Thousands of Morse students have started with a key like this, going back to the 1920's.  Perfectly adequate for sending practice, and an inexpensive gift for that child who might be interested in learing code.  Spring tension and contact spacing are adjustable. The mounting hole spacing is 1-1/16"

This is the famous "Japan ball bearing key," which has been in continuous production since the 1950s.  It has a brass-plated base, silver contacts, a shorting switch, and adjustable ball bearing trunion for smooth and reliable operation under a wide range of circumstances.  Contact spacing and spring tension are easily adjusted and the binding posts are "three-way" to support multiple connection methods.  For connection and adjustment instructions click here. 

Brass Key AM-K4 - $24.95

Need a base for your new AMECO K-4 key?  Our new universal key base is a perfect match. It's a black crinkle-finish aluminum plate, 5.5" x 3"  with four cushioned feet, tapped #8 screw holes to match the K4 (and many other keys with 1-1/2" hole spacing), and two brass screws with tapered heads so they won't interfere with the K-4's shorting switch.  Made with pride in the USA. 

Key Base AM-UKB - $15.95