Manager


Manager - NA4M
Manager Notes
Reviews Home

Reviews For: E.F. Johnson Speed-X Key

Category: Keys & Paddles

eMail Subscription

Registered users are allowed to subscribe to specific review topics and receive eMail notifications when new reviews are posted.
Review Summary For : E.F. Johnson Speed-X Key
Reviews: 7MSRP: 3.50
Description:
Straight key with black-crackle base, without shorting lever.
Product is in production
More Info: http://
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0074.7
WA1YIH Rating: 2024-06-21
Solid and reliable straight key Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I've had my Nye Viking 310-003 for over 20 years and love it. Straight forward construction, easy to clean, maintain and adjust. Mine's mounted on the 300-002 black mounting plate. Made lots of CW contacts and lots of code oscillator practice too. Too bad they stop making them.
KE6K Rating: 2013-05-17
Really good key Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have had this key for 50 years and used (and misused) it off and on the entire time. Wears like iron and still sends smoothly. Wouldn't give it up.
WB2VUO Rating: 2004-08-19
WB2VUO - SKN Every Night! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I purchased the Johnson Speed-X in 1968 from Stewart W Smith Electronics in Syracuse, NY, the local Johnson dealer. I have no clue as to what it cost, but the same key is on its third base now and is a central fixture in the shack, and gets used regularly to this day.

It went to Diego Garcia with me in 1974 (WB2VUO/VQ9) and has travelled with the rig wherever I have operated from.

I can't think of a better deal or a better key to work with.

Keith, WB2VUO
QRP from the Depths of the Great Bergen Swamp
RM-20 and a TS-520 cranked down to Idle.
W3DCG Rating: 2003-01-29
Surprisingly okay. Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I thought it was a "3" but after getting a thing called a "J-47" from eBay, the "47" base is made of some kind of plastic. It does not keep it's settings. So the Speed X jumped up a skosh or two past a 4.

I'd rate the Speed X at 35.00 and under including shipping between 4-5 depending on the day and my mood.

I have a sneaking suspicion that the 5 rated keys cost more than I care to spend, and do not appear on the used market!
VE7BGP Rating: 2002-07-14
A Classic so Smooth Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
A friend of mine had to move and brought over a box of goodies to our activity meeting. I picked out a couple of old looking hand keys. I thought I grabbed a J-38 but when I looked at it closer I scored a Speed X it looks like a E.F. Johnson version. I cleaned it up and lightly oiled the trunnion bearings. I have been pounding brass for all 32 years I have been a ham. I have never found a hand key that is honestly nicer to use it is so smooth and definately has a quality feel to it. This treasure I am keeping and will enjoy pounding some rag chews on. I am looking forward to SKN this year to give my old classic a workout. This one looks old but is like driving a nice old classic Packard or other great old car.
73 Gerry
AA1UY Rating: 2000-12-31
FB keys and still available ! Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
These same Speed-X keys dating back to the 1930s are still manufactured today by Wm M. Nye Company Inc. (Nye Viking). They cost a little more than $3.50 nowadays, but are still a fantastic bargain at around $35. A classic piece of Ham Radio History and a real quality working man's key.

http://www.nyeviking.com/productsaccess.htm
K9PL Rating: 2000-12-31
Legendary Basic Straight Key Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Simple design, quality materials and fabrication -- works like a charm! This key holds its settings and helps you send CW smooth as glass. Hard to improve on a classic

This key was purchased nearly 40 years ago at Allied Radio. I bought it as a practice key before I knew once Morse character; now in daily use as my main key on all HF bands.