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# Overview

Overview of the Chickadee Family of Morse Code Keys

The **Chickadee family** is a collection of compact, lightweight Morse code keys designed for amateur radio operators who want a simple and portable way to operate CW at home or in the field.

The family currently consists of three different keys: the **Chickadee Tap**, **Chickadee DoubleTap**, and **Chickadee Touch**. Each takes a different approach to sending Morse code while sharing the same goal: creating a small, lightweight, and durable key that's easy to throw into your radio bag and take anywhere. Whether you're operating **POTA, SOTA, QRP**, practicing CW at home, or building an ultra-light portable station, there's a Chickadee designed for the way you operate.

### Chickadee Tap

The **Chickadee Tap** is a compact **straight Morse code key** built around a mechanical keyboard switch. Instead of the larger mechanical assembly found in a traditional straight key, the Tap uses keyboard components to provide a simple and responsive keying action in an extremely small package.

The Tap is the simplest member of the Chickadee family and is a great choice for operators who enjoy traditional straight-key CW.

**Best for:**

* Straight-key operators
* CW practice
* POTA and SOTA
* QRP and portable stations
* Operators looking for the smallest and simplest Chickadee

### Chickadee DoubleTap

The **Chickadee DoubleTap** takes the keyboard-based concept of the Tap and turns it into a compact **iambic Morse code paddle**. Two mechanical keyboard switches provide independent **dit and dah** inputs that connect to your radio.

The result is an extremely lightweight paddle with a crisp and consistent feel, without the size and weight associated with many traditional mechanical paddles.

**Best for:**

* Iambic paddle operators
* Radios that support Iambic Paddle Keys
* POTA and SOTA
* QRP and portable stations
* Operators who prefer physical switches and tactile feedback

### Chickadee Touch

The **Chickadee Touch** is an electronic **capacitive-touch iambic paddle** based on the original touch-keyer project by **M0UKD**.

Unlike the Tap and DoubleTap, the Touch has no traditional mechanical key switches. Instead, capacitive sensors detect contact with the dit and dah touch surfaces.

Our design builds on the original concept with additional features intended for a finished portable key, including **power isolation and ESD protection**. These additions help protect the touch electronics and provide separation between the powered circuitry and the radio's keying interface.

With no mechanical paddle movement required, the Touch provides a unique and highly responsive way to send CW.

**Best for:**

* Iambic paddle operators
* Operators interested in capacitive touch keying
* Ultra-light portable stations
* POTA, SOTA, and QRP
* Operators who want a paddle with no moving keying components

### Which Chickadee Is Right for Me?

| Model                   | Key Type      | Input                    | Requires Power | Radio Keyer  |
| ----------------------- | ------------- | ------------------------ | -------------- | ------------ |
| **Chickadee Tap**       | Straight Key  | Single Mechanical Switch | No             | Not Required |
| **Chickadee DoubleTap** | Iambic Paddle | 2 Mechanical Switches    | No             | Required     |
| **Chickadee Touch**     | Iambic Paddle | Capacitive Touch         | Yes            | Required     |

If you prefer traditional straight-key operation, start with the **Chickadee Tap**.

If you use an electronic keyer and prefer the tactile feedback of physical switches, choose the **Chickadee DoubleTap**.

If you want an electronic paddle with no moving parts, choose the **Chickadee Touch**.