You're stranded on an island with just your qrp rig….

[W1SFR]

The age old question….so what would it be?

[YV5EN]

I really love my bugs:

This is my Vibroplex "Original Standard" (1961), which is the one I usually use when I'm QRPing outdoor.


This is my Vibroplex "Original Deluxe" (1958), which I use on fixed operation (my shack).


This is my Vibroplex "Original Presentation", which allways stays in its box hi hi hi


My outdoor setup:


Main compartment:
Elecraft KX1 transceiver, 12Vdc 5Ah gel batt, dummy load mini, Vibroplex Original Bug, Mini-Padle Iambic key, external speaker, SWR/wattmeter, some connectors and wires.
Upper compartment:
Dipole antenna for 40m, 100 ft coax, earphones, logbook, lantern, World Atlas and Hamradio permissions.

[PG4I]

I suppose the straight key is the most robust and reliable. So it would be my number one choice.

[n7bdy]

I like the simplicity of mechanical things so a straight key is my first choice and what I use all the time .  Second choice  ( if I knew how to use one )  would be a bug .  Both are pretty much unbreakable AND if you do , you can fix them in the field .

Bob

[GM0LVI]

Straight key for simplicity.