful fingers, but the old spring loaded Benchers do not tend to send so many unwanted dits or dahs if you happen to just barely brush one of the finger pieces while reaching for your pencil or keyboard. While my modern rigs have a keyer built in, the old vintage rigs probably do not. I have an MFJ keyer that is built to mount directly on the back of a Bencher paddle, and that allows you to hook up to the straight key jack of your radio and still do iambic keying. Its been a while since I used it, but I think you can defeat the iambic function and then use one of the paddles as a straight key (sideways motion instead of up and down). That could come in handy if you are cruising the band and hear a station looking for a SKCC contact which requires using a straight key.

[@mysteryham4065]

Great video. Thanks for sharing!

[@stevet7522]

Single levers are best keys. Cooties are fun to play with

[@W8KZW]

Nice overview. I'm waiting for my new-to-me Begali Pearl to arrive, but for now my favorite paddle is my March. Really a nice feel. Other paddles worthy of mention I think are the Shurr, Kent, K8RA, Brown Brothers, and of course, Vibroplex. I enjoy 'em all!

[@k9kj]

Excellent! I need to get my Kent on there, and also vibroPlex... I'm slacking lately. Thanks for the reminder!

[@josephtotter7484]

I still have my Ham Key paddles from way back :) still comfy for me after 40 plus years. Used it with a Trac keyer on a HW-101 originally. Still pairs nice with my ftdx-5000. It all boils down to it it fits wear it. Joe WA4UJY

[@thierryb5515]

My favorite key of my own collection is a G4ZPY Vhs 1999, nice collection too ; 73

[@HamRadioAdventures]

Beautiful key collection. 73!

[@dandypoint]

I have a Bencher I use every day. I also have a Vibroplex single lever paddle that I got in 1965. Never heard it called a swiper. I think the swiper was a term used for bugs, as in side swiper. The interesting thing with my Vibroplex single paddle is when I used to do multi op contesting all my friends had a different paddle and had a hard time using anyone else’s paddle. However everyone could use mine with out any adjustment. So everyone always used my paddle!

[@k9kj]

Very cool story! That means your paddle is the best !!

[@dandypoint]

@@k9kj not necessarily the best but it sure was the easiest to use!

[@rustyholt6619]

just learning but cootys have my interests

[@darrinpearce9780]

Thanks for the video and the information. Love the collection and also the fact that they are all connected to a keyer. What keyer are you using?. I have a magnificent Bengali straight key but are looking at moving to a paddle. I think you are correct, the straight key is more advanced. When I was learning I was wondering why the reverse beacon network was not listing my CQ, turns out my sending on the straight key at the time was rubbish and took a lot of practice to get the timing right. 73's from VK3

[@mikemiles3068]

Good video👍❗️

[@lutherp40]

Thank You

[@manolopadronsantana34]

Nice

[@Dennyg73]

I see you have a Magnakeyer by Andy AE8J in your collection. I'm sure glad I was able to purchase one years ago as I think he is only making them for locals now. It is my favorite! WU6X

[@dylanbrown8766]

This was a great help, thank you. Would you mind doing a review of the stainless Chinese key? I would definitely appreciate it💯

[@k9kj]

Thanks for reminding me! I did a video about it a couple weeks back. I'll try to get it uploaded tonight!

[@dylanbrown8766]

@@k9kj Thank you for making the content! I’ll look forward to the video 👍😁

[@k9kj]

@@dylanbrown8766 video is up!

[@TheArtofEngineering]

SLOWER!!! ??? I send 1000WPM straight key!!😆😆 The side whacky thing is too kinky for me! I'm a straight key fella....not that there is anything wrong with side whacky...whatever skins your banana....All jokes aside I'm scared to try a bug, as I am already up to my 3rd straight key after my first year back in the hobby. If I try iambic etc I will start a new addiction. Thank you for sharing your babies with us!! 73 George de VK2AOE.

[@k9kj]

I'm scared to try a bug also! 🤣

[@johnwest7993]

I was looking for a key when a friend passed away and left me his 1952 Vibroplex Zephyr. So I'm learning to use a semi-automatic 'bug'. They require practice, like playing a musical instrument.

[@k9kj]

This is awesome! That's a very nice key!

[@johnwest7993]

@@k9kj, when his daughter brought me the keyer I just sat and looked at it for a while. Then I read up about the Vibroplex bugs, their operation, their vintage, and how to set them up. Then I looked at his Zephyr, (In my mind it will always be 'his' Zephyr,) and I noted that the counterweight had spent many years right against the stop on the high-speed end of the arm, and there was very little 'throw' between a dit and a dah, and realized I was 'reading' the key of a master. I'm a no-code Extra, and he'd always tried to get me to learn CW. This was his final invitation. It worked. It was an offer I couldn't refuse. But I do understand that it's a musical instrument, and not as easy to get good with as electronic keys, so I practice, and hope to get it back on the air soon, once my fist is at least minimally proficient.

[@terry.stafford]

Where did you get that cover for your Begali Pearl? I have the exact same model. Great paddle!

[@k9kj]

It came with it from Begali. I know that there are some after market options too...

[@KD9ZHF]

Which paddle is to the right of Val’s key at 9:30 in the video? I emailed Val to inquire on ordering one of his keys, but I need a different one that the one I bought from CW Morse. It makes so much noise.

