CW experts, what's your TOP two straight keys currently made today?

I want to buy one, but I need one of you experts to tell me in your opinion who makes the best straight key, period. By "best", I mean manufacturing quality, operator comfort, smoothness of operation and long lasting durability features all tied into one package.

Who in your opinion comes in first place and then a close second?

Thanks,
73

 

The only straight key I've enjoyed using is the old J-38. Once set up properly it is smooth and a joy to use. Have spent hours using it, and my longest rag chew was 90 minutes and never suffered from glass arm.

 

I have a Junker for sale, $75 plus $5 ship, Its a fine key, I just dont use it anymore. And I really need the money more than the key right now.

http://forums.qrz.com/showthread.php?t=181691&highlight=junker

It does come highly recommended. Id see what others have to say first.

http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/1972

dit dit
Andrew

 

I wouldn't consider myself an expert but I've been doing CW for a "few" years. My favorite straight key at this time is the Junker. Very smooth and easy to adjust. It really comes down to personal taste. It's also a great excuse to buy more keys!

http://www.mtechnologies.com/junker/

 

I alternate between the Navy Flameproof and the Junker.

 

Navy FlameProof

I have a Navy FlameProof on a piece of stainless steel. Very smooth and very quiet.

http://www.jhbunnell.com/navykey.shtml

Want a used one? See them on eBay from $20 to $50 all the time. Not rare, just nice to use.

Anyone have an old Amplidan they want to sell?

 

To me, stuff like a J-38 is terrible.

Although I never use a straight key anymore (switched to paddles in probably 1967 and never looked back), I "test drove" this one and was very impressed. It is truly excellent in workmanship and feel:

http://vibroplex.com/straight_key.html

WB2WIK/6

 

I have the Vibroplex straight key.
It sure isn't 'bad', but the arm has a minor 'spring' feeling to it, that I find annoying.....

I have used the J-38, not substantial enough as a key, again, not bad but not a turn on either !

I would say the J-37, is a bit heavier, feels a little more solid, is more 'smooth' to me....

I have seen and bought some rather nice, SOLID, brass keys with solid, heavy construction that moved easy, stayed put, and worked great.

MY advice is look on eBay, find a solid brass key that has enough pictures to appreciate the construction, the contacts, and the spring.

I have had, and still have, many Navy 'Flameproof' keys.
There have been some NOS ones lately on eBay, THAT would be fine.
Otherwise get one ONLY if you can see the contacts in the picture. Basicly they are a great key.

Now, I know that isn't exactly what you want, so my NEXT suggestion is the Junker, or some version of another SOLID key from Morse Express ( Read their reviews, they reveal a LOT )

Good luck and welcome to CW !

Frank

 

I like this one by Begali. It is called the Camelback.
http://www.i2rtf.com/



73,
Terry, K7FE

 

Terry,

It looks like all of the reviews on eham.net list this Cammelback as THE BEST keyer! Out of 20 reviews, it gets a perfect score of 5.0!

Unlike the Vibroplex "standard" only gets 6 reviews with a score of 3.7, while the "gold" version gets 4 reviews and a score of 4.2.

I also have been reading reviews that the Vibroplex has terrible customer service, unlike the Begali. Okay, it's settled, I'm getting a Begali Cammelback.

Thanks everyone for your opinions.

73