Original Design by Dan, OK1HRA • Printed by CQ Homestead Supply with Permission • PETG • Builder Project

Add a compact CW paddle directly to your OK1HRA Rugged Box with this 3D-printed paddle and mounting set.

This unique single-paddle CW key was originally designed by Dan, OK1HRA, and CQ Homestead Supply is proud to produce and offer these printed components with Dan's permission.

Our standard version includes the OK1HRA Key #5 design along with the base needed to mount the paddle directly to the Rugged Box, making it an excellent addition to a compact QMX/QMX+ portable operating station.

What You Receive

This product includes:

• OK1HRA Key #5 3D-printed paddle

• 3D-printed Rugged Box mounting base

• Wire, Srews and Jack

• Printed in durable black PETG

• Other OK1HRA mounting configurations available by request

IMPORTANT – Printed Parts Only

This is NOT an assembled CW paddle.

CQ Homestead Supply supplies only the 3D-printed plastic & components to build.

Designed for the OK1HRA Rugged Box

Our standard configuration combines Key #5 with the Rugged Box mounting base, allowing the completed paddle to be mounted directly to the Rugged Box.

This creates a compact CW operating setup particularly well suited to the QRP Labs QCX, QMX+ and QMX without requiring the operator to carry a separate full-size paddle.

It's a great option for:

• POTA

• SOTA

• Field Day

• Portable QRP

• Camping

• Backpack radio

• Field communications

• Home-built and experimental radio stations

Printed in PETG

CQ Homestead Supply produces these components in black PETG for improved durability and temperature resistance compared with many basic PLA prints.

This makes the printed components well suited to portable radio equipment that may spend time in field boxes, vehicles, backpacks, and outdoor operating environments.

Other Mounting Options Available

The Rugged Box mounting base is our standard configuration, but it isn't your only option.

Other mounting configurations from Dan's original design can be printed by request.

Contact CQ Homestead Supply if you would like a different mounting arrangement.

A True Amateur Radio Builder Project

This product is intended for amateur radio operators who enjoy building and customizing their own equipment.

CQ Homestead Supply provides the professionally printed components, while you supply and assemble the remaining hardware and electrical components needed to complete your paddle.

The result is an exceptionally compact CW paddle that can become an integrated part of your portable QRP station.

Credit to the Original Designer

The Single CW Paddle and associated designs are the original work of Dan, OK1HRA.

CQ Homestead Supply produces and sells these printed components with permission from Dan, OK1HRA.

We are pleased to support Dan's work and make his designs more readily available to amateur radio operators who may not have access to their own 3D printer.

Please Note

This product is sold as a 3D-printed builder component set only.

Assembly is required.

Original Design: Dan, OK1HRA
Printed and offered by CQ Homestead Supply with the designer's permission.

CQ Homestead Supply — Equipment for operators who actually get out and use their gear.

Traditional CW Feel • CNC Aluminum Construction • Adjustable Action • Built for the Shack or Field

The Xiegu VK-5 Mini CW Straight Key brings the classic feel of manual Morse code operation into a compact, rugged design that's equally at home in the shack or at your next POTA activation.

Built from CNC-machined aluminum alloy with silver-plated copper contacts, the VK-5 provides a solid, responsive keying experience without the lightweight feel of many compact portable CW keys.

Its adjustable contact gap and spring tension allow you to customize the keying force and action to match your operating preference, while the weighted elongated base and anti-slip rubber feet help keep the key firmly planted on your operating surface.

Connect it to a compatible radio using the supplied 3.5mm TRS cable and you're ready to operate.

Key Features

• Traditional manual CW straight key

• CNC-machined aluminum alloy construction

• Silver-plated copper electrical contacts

• Adjustable contact gap

• Adjustable spring tension

• Customizable keying force and feel

• Crisp, responsive return action

• Weighted elongated base for improved stability

• Anti-slip rubber feet

• Durable sandblasted finish

• Corrosion-resistant construction

• Standard 3.5mm TRS connection

• Connection cable included

• Compact enough for portable operation

• Substantial enough for comfortable desktop use

• Great for beginners learning traditional CW

• Excellent for experienced straight-key operators

• Ideal for POTA, SOTA, Field Day, camping and portable ham radio

Classic Straight-Key CW Operation

The VK-5 is a true manual CW key.

Unlike an iambic paddle where the radio's electronic keyer generates properly timed dits and dahs, a straight key puts the operator directly in control.

You control the duration and spacing of every dit and dah.

