Chinese paddles

[ka5y]

Has anyone tried any of the Chinese paddles on eBay?  They don't look too bad.  Some say magnetic but I see springs?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Magnetic-Return-Copper-Iambic-Double-Paddles-Keyer-DX-KV-CW-Key-Morse-Code-For/324312856875?hash=item4b828d792b:g:uyYAAOSwZmpfcieg

 

[MI0PYN]

They're pricey enough for an unknown entity. As you say, the pictures are definitely of springs, but I've seen many examples of Oriental eBay listings where they've simply had a word soup as listing titles, trying to hit every keyword in the world.

They look decent enough, but I think the quality of the paddles depend on the quality of the contacts and how robust the bearing surface between the arms and the central post it. It looks like the spring tension is the only thing holding them together, which is a simple design, but doesn't look to be a hard wearing as the bearings in my Kent paddles for example.

If they were 75% of the advertised price I'd maybe go for it, but at that price, I don't think I'll bother.

 

[Ham4CW]

That brushed finish reminds me of Schurr keys.

https://www.mtechnologies.com/schurr/pro2.jpg

73, Mark...

 

[ChrisG]

I had one of these, they look quite impressive but unless you like constantly adjusting steer clear. Not sure whether it was naff bearings or soft contacts.

 

[Ham4CW]

Hiya Chris (welcome to the forum!).
I had another look at the photos for the listing of the keys in question, and I noticed that on the photo of the underside of the key there are two grub screws where the arms are pivoted, so I wonder if the key uses needle bearings?

I was thinking that unless the pivot points are hardened, or if the grub screws aren't a firm fit, then maybe the bearings could become loose over time with usage?

The contacts 'look' like some form of hard metal from the photos, but it's difficult to tell of course.

73, Mark...