[CW] Straight Key

[Mike J Maloney]

Yes, Try the Kent model SK-1, sold in US by Alpha Delta,
www.alphadelta.com.   They are a bit pricey, but of very high quality
design with large very fine pitch adjustment screws.   It beats all other
hand keys I have, including a Speed-X and J-38, especially at 20+ WPM.  
If anyone has used a better playing straight key at these speeds, please
tell us what it is.   I play mine at a very fine gap also, less than
.003"!     
73, Mike, AC5P

On Sat, 25 May 2002 7:56:18 -0400 "Mychael Morohovich / AA3WF"
<giantbug@earthlink.net> writes:
> 
> 
> 
> Hey-
> 
>  
> I have been following this list for over a year now and finally have 
> occasion to post with a question of my own regarding the acquisition 
> of a straight key. 
>  
> Presently, I am using an old Speed-X straight key given to me by my 
> Elmer after I earned my ticket a year or more ago. While it works 
> very well, I am wondering if there is a key out there that could 
> better meet my needs. My style is such that I like to let the return 
> spring do the work, as in I pound out CW with a thumb / index / 
> middle-finger combo without actually grasping the knob. I also 
> insist on a *very* close action- when set as I prefer I am unable to 
> slide a sheet of 24 lb. printer paper between the contacts. I don't 
> know how most ops send CW, but this is what is comfortable to me, 
> and I am rather proficient at 20 WPM so I'll stick with it.
>  
> The problem I am experiencing is that with the Speed-X set with such 
> a tight action, I find I do sometimes have to adjust it to 
> compensate for temp changes in the shack, and while it can go for 
> weeks without necessitating an adjustment there are times when it 
> seems that all I am doing  is messing with it. The various 
> adjustment screws, of which there are four, have rather coarse 
> threads, so it can be a delicate and frustrating operation to get 
> just right. 
>  
> So, can anyone recommend a key that would suit my style as described 
> above? I figure it should have parts more substantial than my 
> Speed-X so as to negate the effects of temp changes, and finer 
> adjustments as well. I am not interested in spending a lot on a key 
> just to do so, but will spend what it takes to procure the right 
> tool for me.
> 
>  
> Any feedback would be appreciated.
> 
>  
> Tnx,
> 
>  
> Mychael AA3WF
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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