Nye Viking Speed-X Telegraph Key - Product Review

My first telegraph key was a Nye Viking Speed-X telegraph key, model 310-003. My grandmother, who was also a ham radio operator, purchased me the Nye Viking Speed-X telegraph key, along with a Morse code practice oscillator and a heavy metal base, when I was studying for my novice amateur radio license back in 1990 and 1991. I have had the same Nye Viking Speed-X telegraph key ever since, and it is still my main telegraph key for all my CW (Morse code) ham radio operating.

The Nye Viking Speed-X telegraph key is made from heavy brass or nickel-plated hardware. It is this heavy metal construction that probably accounts for the longevity of my Nye Viking Speed-X telegraph key, despite its having been used consistently for nearly 20 years. My Nye Viking is the brass version, and the brass on my Nye Viking Speed-X key is fairly tarnished after so many years. But the hardware and contacts still function perfectly, despite the tarnished brass finish. The nickel-plated version of the Nye Viking should presumably be much less susceptible to tarnishing in the long run.

One of the nicest features of the model 310-003 Nye Viking Speed-X telegraph key is its shorting bar switch. I often enjoy using older tube transceivers that must be manually tuned. The shorting bar is a useful way to keep the transmitter keyed while keeping your hands free to tune the radio by hand. Although other models of the Nye Viking Speed-X telegraph keys are available, I highly recommend the model 310-003 with the shorting switch for this reason.

The Nye Viking Speed-X telegraph key needs to be supported on a base of some sort. Although you can make your own telegraph key base from wood or metal, Nye Viking also offers a heavy metal base for the Speed-X telegraph keys. The Nye Viking base plate for the Speed-X keys is Nye Viking part number 300-002. I have been highly satisfied with the combination of my Speed-X key along with the heavy metal base plate.

The keying action of my Nye Viking Speed-X telegraph key is still smooth and precise, even after nearly 20 years. I have never once replaced the spring in my Nye Viking Speed-X key, and I am repeatedly complemented on the quality of my CW sending when using my Nye Viking Speed-X key on the air. But in case your Nye Viking Speed-X key does need new springs, replacement key springs are available on the Nye Viking website for only $2.50. Given the high quality of the Speed-X keys, replacement springs are likely never to be necessary.

In conclusion, Nye Viking Speed-X keys are of extremely high quality and they are made to last. Mine is going strong after nearly 20 years, and I have had no problems with my Nye Viking key, despite its tarnished brass and its heavy use. Be sure to buy the matching base plate, and get the model with the shorting bar. The Nye Viking Speed-X telegraph key should provide you with many hours of happy CW operating.