For operators learning CW, this provides an excellent way to develop timing, rhythm, and a recognizable CW "fist."

For experienced operators, it provides the traditional tactile operating experience that has been part of amateur radio since the earliest days of the hobby.

It's also a great choice for events such as Straight Key Night or anytime you simply want to get back to traditional CW operation.

Adjustable to Your Operating Style

CW operators can be particular about how a key feels — and for good reason.

The VK-5 allows adjustment of both the contact gap and spring tension, letting you tailor the operating force and travel to your preference.

Adjust it for a lighter, quicker touch or increase the resistance for a more deliberate traditional feel.

The key also provides a crisp return action to help maintain smooth and consistent manual keying.

Built to Stay Put

A portable CW key that's constantly sliding across the table can quickly become frustrating.

The VK-5 uses an elongated aluminum base, substantial 13.4 oz. weight, and anti-slip rubber pads to provide a stable operating platform.

At approximately 7 inches long, the VK-5 remains compact enough to transport while providing enough mass and surface area for comfortable operation.

This makes it useful as both a portable field key and permanent shack straight key.

CNC-Machined Aluminum Construction

The VK-5 isn't built around a lightweight plastic base.

Its housing is constructed from CNC-machined aluminum alloy with a durable sandblasted finish.

Internally, silver-plated copper contacts provide the electrical switching surface.

The combination provides a solid feel along with good durability and corrosion resistance for operators who expect to regularly transport their equipment into the field.

Plug-and-Play 3.5mm Connection

The VK-5 uses a standard 3.5mm TRS plug and includes the necessary PVC connection cable.

Simply connect the key to the appropriate CW/key jack on your compatible transceiver, configure the radio for straight-key operation when necessary, and you're ready to send CW.

Compatible Xiegu Radios

The VK-5 is compatible with several popular Xiegu HF transceivers, including:

• Xiegu G90

• Xiegu X6200

• Xiegu X6100

• Xiegu X5105

• Xiegu G106

Compatibility with other transceivers may be possible when they support an appropriate 3.5mm straight-key connection and wiring configuration. Always verify your radio's key input requirements before connecting.

Excellent Match for the Xiegu G90 & X6200

If you're putting together a portable Xiegu G90 or X6200 station, the VK-5 provides a rugged CW key that can travel with the radio into the field.

Pair the VK-5 with your Xiegu transceiver, portable HF antenna, and battery system for a compact CW station suitable for:

• Parks on the Air (POTA)

• Summits on the Air (SOTA)

• Field Day

• Camping

• Portable CW

• Emergency communications

• QRP operating

• Home station operation

Specifications

Key Type: Manual CW Straight Key

Construction: CNC-machined aluminum alloy and copper

Contacts: Silver-plated copper

Finish: Sandblasted

Connection: 3.5mm TRS

Adjustments: Contact gap and spring tension

Dimensions: Approximately 7.0 × 2.4 × 2.4 inches / 177 × 60 × 62mm

Weight: Approximately 13.4 oz. / 381g

What's Included

• Xiegu VK-5 CW Straight Key

• 3.5mm TRS connection cable

• 2 adjustment hex keys

• User manual

A Traditional CW Key Built for Modern Portable Radios

The Xiegu VK-5 is a great choice for operators who want the simplicity and tactile experience of a traditional straight key without giving up the rugged construction expected from modern portable radio equipment.

Its CNC aluminum construction, silver-plated contacts, adjustable action, weighted base, and compact size make it equally useful beside your home-station radio or packed with your G90 or X6200 for a weekend activation.

Whether you're learning Morse code, participating in Straight Key Night, or simply prefer sending CW the traditional way, the VK-5 provides a solid, straightforward key built to be used.

CQ Homestead Supply — Equipment for operators who actually get out and use their gear.

Magnetic Centering • Carbon Fiber Paddles • CNC Aluminum Construction • Fully Adjustable

The Xiegu VK-6 is a premium dual-paddle CW key designed for amateur radio operators who want smooth, precise Morse code operation at home or in the field.

Featuring a CNC-machined aluminum body, polished carbon-fiber paddles, magnetic centering mechanism, silver-plated copper contacts, and independently adjustable paddle spacing and tension, the VK-6 delivers a solid, responsive feel for both everyday CW operation and higher-speed contesting.

Pair it with a compatible transceiver such as the Xiegu G90 or X6200 for a high-quality CW station that's equally at home in the shack or at your next POTA or SOTA activation.

