I agree with Gavin, it is not at all necessary to spend big money on a key. In my 66 years as a ham, and some commercial operation, I was happy just using the station key, ham or commercial wherever I operated. I recently bought a "cap key" from W1JSB at
www.radiosetgo.com for $35 US. It is now installed in a temporary box, but may mount it directly on one of my QRP portable transceivers. Limited experience with it, a little learning curve, but seems to be fine for moderate (20-30 WPM) iambic squeeze keying, not yet sure about high speed. Most of my life, I saved money with inexpensive radios, 20 plus year old cars, a month long 50th anniversary trip in a backpacking tent, and always traveling the cheapest way. Finally, with encouragement from my wife, I now have several very nice (expensive) paddles. They really look nice, but doubt that my CW is really much (if any) better. I never had a luxury car or traveled first class, so why not spend a little if you have the funds. I would consider a touch key (K1EL, W1JSB, etc) as an interesting experiment, which may or may not work out as your regular key (paddle). Go to the W1JSB site, or look at his interesting you tube videos, most with his capacitive touch key. Rick KL7CW