KENT TP-1 - Dual Iambic Key

[W0GI]

I went to a new local place to get some coax, and he has Kent keys.

http://www.dzkit.com/sienna_main.htm

Never tried one before, as nobody stocks them, but found it is nice. Bought it on the spot, and now my 20 year old Bencher BY-1 is going to E-Bay.

The BY-1 is a good iambic, as everyone knows, but I don't like the mush from the paddle arms flexing.

Now the bad on the Kent is the flexing grey rubber feet on the bottom. They got rid of the arm flex, and replaced it with funky rubber feet. :eek:

Not as much flex as the BY-1, but still too much.

But I can fix that by replacing the feet.

4 out of 5 for the TP-1. A 5 without those feet from hell. :)

http://estore.websitepros.com/stores/1763214/catalog/twinkey_thumb.jpg

Did the same with my Vibroplex Jr. With a solid base, this Iambic is a 10. Soon to be punching some CW into a K2. Ye Haa :)

http://vibroplex.com/key_IMG_0012.jpg

And beyond all that! If you are a brass pounder, maybe your key should have some BRASS. :)

[W6DDX]

I must concur that this is a great key. I don't really know my code yet but I've been doing some practicing using this key and I prefer it over most keys out there.

[KE4KY]

Great keyer paddle...right under my Begali in feel...good quality also. I own both.

[K2TL]

I have had one for about 15 years. I retired my Vibroplex paddle the minute I put the Kent together! A very heavy and solid feeling key. Mine was purchased in kit form. I don't know if they still offer this option, but if so make sure you assemble it in a box or some other enclosure. The springs and bearings and set screws can jump off the assembly area and be lost forever!
Also, the brass becomes tarnished before long but can be brought back to nice and shiny with most metal polish. However, this requires a bit of disassembly to get at all the areas.
As a CW operator for the past 45 years, I can say this is the best key I have ever had in my hand.
K2TL

[W0GI]

As a CW operator for the past 45 years, I can say this is the best key I have ever had in my hand.
K2TL

After a few days of operating, I am even more impressed with this unit. I have not even played much with the adjustments. And it stays where you set it.

After some minor adjustment, I don't really notice the base flex from the thin rubber feet, though I am going to put different feet on it.

After 28 years with a Bencher, my only thought is why did I wait. :)

Now I would like a Begali Graciella Jr (too cool), but this Kent is great.