Key Features

• Iambic Dual-Paddle CW Design

• Supports Iambic A/B keying when used with a compatible electronic keyer

• Magnetic Paddle Centering

• Independent paddle tension adjustment

• Independent paddle spacing adjustment

• Approximately 3.4mm adjustable paddle gap

• Polished carbon-fiber paddles

• Smooth, rounded paddle edges for comfortable operation

• High-precision custom paddle shaft

• Low-friction operating mechanism

• No lubrication required

• CNC-machined aluminum alloy construction

• Silver-plated copper contacts

• Durable sandblasted finish

• Substantial weighted base for stable desktop operation

• Standard 3.5mm TRS connection

• Connection cable included

• Adjustment tools included

• Excellent for POTA, SOTA, Field Day, contesting and home stations

Smooth Magnetic Paddle Action

One of the standout features of the VK-6 is its magnetic centering mechanism.

Instead of relying solely on conventional mechanical spring pressure to return the paddles to center, the magnetic mechanism provides a smooth and consistent return action.

The result is a responsive paddle that can be adjusted to match your preferred operating style while minimizing friction in the mechanism.

Independently Adjustable Paddles

Every CW operator develops a slightly different preference for paddle feel.

The VK-6 allows you to independently adjust both paddle spacing and tension, giving you control over how far each paddle moves and how much force is required to activate it.

Whether you prefer an extremely light touch for higher-speed CW or slightly more resistance for deliberate sending, the VK-6 can be adjusted to suit your operating style.

Adjustment tools are included.

Polished Carbon-Fiber Paddles

The VK-6 features polished carbon-fiber finger paddles with smooth, rounded edges.

The lightweight paddle material complements the low-friction mechanism and magnetic centering system, providing a comfortable contact surface for extended operating sessions.

It's a particularly useful feature for contesting, extended CW activations, and operators who spend significant time behind the key.

CNC-Machined Construction

The VK-6 isn't a lightweight plastic portable paddle.

Its body is manufactured from CNC-machined aluminum alloy with a durable sandblasted finish, while silver-plated copper contacts provide the electrical switching surfaces.

At approximately 18.9 ounces, the VK-6 has enough mass to provide a stable operating platform on a desk, portable table, or field operating surface.

The combination of aluminum, copper, carbon fiber, and precision-machined components gives the VK-6 the substantial feel expected from a premium CW paddle.

Iambic CW Operation

The VK-6 is a dual-paddle key intended for use with an electronic keyer.

One paddle generates dits while the other generates dahs. When both paddles are squeezed together, a compatible electronic keyer can automatically alternate dits and dahs using Iambic A or Iambic B operation.

This allows for faster, more efficient Morse code sending than a traditional manual straight key while maintaining consistent element timing.

Most modern HF transceivers already contain an electronic CW keyer, so no separate external keyer is normally required when using the VK-6 with a compatible radio.

VK-6 vs. VK-5 — Which CW Key Is Right for You?

The Xiegu VK-5 is a traditional straight key. You manually control the length and timing of every dit and dah. It's an excellent choice for operators who enjoy traditional CW, are developing their manual sending rhythm, or participate in events such as Straight Key Night.

The Xiegu VK-6 is a dual-paddle key designed to work with your radio's electronic keyer. The keyer generates correctly timed dits and dahs based on your paddle inputs, allowing faster and less fatiguing CW operation.

Choose the VK-5 if you want the classic straight-key experience.

Choose the VK-6 if you want the speed, precision, comfort, and efficiency of a modern iambic paddle.

Excellent for Portable CW

Although the VK-6 has the solid construction and weight expected from a shack-quality paddle, it's still compact enough to take into the field.

It's a great choice for:

• Parks on the Air (POTA)

• Summits on the Air (SOTA)

• Field Day

• CW contesting

• QRP operation

• Camping

• Portable amateur radio

• Emergency communications

• Home HF stations

Its substantial base can also be an advantage in the field, where ultra-light paddles sometimes have a tendency to move around during operation.

Compatible Xiegu Radios

The VK-6 is designed for use with several popular Xiegu transceivers, including:

• Xiegu G90

• Xiegu X6200

• Xiegu X6100

• Xiegu G106

• Xiegu X5105

The VK-6 may also work with other amateur radio transceivers equipped with a compatible 3.5mm TRS paddle input and electronic CW keyer.

Always verify the CW key jack wiring and keyer configuration of your radio before connecting.

