My first time around with the code I had to learn it for my license. I did so on a Bencher iambic paddle connected to a cheap MFJ keyer that I eventually plugged into my 2510, and made a couple successful contacts in Poland and Russia.
The one problem I had with learning on and using the iambic paddle was I could send code much faster than I could copy it, and that caused some confusion during contacts because most experienced code jockeys will send it back as fast as you deliver it.
This time around I'm playing with the code for fun, not because I have too. The one thing I thought long and hard about was the type of key I would use to learn and get re-started on this time around. I didn't want to get back into that thing where I was sending at 10 wpm, but could only copy 5 wpm, so I figured on a straight key to slow me down, and keep pace with my ability to copy.
The key that impressed me most was the Vibroplex Straight key. You can get their top of the line gold plated base with jeweled action, the basic unit with the black base, or the limited edition "Know Code" unit like I got with the red base. Either model is built like a tank, smooth as butter, fully adjustable, and comes on a heavy base with rubber feet. Vibroplex has excellent customer service, and provides replacement contacts and parts for all their models in production, and even for the one's no longed in production.
It's the only straight key I've ever used, so I can't compare it to any other straight key out there, but I can tell you I'm happy with it......YMMV
