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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
Xiegu VK-5 CW Straight Key
3.5mm TRS connection cable
2 adjustment hex keys
User manual
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
Xiegu VK-5 CW Straight Key
3.5mm TRS connection cable
2 adjustment hex keys
User manual
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.
