I agree. I learned morse with the straight key. One thing I found is that it
helps to develop a sense of rhythm. It's like learning to play a musical
instrument. I still use a straight key but, I also use paddles. The straight
key helps to keep me from getting sloppy which helps to keep me from getting
sloppy with the paddles. It also seems to have more energy or personality. I
can usually tell when I'm copying computer generated code because, to me, it
sounds lifeless. It's like talking with someone that has a monotone voice. I
think now there is too much focus on speed and not enough on developing a good
fist.
As someone mentioned, the keyers in the K2 and K3 are great. But, it still
comes down to the operator, in my opinion.
The issue isn't "nostalgia" - it's technique and timing. Paddles
cover a
multitude of sins: as long as you're hitting the paddles somewere
close to
the right point you'll get nice even CW. With a straight key any
technique or
timing issues are immediately obvious.
The "old timer" WWII radio ops that I've known (in particular my dad)
always
stressed mastering the straight key before ever trying to use
paddles. And if
you've heard those OTs on the air, a large percentage of them
illustrate the
wisdom of learning (and mastering) the straight key first.
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