Buying guides · updated 2026-06-12
Morse code gear that's actually worth buying
You can learn Morse with nothing but this website and a spacebar. But the moment you want to send, you need a key — and the gear world is full of $300 answers to $30 questions. These guides cut it down to the few pieces that earn their place on a desk.
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Best straight keys
From a $25 first key to a buy-it-once classic.
Best first key CW Morse Pocket Straight Key · ≈ $20–30
Read the guide →Best paddles for beginners
Iambic paddles that won't fight your fist.
Best first paddle CW Morse SP4 Paddle · ≈ $35–50
Read the guide →QRP CW transceivers
Real radios from $95 — kits to dream rigs.
Best value in all of amateur radio QRP Labs QMX (kit or assembled) · ≈ $95 kit / $145 assembled
Read the guide →Where to start (the honest version)
- Still learning to receive? Buy nothing. Use the free Koch trainer and flashcards until you can copy at 10+ WPM. Gear can't do that part for you.
- Ready to send? Get one cheap key — the CW Morse Pocket Straight Key (≈ $20–30) or the CW Morse SP4 Paddle (≈ $35–50) — and our random CW generator for material. Straight key teaches timing; paddle is what you'll likely use long-term. Either is a fine first choice.
- Licensed and want on the air? The QRP Labs QMX (kit or assembled) is the best value in all of amateur radio right now. See the operating reference for band plans and your first QSO script.
Three books worth the shelf space
- The Art and Skill of Radio-Telegraphy (Bill Pierpont, N0HFF) — The classic deep text on learning and mastering CW. Also free as PDF — link to print for people who want paper.
- ARRL's Morse Code Operating for Amateur Radio — Practical on-air operating: QSO structure, contesting, DXing with CW.
- Zen and the Art of Radiotelegraphy (Carlo Consoli, IK0YGJ) — The head-copy and mindset book — what to do after 15 WPM when progress stalls.