[@k9kj]

That is a Ukrainian key made by ur5cdx

[@thecalendarninja]

I’ve been looking on Amazon and so many options, I need some help on a recommendation or two i don’t know what to start off with. I would like to buy one straight and one iambic but I’m not sure what to get. Also, i need to know what is good for a beginner’s radio 📻

[@k9kj]

Take a look at some of my CW Showcase videos... I talk about a couple of iambic styles that are good for beginners. When in doubt, you just can't go wrong with a used Bencher for either the straight key or iambic

[@robertrose3305]

Beautiful collection, but I have a complaint about the video. The camera moves too fast, and too much. And, it is too shaky; watching and trying to admire the paddle units has made me dizzy. But, thanks for sharing this superb collection.

[@k9kj]

Im working on getting better at making videos - Thanks for the reply!

[@w4baham]

Do you prefer the magnetic vs the spring closure keys? Incorrect terminology to describe the these two different types? The magnetic cost more, generally speaking?

[@k9kj]

That's really a great question and I haven't really fully explored that yet. I think I like the magnetic returns, but in some cases I can't even tell the difference.

[@jayj4142]

Where did you get those side rails on your 817 please?

[@k9kj]

I got them from portablezero.com - They are great!

[@BonnerRepublik]

Interesting video - thanks. What's the name/brand of the Ukranian key?

[@k9kj]

Thanks for watching! The name of that is ct73, or CT599. It's made by UR5CDX. Give it a Google you should be able to find it easily.

[@wild-radio7373]

I have a question. I got a used Bencher and it showed up in the mail with the springs all undone. Where would i take it to habe it repaired, or to get it set up for use?♡ Appreciate any help :)

[@wild-radio7373]

I ALSO got a kit paddle sent to me by kit Joe from Nebraska (he wears the cat in the hat hat at hamfests) but it requires assembly, So I will also be attempting that as well, but I have NO IDEA what I'm doing! Haha♡ be well hamFam :)

[@k9kj]

Hi there! Vibroplex took over all of the parts for Bencher and you can order a new spring. They are not expensive. Check out their website. Maybe I can make a video on how to assemble a Bencher with the spring. It is not difficult and I think you can do it

[@228412351]

Do you know where I could get a replacement spring for a standard Bencher paddle. That is all I need to get my Bencher going again. I have the Bencher BY-1 Thanks

[@k9kj]

On the vibroplex website, there is a spot where you can order parts for any bencher or vibroplex key

[@228412351]

@@k9kj I can order parts for a Bencher where??? Not sure where you mentioned.

[@k9kj]

@@228412351 if you go to vibroplex.com, click on repair and parts. There is some good documentation on how you can get what you need.

[@228412351]

@@k9kj Thanks so much!! Enjoyed you video. Gave thumbs up and subscribed.

[@k9kj]

@@228412351 thank much! I appreciate it! Just want to help the morse code and cw community

[@littlebear5219]

What’s the key you would recommend for beginner ?

[@k9kj]

I would recommend a used Bencher if you are looking for Iambic. Excellent key and you can pick them up used for a reasonable price.

[@littlebear5219]

Thank you

[@rredbeak]

will the chinese paddles iambic .-.-.-.- correctly please..i sdaw your vid using the chinese one but you didnt iambic it..if it does iambic [yes i know new radios iambic is installed]] but it needs paddles squeezed correctly to generate it..im on the verge of going to iambic ,currenylt straight key..but im pensioner so need a average priced unit..i deal a lot with aliexpress n seen them..i ask if it iambics but they [seller] had no idea what i was asking

[@k9kj]

They do Iambic good! No problems

[@jamesriley9800]

That first chrome looking Russian key who makes it

[@k9kj]

Sorry for the delay, that is an ElectroInstrument Key-8 from the old USSR in the 1980s

[@k9kj]

By the way, I'll be dropping a video on this key next week. Keep an eye open

[@franks6025]

7:50??? What type of keyer is this? 73 from Norway 20HN1

[@k9kj]

This is a custom-made CW key by RA1AOM - you can find him on qrz

[@franks6025]

Thank you!!!

[@_r9lm_]

Hi Tom, de R9LM

[@i.p.8967]

You Know BaMaKey ?

[@k9kj]

Yes...i would like to get one!

[@JxH]

When did we start referring to "paddles" as "keys" ? Historically ("I was there MAN!") keys are up-and-down single contact thingies for sending Morse code manually with your elbow (LOL). Paddles are the two-contact side-to-side thingies, used in conjunction with a keyer, either external or built-into modern rigs. You're showing us paddles, not keys. If we're going to start calling paddles "keys", then what word are you proposing to use to refer to Morse code keys (up-and-down) ? Edit: Ah, "straight key". Anyway, using the word "key" to refer to paddles is new, and not an improvement.

[@k9kj]

I agree. That was out of radio for almost 20 years and when I came back it seemed like folks were referring to everything as a key. I think I tried to clarify it in the video, but I made it a little while ago so I would have to rewatch it real quick just to make sure. I might have actually mentioned the difference in a different video though. I'll check it out. Thanks for the comment!

[@alankistler4043]

Can those of us in the west still buy Russian paddles?

[@mywwwow]

Very good presentation - thanks dear OM 😊 73 de DL9WR

[@livelongandprosper70]

On lesson 4, good stuff mate, I've given CW a bash a few times, but always fall by the way side 🤔..im determined to learn ot once and for all..i find it very interesting, the history of it, and the different keys, paddles etc, i have a couple of straight keys, just mainly decorative atm, but hopefully use them soon.🙏 73 2M0LDT 👍

[@k9kj]

You have many of the same reasons I love CW - History, nostalgia, fun!