[CW] What is the best telegraph key??

[David J. Ring, Jr.]

Sherrill,

You can get a Swedish key for much less than $350 for one.

http://ham.srsab.se/misc/srskey-gb.html

http://www.mtechnologies.com/srs/

The Marconi is no longer made, so it is scarce.  It is also a key that is
much more expensive to make - it used roller bearings on each side of the
key.  They're quite expensive to make.  I don't think they are over priced,
but I'd snap one up if I saw one for $200.  At $350, it takes a gulp to buy
it, but I've never regretted getting one.  The joy of use far exceeded the
temporary "pain" of opening my wallet, even though the cost provided me with
about two weeks of comforting self-complaining.

Also you can find the Swedish keys on the e-place - sometimes for $50.00 or
so.

$200 for a new Swedish key - from SRS or their USA distributor MorseX, or
$70.00 for a simple USA type key - Nye type.

This is an investment in operating comfort.  If you're a SSB operator, it
probably isn't worth it, but if your a hand key operator it might well be.

SSB operators are spending $200 on a "deluxe" microphone, and "basic"
microphones are $70 to $100.

Most CW operators once they buy such a key (provided they like it) never
regret spending the money for it.

The SRS key is on a base that doesn't extend below the knob, and should be
bolted to the operating table - or at least held by other hand.   I can't
imagine why they designed it this way.  I also don't like the feel of the
wooden knob, but perhaps some do.  It feels warm to the touch - maybe some
like this.  I prefer the smoother and cooler feel of plastic knob.


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Sherrill Watkins" <SEWATKINS at dgs.state.va.us>
To: "Donald Chester" <k4kyv at hotmail.com>; <cw at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Monday, August 23, 2004 10:03 AM
Subject: RE: [CW] What is the best telegraph key??


Gentlemen: I really do appreciate Don and David's comments and others about
my key question. Without actually owning one of the Marconi or Swedish keys
I
am unable to really appreciate the comments made about those. However, from
hearing everyone's favorable comments about the Marconi, I wish I was in a
financial position to "justify to myself" the purchase of one. Perhaps,
after
using one, I could see the value of $350 for one, considering all of the
manufacturing and quality control procedures it goes through. After all, I
am
sure the cost of producing a brand new Bunnell Triumph would be expensive,
if
it was made to the same quality level of 90 years ago. Also, the old keys
were not chrome plated. Other less expensive metals were used such as
nickel.
However, for the time being, I will just have to be content with my Triumph
and envious of those of financial means who have the resources to own a $350
straight key! -73- Sherrill W.