Kent dual-lever paddle is a classic iambic key designed for CW (Morse code) operators in the amateur radio world. In this article, the structure of the kit, the assembly process, and its usage features are discussed. In particular, the advantages it offers in terms of precision, ergonomics, and response time in CW communication are examined, explaining why it is preferred by both beginners and experienced amateur radio operators.
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Why did I start looking for a dual-lever (iambic) paddle?
When I first started amateur radio, I was very interested in learning radio telegraphy (CW), something I had admired for years but never had the opportunity to seriously pursue. This year, I finally found the chance to do so. Over three months, I attended the “CW Academy,” offered online for free by CW Ops club volunteer instructors, and was able to bring my telegraphy skills to a beginner level.
When I started this course, my intention was to use a single-lever “straight key” paddle that I had built myself. However, after seeing one of the recommendations—“if you are seriously going to work CW, get used to a dual-lever paddle from the very beginning”—I borrowed a Bencher BY-2 paddle from a club friend and continued my lessons with it. As a side note, this brand has been around for 45 years but continues its life under the Vibroplex brand. In North America, this is probably the most commonly seen paddle; you can often find them at flea markets for around 50–60 USD.
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QST, May 1978: Bencher paddles have been manufactured since 1977, based on the design by W8FYO. |
Bencher: the most established fixture of all flea markets
My opinion about this paddle, which I used almost every day for three months, is that it is a very difficult paddle to adjust. I don’t want to go into a long explanation, but as you can also see on IW5EDI's page, the contact points are not on the sides like in other dual-lever paddles; instead, they are at the front, working through sharp-pointed screws at the ends of spring-loaded “elbow” shaped arms that move slightly back and forth into corresponding slots. To adjust this mechanism, you need to tighten or loosen the screws that control both the spring tension and the position of these elbow-shaped parts. To set the contact gap, you also have to rotate two screws clockwise or counterclockwise. No matter how much I tried, I could not achieve a configuration that felt comfortable, and overall I did not find this paddle very usable.
On the other hand, the three months I spent with the Bencher also helped me clarify what I expect from this type of paddle. I decided that the following four features are my priorities:
- Smoothness in the mechanism: being able to translate finger pressure into contact without requiring excessive force or abrupt movements, and having fast return of the levers
- Quick and easy adjustability: being adjustable even during a contact if necessary is a plus
- Durability: since it is a relatively expensive piece of equipment, it should have reasonable build quality and the ability to find spare parts
- “Stability” / footprint: when using the paddle, it should be heavy enough not to move on the desk, but not so large that it takes up too much space
Kent Paddles Versus Other Alternatives
As I was nearing the completion of the course, I started looking for a paddle online as a kind of reward to myself. I ruled out some brands despite their quality (such as Begali) because they were above my budget, and I set aside smaller “field-type” paddles (for example Bamatech). In the field, a simple paddle made from 3D-printed parts would have worked perfectly well. When I ranked the remaining candidates by user count and positive review ratio, not many options were left. I first leaned toward an American paddle that looked attractive in terms of price (AMM), but the shipping cost was almost as high as the paddle itself, so I slightly increased my budget and decided on Kent Engineers’ dual-lever iambic paddle.
Although Kent is originally a British manufacturer, after the United Kingdom left the EU, it moved to Germany in order to maintain tax and logistics advantages. As a result, the paddles are now produced in Germany and shipped to you via DHL. All parts of the paddle are brass, while the base is steel. Since the levers sit on bearings, friction is very low. Although springs are used for return action, the response is fast, and overall the mechanism feels smooth and comfortable to use. The contact points are silver-plated. There are no adjustments other than contact spacing and lever tension, and these are made easy to adjust using large knurled screws, so you don’t need any tools like screwdrivers or Allen keys. Additionally, the left and right sides can be adjusted independently.
Another advantage of purchasing this paddle is that you can choose to buy it as a kit and assemble it yourself. I preferred the kit version because I was curious about it, it reduced the risk of customs issues, and it also lowered the cost slightly. The package arrived about three weeks after placing the order. Since no special adjustment was required, I completed the assembly in about an hour. I have been using the paddle with my own keyer now and I am very satisfied with it; I will most likely continue using it for many years.
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| The completed assembly; I later installed the bakelite parts on the levers with their tips facing downward. |
FAQ
1. What is an iambic paddle?
An iambic paddle is a dual-lever key used in CW (Morse code) communication. It allows dots and dashes to be generated in a fast and rhythmic way.
2. What does “iambic” mean?
The word “iambic” comes from a poetic rhythm term and refers to a weak-strong stress pattern. In Morse usage, it represents rhythmic signal generation.
3. How does an iambic paddle work?
One lever produces dots (dits), the other produces dashes (dahs). When both levers are pressed at the same time, the device automatically alternates dots and dashes.
4. What is the difference between an iambic paddle and a straight key?
A straight key produces signals manually with a single lever. An iambic paddle works with an electronic keyer, enabling faster and more consistent sending.
5. What are the advantages of iambic keying?
It provides less hand fatigue, higher speed, better timing accuracy, and more efficient Morse sending.
6. Is an iambic paddle suitable for beginners?
Yes, but it requires some practice to get used to. Once learned properly, it offers more efficient operation in the long term.
7. Does an iambic paddle require additional circuitry?
Yes. An electronic keyer (Morse keyer) is usually required for proper iambic operation.
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