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The Key Is Aqui! K8RA P2 IAMBIC KEY.
Ok , so I recently sold my Bencher Iambic Key (Gold/Chrome version) and had planned to be content with the ubiquitous Bencher BY-1. The BY-1 has pretty much been the standard iambic key of hams for many years. The Bencher BY series are utilitarian, they work, and are at a reasonable price point.
A few days ago I was poking around on the internet and came across an ad for a K8RA P2. I found the K8RA website, liked what I saw, and decided to try one out.

The first thing that you notice is that the P2 is a great looking key. It is machined out of solid brass, has ball bearing pivot points, knurled adjustment knobs, silver contacts, and a choice of finger pieces.

My P2 came with the standard clear lexan and the more attractive optional rosewood finger pieces.

The P2 has a nice heft to it, weighing in at about 2 ¾ lbs. The base is solid ½ inch brass. (I couldn’t find a published weight on the BY-1, but my bathroom scale and un-calibrated hand suggests that the weight is close on both keys). The P2 is coated with a clear lacquer to preserve the appearance of the polished brass.

A feature that I like on the P2 is the 4 point foot arrangement, as opposed to the 3 point on the Benchers.

The P2 has its’ cable connections on the top rear, like Vibroplex. The Bencher connections are on the bottom.

Overall, I really like the look and feel of the P2. K8RA puts the meaning back in “pounding some brass”.

The K8RA P2 is $130 + $10 shipping, rosewood finger pieces are $7. K8RA has several other models available and all are ordered through the website: http://www.K8RA.com

The Bencher BY-1 has an MSRP of $125 (street prices vary) and is available through most amateur radio dealers.

EHAM Review K8RA:  http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/2387

EHAM Review Bencher:  http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/43

Disclaimer: I have no financial or other interests in K8RA or Bencher. Photos were taken by me.




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