Manager


Manager - NA4M
Manager Notes

Reviews For: CT Deluxe Straight 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 : CT Deluxe Straight Key
Reviews: 6MSRP: $199
Description:
Straight Morse Key
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.ur5cdx.com/index.php?currency=USD&language=en
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0063.7
KZ3J Rating: 2015-10-29
Great look and feel Time Owned: more than 12 months.
While the CT key looks beautiful when new, the brass (for some strange reason) has not been coated with lacquer, so it soon turns tarnished and ugly. The cure: Either lacquer the new key, or wax it, or polish an older CT key, then do as above.

Another negative is that the manufacturer seems to use whatever old screws they have hanging around: If they need an oval head screw, they may instead use a round head screw because it's in their inventory. Also, what bothers me the most, is that they use a trunnion screw (and nuts) straight from a hardware store.

However, in general, this CT key looks damn slick for the price and, most importantly, works very nicely if you use the European sending technique (that I favor) over the wrist-busting American style.

I thinks it's a good buy, and a very usable key.
N3HSH Rating: 2007-12-19
Mechanically Sloppy - Poor Finish in the Long Term Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I've had this key for several years. While I love the looks and large size of this key (it will not move around the desk when operating!), it has some flaws. As other users have noted regarding other models of this manufacturer, the mechancal feel is somewhat sloppy. I find it very difficult to obtain a consistent adjustment. Once adjusted, it does not hold adjustment very long. The key lacks silver contacts of any sort. A pointed brass pin contacts a flat brass piece to make contact. This does not make for a precise feel.

Also, the arm exhibits lateral motion. In short, the key looks better than it works.

But the looks are flawed as well. After about a year of ownership, I noticed the brass began to pit. I do not mean tarnish, I mean pit as in oxidize. Perhaps there is something I could have done to prevent this, but I was surprised how suddenly it seems to lose its appearance.
UR5CDX Rating: 2003-04-07
Key for your shack Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Please excuse my English. I was able to trade this key in Russia, St. Peperburgh when Tony was there with him products a few yers back. I traded my old TS-520SE for the key, namely. The key is very nice made by hands, crafted exceptionally OK. I do not adore small keys, so this BIG key for Morse is great. Stays stable when send Morse in the Air. Good one. Best 73 to Tony.
N.A. Rating: 2003-04-07
Rolls Roys of the hand keys ! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
That is one of the best keys I have ever tried ! The workmanship is excellent. The precision is superb and the operation is smooth as if you drive a Rolls Roys ! The key is usually in stock from the suppliers, yet in my case I was on a short waiting list. The key arrived in 11 days, very well packed (triple (!) box for the key itself plus a larger box with poly chips or the like stuff). I must admit a very friendly service. Well done, folks !
MW0GAL Rating: 2003-04-07
As YL I like it ! Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I was presented this beautiful key for Christmas as a present from my ham frinds. Generall, I am not very active nowdays, but the was so good I could not resist and try it on the Air. It is very stylish, it shines like gold (sorry, I am YL !). It is very easy to drive it. A very nice addition to my modest TS-440S radio.

73 !
9V1VV Rating: 2003-03-08
Poor Quality Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
The armature on my key is not straight along the base and is askew at the bearings by about 3 degrees. The front "contacts" are only a brass plate at the base and a brass spigot under the armature. No actual silver or any other type of contact is used. With a very small gap this gives rise to poor repeatabilty and corrupted symbols. I have a friend with a good workshop and I will fix the bearing alignment and add proper contacts, but this should not be necessary for such an expensive key.
In short, it looks great in a display cabinet. But as it comes, it is not suitable for serious use.