Like most CW operators, I have long assumed that a dual paddle with iambic keying was the norm, the gold standard. Then a year or so ago I traded an rarely-used straight key for a Vibrokeyer – Vibroplex’s single-lever key that was released in 1960, made by removing the dot vibrator from its bug. I soon found myself using it more than my dual paddles, including my beautiful hand-crafted Schurr Profi II. (The photo above is a 1974 model that I restored, installing jeweled bearings.)
As I thought about it, I realized I wasn’t using the squeeze feature for all that many letters, and I’m guessing that is true for many CW operators. On the internet, I found analyses suggesting that iambic keying wasn’t actually that much more efficient than non-iambic and that many high-speed operators prefer single-lever keys.
Because I am interested in the design of paddles and was looking for something with a bit more precise feel than the Vibrokeyer, I began to explore other options. I now have a number of fine single-lever paddles.
At first I thought I was drawn to single-lever paddles because of their simplicity, but that isn’t the case; their design is often actually more challenging than dual-level paddles.
What it comes down to, I think, is the nature of the finger piece. Even though I was never much of a bug user, I find that I prefer bug-style finger pieces, for two reasons: I like wider spacing than most dual paddles offer, and I prefer to have the finger side shorter than the thumb side.
So I searched for single-lever paddles that either had a bug-style finger piece or that I could convert to one. The following are the main single lever paddles I am currently using.
The hand-crafted Vizkey 90 degree paddle comes with a bug-style finger piece. Although the paddle design is very asymmetrical and may seem somewhat illogical, the feel and adjustability of the paddle are excellent. It looks great and the price is very reasonable. No mods necessary here.
I had to try a single-lever Kent paddle because it is the only paddle I’ve seen with a symmetrical design – dot and dash sides are identical in construction. The finger piece that comes standard has justly received much criticism, but it is easily replaced with a bug-style finger piece. I cut the thumb piece from white acrylic that I had in the junk box and added a knob from Jim, KK7YJ, who sells several versions on eBay. (Knobs are also available from Vibroplex. For Jim’s custom knob, search on eBay “Morse Code Straight Key Knob.”)
My most recent addition is a GHD 204s paddle. This is a finely-crafted paddle made in Japan and now sold by Vibroplex. It also is easily adapted to a bug-style finger piece. I made the thumb piece from cherry wood and used one of Jim’s knobs.
Other adapted single lever paddles include a “QRP paddle” from UR5CDX in Ukraine, and American Morse’s Mini-B paddle for portable use. (I used guitar picks for the thumb piece on the latter.)
I welcome your thoughts about single-lever paddles and finger pieces.
Comments