Morse Code Key — Reference Chart & Telegraph Key Guide
Two different things share this name: the reference key — the chart mapping every letter, number, and symbol to its Morse code pattern — and the physical telegraph key — the device used to actually send Morse code over radio or wire. Both are covered here.
What Does "Morse Code Key" Mean?
Meaning 1: Reference Chart
The complete chart of dot-and-dash patterns for every letter, number, and punctuation mark — the "key" that lets you look up any character's code. This is the most common use of the term online.
Meaning 2: Physical Device
A mechanical switch — the telegraph key — that an operator presses to generate the electrical or radio pulses that form Morse code signals. It comes in several types, from a simple straight key to advanced iambic paddles.
The Complete Morse Code Key
The full International Morse Code key (ITU-R M.1677-1) — every letter A–Z, digit 0–9, and common punctuation mark with its standard dot-and-dash pattern.
Letters A–Z
| A | .- |
| B | -... |
| C | -.-. |
| D | -.. |
| E | . |
| F | ..-. |
| G | --. |
| H | .... |
| I | .. |
| J | .--- |
| K | -.- |
| L | .-.. |
| M | -- |
| N | -. |
| O | --- |
| P | .--. |
| Q | --.- |
| R | .-. |
| S | ... |
| T | - |
| U | ..- |
| V | ...- |
| W | .-- |
| X | -..- |
| Y | -.-- |
| Z | --.. |
Numbers 0–9
| 0 | ----- |
| 1 | .---- |
| 2 | ..--- |
| 3 | ...-- |
| 4 | ....- |
| 5 | ..... |
| 6 | -.... |
| 7 | --... |
| 8 | ---.. |
| 9 | ----. |
Punctuation
| . | .-.-.- |
| , | --..-- |
| ? | ..--.. |
| ! | -.-.-- |
| / | -..-. |
| ( | -.--. |
| ) | -.--.- |
| & | .-... |
| : | ---... |
| ; | -.-.-. |
| = | -...- |
| + | .-.-. |
| - | -....- |
| @ | .--.-. |
Key Facts
Shortest code
E = 1 dot, T = 1 dash (most common English letters)
Longest letters
Q, Y, J — 4 symbols each
All digits
Exactly 5 symbols long (0–9)
Standard
ITU-R M.1677-1 (International Morse)
Word separator
Forward slash / in written Morse
Timing key
Dash = 3× dot · Gap within letter = 1 unit · Gap between letters = 3 units · Gap between words = 7 units
Morse Code Timing Key
A Morse code reference key isn't only about which letters map to which patterns — it's also about the timing relationships between those elements. This is what separates Morse code that a trained operator can actually read from a string of random beeps.
| Element | Duration | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Dot (dit) | 1 unit | The shortest signal — 60ms at 20 WPM |
| Dash (dah) | 3 units | Always exactly 3× the dot length |
| Gap within a letter | 1 unit | Between . and - within one character |
| Gap between letters | 3 units | Between letters in a word |
| Gap between words | 7 units | Equivalent to a long silence |
Types of Physical Morse Code Keys
The physical telegraph key is the mechanical switch used to transmit Morse code over radio or telegraph lines. Three main designs are still used by amateur radio operators today.
Straight Key
Also called: Hand key, J-38
How it works: A single lever mounted on a base. Push down for a tone, release for silence. The operator controls dot and dash length entirely by hand timing.
✓ Simplest design, very few parts, low cost, easy to learn the basics on.
— Slow for high-speed operation. Wrist and forearm strain at speeds above 15–20 WPM.
Best for: Beginners, casual operators, historical reenactors.
Bug Key
Also called: Vibroplex, semi-automatic key
How it works: A side-lever key: rocking toward the dots side triggers an oscillating arm that produces automatic, consistent dots. Dashes are still formed manually by rocking the other direction.
✓ Faster than a straight key. Less fatigue for dots. Each operator's 'fist' (personal timing style) comes through clearly.
— Takes practice to master. Dot speed is fixed mechanically.
Best for: Intermediate and experienced operators who want speed without full electronic keying.
Iambic Paddle Key
Also called: Dual-paddle key, squeeze key
How it works: Two separate paddles connected to an electronic keyer. Pressing the left paddle triggers automatic dots; pressing the right triggers automatic dashes. Pressing both simultaneously creates alternating dot-dash-dot-dash sequences.
✓ Fastest key type. Perfect, consistent timing. Reduces repetitive strain.
— Requires an external electronic keyer. Takes time to unlearn straight-key habits.
Best for: Experienced CW operators and contest participants who need maximum speed.
A Brief History of the Telegraph Key
The first telegraph key designs were developed in the 1830s and 1840s alongside Morse code itself. Early keys were simple spring-loaded levers: pressing down completed an electrical circuit; releasing it broke it. The length of the closure determined whether the signal was read as a dot or a dash.
The straight key in its classic form was standardized by the late 1800s and was used for all professional telegraph traffic — news dispatches, railway coordination, maritime communication, and eventually military signals — well into the 20th century.
In 1905, the mechanical bug key was patented by Horace Martin under the Vibroplex brand. By rocking a side-lever, the oscillating mechanism produced automatic, evenly-timed dots — dramatically increasing possible transmission speed while reducing fatigue. Vibroplex bugs became standard equipment for fast telegraph operators throughout the early radio era.
The electronic keyer arrived in the 1960s, enabling paddle keys to delegate timing entirely to circuitry. By the 1970s, iambic paddle keys connected to solid-state keyers had become the preferred setup for fast CW operation and remain the dominant tool for experienced amateur radio operators today.
Are Physical Morse Keys Still Used Today?
Yes — amateur radio operators around the world still use physical keys for CW (continuous wave) operation. Beginners typically start with a straight key to learn correct timing by hand before progressing to a bug or paddle. Annual events like the CW Academy's operating weeks and worldwide CW contests keep active communities of operators on the air with keys every year. The physical key represents a combination of manual craft and technical precision that attracts dedicated enthusiasts even when digital modes are available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Morse code key?▼
It has two meanings: a reference chart mapping every letter, number, and symbol to its dot-and-dash pattern, and a physical mechanical switch (the telegraph key) used to transmit Morse code over radio or telegraph wire.
What is the Morse code key for A?▼
A is dot-dash: .-
What is the Morse code key for E?▼
E is a single dot: . — the shortest possible Morse code, assigned to the most common letter in English.
What are the different types of physical Morse code keys?▼
The three main types are: the straight key (a single lever pressed by hand for timing), the bug key or semi-automatic key (auto-dots, manual dashes), and the iambic paddle key (two paddles connected to an electronic keyer for maximum speed).
Is Morse code still sent using a physical key today?▼
Yes — amateur radio operators still use physical keys for CW operation. Straight keys are common for learning, while iambic paddles are preferred by experienced operators.
What is the shortest Morse code in the key?▼
E (single dot .) and T (single dash −) are the shortest codes — one symbol each. They're assigned to the most frequent English letters deliberately to speed up transmission.
How many symbols are in the Morse code key?▼
The International Morse Code standard covers 26 letters, 10 digits (0–9), and a range of common punctuation marks. All letters use 1–4 symbols; all digits use exactly 5 symbols.