Specifications

Key Type: Iambic Dual Paddle

Keying: Iambic A/B with compatible electronic keyer

Paddle Material: Polished carbon fiber

Body Construction: CNC-machined aluminum alloy and copper

Contacts: Silver-plated copper

Centering: Magnetic return mechanism

Adjustment: Independent paddle spacing and tension

Paddle Gap: Approximately 3.4mm adjustable

Connection: 3.5mm TRS plug

Dimensions: Approximately 4.3 × 3.4 × 1.9 inches / 110 × 86 × 48mm

Weight: Approximately 18.9 oz. / 537g

What's Included

• Xiegu VK-6 Iambic CW Morse Code Key

• 3.5mm TRS connection cable

• 2 adjustment hex keys

• User manual

Premium CW Control for Your Portable or Home Station

The Xiegu VK-6 combines the precision of an iambic dual-paddle key with the substantial construction needed for comfortable everyday operation.

With its magnetic centering mechanism, polished carbon-fiber paddles, independent tension and spacing adjustments, CNC aluminum chassis, and silver-plated contacts, the VK-6 is a great choice for operators who take CW seriously.

Pair it with your QRP Labs QMX, QMX+, QCX or Xiegu G90, X6200, X6100, G106, or X5105 and build a capable CW station for the shack, contest, campsite, or your next POTA activation.

CQ Homestead Supply — Equipment for operators who actually get out and use their gear.

Original Design by Dan, OK1HRA • Printed by CQ Homestead Supply with Permission • PETG • Builder Project

Add a compact CW paddle directly to your OK1HRA Rugged Box with this 3D-printed paddle and mounting set.

This unique single-paddle CW key was originally designed by Dan, OK1HRA, and CQ Homestead Supply is proud to produce and offer these printed components with Dan's permission.

Our standard version includes the OK1HRA Key #5 design along with the base needed to mount the paddle directly to the Rugged Box, making it an excellent addition to a compact QMX/QMX+ portable operating station.

What You Receive

This product includes:

• OK1HRA Key #5 3D-printed paddle

• 3D-printed Rugged Box mounting base

• Printed in durable black PETG

• Other OK1HRA mounting configurations available by request

IMPORTANT – Printed Parts Only

This is NOT a complete CW paddle or complete builder kit.

CQ Homestead Supply supplies only the 3D-printed plastic components.

The builder must supply the additional hardware, electrical contacts, wiring, connector, and other components required to assemble the printed parts into a functional CW paddle.

No hardware, wiring, cable, plug, or electronic components are included unless specifically stated in the product listing.

BOM list and Instructions will be included.

Designed for the OK1HRA Rugged Box

Our standard configuration combines Key #5 with the Rugged Box mounting base, allowing the completed paddle to be mounted directly to the Rugged Box.

This creates a compact CW operating setup particularly well suited to the QRP Labs QCX, QMX+ and QMX without requiring the operator to carry a separate full-size paddle.

It's a great option for:

• POTA

• SOTA

• Field Day

• Portable QRP

• Camping

• Backpack radio

• Field communications

• Home-built and experimental radio stations

Printed in PETG

CQ Homestead Supply produces these components in black PETG for improved durability and temperature resistance compared with many basic PLA prints.

This makes the printed components well suited to portable radio equipment that may spend time in field boxes, vehicles, backpacks, and outdoor operating environments.

Other Mounting Options Available

The Rugged Box mounting base is our standard configuration, but it isn't your only option.

Other mounting configurations from Dan's original design can be printed by request.

Contact CQ Homestead Supply if you would like a different mounting arrangement.

A True Amateur Radio Builder Project

This product is intended for amateur radio operators who enjoy building and customizing their own equipment.

CQ Homestead Supply provides the professionally printed components, while you supply and assemble the remaining hardware and electrical components needed to complete your paddle.

The result is an exceptionally compact CW paddle that can become an integrated part of your portable QRP station.

Credit to the Original Designer

The Single CW Paddle and associated designs are the original work of Dan, OK1HRA.

CQ Homestead Supply produces and sells these printed components with permission from Dan, OK1HRA.

We are pleased to support Dan's work and make his designs more readily available to amateur radio operators who may not have access to their own 3D printer.

Please Note

This product is sold as a 3D-printed builder component set only.

Assembly is required.

Hardware, electrical contacts, wiring, cable, plug, and other components required to produce a functional CW paddle are not included.

Original Design: Dan, OK1HRA
Printed and offered by CQ Homestead Supply with the designer's permission.

CQ Homestead Supply — Equipment for operators who actually get out and use their gear.