Key: Putike Key Key
Vintage: 2026
Acquired: August 2026
Base: Aluminum
Click on an image to enlarge. All photos are original works by the author.
Review
Not to be confused with the very popular Putikeeg brand of Morse code sending devices and other ham radio accessories, this little straight key is from Putike. I know nothing about the Shenzhen Putike International Trade Co., Ltd. company other than they manufactured this fantastic little straight key out of quality copper anodized aluminum and a single computer keyboard key.
This was an impulse buy while searching Amazon Haul for cheap Morse code keys. For $13 and shipping from a domestic warehouse, I figured “Why not?” I was not expecting much out of the key, but when it arrived, I immediately started playing around with it and found that it’s actually quite usable as a straight key.
The computer key provides a short between the tip and the sleeve of the provided TRS cable. The TRS cable allows you to connect the key to almost any modern transceiver or adapter which has a 3.5mm (1/8″) TRS female connection available. To test this key out, I connected it to my VBand USB adapter to see how well it can send the Morse code on the computer. I was surprised that it functions quite well, albeit without offering any adjustment possibilities, but to be honest, I didn’t find that I really needed to make any adjustments for general use. The computer key takes a light touch to depress and seems to be of fair quality. I’m sure it would last as long as any typical computer keyboard, which is to say, probably quite a long while. The key is of a plunger type, as opposed to a butterfly mechanism found on keyboards that prioritize thinness. This means if you don’t like the color combination that came with the key, you can simply pull off the key cap and replace it with another that suits you better. These can be purchased online at various places and in various quantities and price points. If I swap mine, I’ll probably do so for a solid black key cap as I think it would contrast well with the copper anodized key body.
The key includes four magnets on each of the bottom corners and they are screwed on. The magnets feel quite strong for their size and did a fine job of holding the key to my steel bench block, although since the operating mechanism is up and down, not side to side, it’s no surprise that it would stay put on the block when in use. At least the magnets will keep the wind from blowing the key off your operating table.
As a novelty Morse key, the Putike “Key Key” (which is what I’m calling it) is a neat key to own. It would also make a fun gift for other hams in your life.
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