Strange CW Keys
Key topics
Morse code enthusiasts are buzzing about an intriguing collection of unconventional CW keys, sparking curiosity and debate about their creativity and practicality. As commenters dug in, they discovered that some of these unusual keys, like a rubber stamp or Moomin Triangle CW, might be more than just novelty items - they could even make great spy-movie props. One commenter noted that for skilled operators, sending Morse code is as effortless as touch-typing, with the hand moving instinctively to convey words rather than individual dits and dahs. The discussion highlights the fascinating intersection of nostalgia, amateur radio culture, and creative problem-solving.
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- 01Story posted
Aug 29, 2025 at 12:22 AM EDT
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Aug 29, 2025 at 12:41 AM EDT
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_CW_Operators%27_Club
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telegraph_key
Trying to think of another activity where one hand is doing something so complex while the rest of the body practically looks bored. Nothing comes to mind.
Another note: since in the US there are only four letters allowed as the first letter (A, K, N, or W) and will be 4-6 characters with further restrictions on which can be letters and which can be numbers (2-by-3 being the most common, 1-by-2 and 2-by-1 only being available to higher license classes, where those are the numbers of letters before and after the region identifying number). You could use this in your detective story, along with other details like inferring where they got their license from or getting more details from the FCC. Following this up with an inspection of the radio and which frequency was recently used, could make for some interesting detective work. Ham Radio doesn't make very many appearances as a plot device.
Just in case someone didn’t catch the reference: https://xkcd.com/1053/
https://www.i2rtf.com/keys---paddles.html
https://www.n3znkeys.com/
https://www.vibroplex.com/
https://www.westmountainradio.com/product_info.php?products_...
Incredible workmanship and still a family-owned and run business. Worth every cent.
Obviously really expensive for what is at the core a spring and an electric contact or two (depending on type) — which can be just one part at the expense of longevity, but as hobby pieces it seems quite reasonable, I’ve seen way worse spends from friends who fell in love with mechanical keyboards.
https://cwmorse.us/
https://putikeeg.com/
https://www.9a5n.eu/paddle.html
73 ;)
(It's not Hi Hi like most people think)
Old brass pounder here.
I've not willingly sent CW in about 40 years, but I think I'm going to ask him to show me how to adjust one, just to know.
I've learned more about repairing vacuum tube equipment than I'll ever need to know, I'm actually thinking I could do it. It's the 1000+ volts in amplifiers that scares the sh*t out of me, and why I'll not be doing that myself, thank you very much.
[1] https://www.vibroplex.com/contents/en-us/d12_SEMI-AUTOMATIC_...