A quality CW paddle/key is pricy. No one can argue against the axiom “you get what you pay for”. With some keys costing more than $600 USD the portable operator who is looking to be fiscally responsible needs some good alternatives. There are a number of hams who have started homebrew businesses utilizing 3D printing and CNC machining to produce some really good keys for portable operations. But if you’re like this activator, you may be looking for something a bit more robust; especially if you operate stationary, say from a park bench or table. Xeigu, known foremost for its HF transceivers like the G90, has produced an iambic paddle called the VK-6 that offers good performance with a solid build quality. The VK-6 has its limitations and cannot be placed in the same category as some of the well known recognized leaders in the paddle/key industry, but it more than holds its own when it comes to performance, and even more so when you consider its price point.
These are the features of the VK-6 as taken from Radioddity’s website:
- Build is CNC-machined aluminum alloy
- Silver-plated copper contacts
- Sandblast finish
- Magnetic returns
- Carbon fiber finger pieces
- 3.5mm plug and with included PVC cable
Not listed on the website but present on the paddle is a rubberized non-slip bottom.
Perfomance
I have personally used the VK-6 on over two dozen activations and have made hundreds of contacts. My typical sending speed is 20 wpm. While the action is not quite as smooth as my Begali Traveler, the VK-6 performs flawlessly. When operating from my vehicle the paddle rests on a portable desk on my SUV’s passenger side. I was impressed by the fact that the paddle didn’t move while I was sending (see the above video). I set the contact spacing as narrow as possible. With some paddles if you set the contact spacing too narrow you can get random generated characters caused by things like humidity and common mode. I had no such problem with the VK-6.
At higher speeds (30+ wpm) the VK-6 does get a bit touchy. It may take some paddle or operator adjustments in order to compensate. The adjustment knobs on either side of the paddle were too tight for me to turn them by hand, although I do like the locking screw that keeps the spacing from accidentally changing.
Value
$84.99. At least that’s the price that appears on the Radioddity website as of the time of this writing. There are 3D printed keys and paddles commercially available that cost more than the VK-6. At this price point you get a solidly built paddle that performs at a high level, and all without breaking the bank.
Of course the only real way to determine the long term value of the VK-6 is by how it holds up in the field. Radioddity doesn’t provide a case which I highly recommend. I purchased a camera lens case on Amazon that I’ve repurposed for this paddle.
Final Thoughts
The VK-6 is a great choice for a budget-friendly stationary key for park activations or even for the shack. It’s not backpack friendly, so it may not be the paddle you take with you out on the trail or a summit. On a the K4NYM CW scale I give the VK-6 4 out of 5 dots.
K4NYM Radio 