--- title: Morse Keys --- This page is dedicated to the weird things I've used as morse code keys. ## My practice key I built this back in 2018, and used it to learn how to send morse code over the course of a few weeks. Key features are: - A key made from a paperclip and some aluminium foil - A volume adjustment knob - A buzzer to make a sound when the key is pressed  I later ended up modifying it to use two paperclips and wrote some software to turn it into an iambic keyer. Another variation of this existed for portable use. I also wrote out a little morse code cheat sheet on the back incase I got stuck on something while practicing.  ## Paperclip straight key Inspired by my practice key, I've occasionally used paperclips as straight keys into my HF radio.  ## PCIe key Back when my only HF radio was a [Pixie QRP kit](/radio/pixie), I built a simple straight key out of a PCIe slot cover.  A little while later, I redesigned this key to use some scrap wood as its base. I still occasionally this key, but I find the metal-on-metal clacking sound it makes to be a little annoying. 