No-Name Mini Straight Key

I needed another mini straight key like a hole in the head. With my fascination for these things, however, I just couldn’t help myself. 

The key in question came from AliExpress and cost me about $18 USD. Although it has no markings on it, it appears to be from the same manufacturer as the QU-21C paddles I bought a while back. The basic design is the same as the QU-21C, and it came with identical packaging and accessories. After modifying the magnetic base, the paddles have served me well. So I took a chance on the look-alike straight key. 

My No-name mini straight key from AliExpress during a recent portable outing. The key is magnetically attached to steel strips I glued to my clipboard.
My no-name mini straight key from AliExpress during a recent portable outing. The key is magnetically attached to steel strips I glued to my clipboard.

Out of the box, the straight key’s contact spacing was a little wide for my taste. Using the included Allen wrench, I adjusted the key more to my liking. For a cheap key, it has a pretty good feel to it, and it keys cleanly. 

The accessories that came with the mini straight key. (Not shown is an adhesive rubber square that I attached to the bottom of the key.)
The accessories that came with the mini straight key. (Not shown is an adhesive rubber square that I attached to the bottom of the key.)

Based on my experience with the QU-21C paddles, I had some reservations about the highly polished square magnet on the bottom. However, since the motion of the straight key is the vertical plane instead of side-to-side, the magnet is less of an issue.

I used the key during a recent outing, and I had no major issues with it. I have some a couple of steel strips glued to my clipboard, and I stuck the key there. There was a little movement, but nowhere near as bad as the paddles. I just needed to make sure I didn’t get too vigorous with my keying. After I use them some more, I’ll decide if I want to modify them like I did with the paddles.

Most of the time I get what I pay for, but in this case, I think I got a decent product for the price. I let you know if my opinion changes with time. 

72, Craig WB3GCK

One thought on “No-Name Mini Straight Key”

  1. I don’t use a straight key much these days but I do have a small collection of them. One of them is a simple 3D printed key that works well enough for casual contacts. It was given to me by a club member so my cost was zilch. I like the look of yours Craig but I probably wouldn’t pay even that much for what is essentially an on/off switch. At low speeds a doorbell pushbutton could maybe do the job. Good luck with it; I look forward to hearing more about it.

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