[Elecraft] CW Key suggestions ?

[Phil Hystad]

I have two Begali keys, the camelback straight key and the magnetic classic.  Both are excellent and I use the magnetic classic all the time.  But, I also have a Bencher in the truck and I see no problems with it.  It is fine for the truck.  Besides, it gets dropped on the floor or sometimes I even toss it into the back seat and the key paddles get all cockeyed and so when I use it again I have to spent about 5 seconds (no longer) straightening things out then the key is as good as new -- no other adjustment necessary.  So, in my opinion, the Bencher is a fine key.

I think the most overrated key is the J-38.  I see people praising it here and I don't get it.  Sure, it is an old classic and I had one in my novice days back in the 1960s but it is a rather ordinary key that needs extra weight to keep it in one place.  Back when I used it, I did not have extra weight so keying was a two handed job for me.  My right hand for Morse and my left hand to hold the J-38 on the table.

73, phil, K7PEH


On Jun 25, 2012, at 4:44 AM, Barry wrote:

> Depends on your budget.  IMO, the best are N3ZN and Begali.  In my
> experience, Bencher is one of the worst.
> 
> Barry W2UP
> 
> 
> Ronald Nutter wrote
>> 
>> The next thing I am looking at is getting a CW key.  
>> 
>> Would appreciate any suggestions in this area that anyone here has.
>> 
>> Thanks,
>> Ron
>> KA4KYI
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