Within the realm of amateur radio CW communication, there's a well-known and long-standing legend called "The Bug." The scientific name for "The Bug" is "Vibroplex keyer," referring to a unique, purely mechanical, semi-automatic telegraph key invented by American inventor Horace Martin in 1904. This key features a short stroke that automatically strikes and a longer stroke that requires manual control. In the early days of the telegraph industry, such semi-automatic keys were widely popular due to their relatively low cost and the significant reduction in effort required for operators to strike. As electronic technology developed, its role as a productivity tool gradually diminished, but its ingenious design and interesting mechanical feedback continued to make it popular among amateur radio enthusiasts, particularly older "ham" radio operators. Furthermore, its basic interaction logic has influenced the design of later single-paddle and double-paddle automatic keys.
The original poster recently completed a project called...3D-printed cockroach keyAfter learning about the original Vibroplex, I became very interested in finding one suitable for my daily use. I spent a lot of time researching and gathering information to gain a basic but comprehensive understanding of the Vibroplex's history. Today, I finally purchased one, and I am very happy. I plan to write a short article to record and share what I have learned about Vibroplex keys recently, and also to provide a reference for anyone else who is interested in using them.
Introduction to the "Stinky Bug" key.
The mechanical principle of the "臭虫键" is not complex. One side features a simple but ingenious spring-driven device that oscillates back and forth around a balance point when one blade is pressed, making contact with the other blade for half a cycle and then separating it for the other half, thus automatically producing short taps at a 1:1 ratio. The other side has a simple contact point that can be used to "tap what you want," typically for manually generating long strokes.
In modern, commonly used butterfly keys, the same lever simultaneously controls both sides of the linkage. (Taking a right-hand key as an example), when you push the lever to the right, it activates the left side's short-stroke hammer mechanism, triggering the left-side contact; and when you push the lever to the left, it triggers the right-side standard contact. (See the diagram below). However, some early products from Vibroplex featured different designs, such as having two separate levers control the stabs, or using a single contact for both stabs, but the basic human-machine interaction logic remained the same.
Contrary to common intuition, the mechanical Morse key appeared only after the invention of the semi-automatic key controlled by an electromagnetic relay. Horace Martin first invented the electromagnetic semi-automatic key in 1902, but this type of key required additional power and was expensive at the time, so it did not achieve commercial success. Two years later, he redesigned the semi-automatic key based on mechanical principles, which he called the "Morse key," although it lost the ability to automatically send short signals like modern electronic automatic keys, in practice, this made almost no difference, and moreover, the mechanical design was much cheaper and more reliable, making it a favorite among telegraph operators at the time.
Different types of cockroaches
Over its century-long history, Vibroplex has produced a wide variety of semi-automatic switches, and other brands also manufacture them.
The vast majority of Vibroplex semi-automatic key mechanisms can be categorized into two main series: the "Original" series and the "Lightning" series. The "Original" series originates from the company's earliest production model, the Vibroplex Original, which has several distinguishing features, including a one-piece cast central axis, a circular main beam, a cylindrical counterweight block, and an "L"-shaped detent with an arched profile.
Standard Vibroplex Original
The Vibroplex Original features a standard-length shaft and a 3.5-inch wide base, making it the flagship model in this series. A smaller version with a 3-inch base, known as "Martin Junior," is also available. The original model with a shortened shaft and a 2.5-inch base was initially released with a blue base and is now called "Blue Racer." As the name suggests, the Blue Racer is designed for faster shots. In addition to its smaller size, some early versions of the Blue Racer also featured special "U"-shaped stoppers. Both the Original and the Blue Racer models are still in production today. The Original has been produced continuously for over a century, while the Blue Racer was discontinued in 1967 but reintroduced in the 1990s.
Early-type Blue Racer with a blue base and "U" shaped brake
The Lightning series began with the Lightning (also known as "Flash") model, which was launched in 1927. It was a redesigned "modernized" version. Similar to the Original, the Lightning features a triangular central axis, a flat main beam, and a square counterweight block, as well as an "M"-shaped brake that resembles a door. Notably, the Lightning was used by U.S. Army communications units as standard equipment before and after World War II. Its military designation was J-36, and the military version was identical to the prototype except for the markings.
The original poster just bought a 1943 Lightning. Since it has the same structure and age as the J-36, I can reasonably assume that it was a J-36 that witnessed World War II.
Lightning also has a smaller version: the "Zephyr" (meaning "gentle breeze"), which features a 3-inch wide base and a simplified "I"-shaped brake; as well as a "Champion" (meaning "hero") version, which has a standard base, a simplified brake, and no overall circuit breaker. However, while the Lightning series is more modern in design and features the slogan "I have served the President," it was discontinued earlier – the Zephyr was only produced for over ten years, discontinuing in the 1950s; and the other two models were also discontinued before 1980.
Vibroplex Zephyr, a simplified anti-seizure device
In addition to these two main series with five models, early Vibroplex also produced some rare experimental models, such as the "Double lever" which had two independent paddle control points, and the "Model X" which combined two sets of mechanisms into one, using a single contact point.
Besides the "本家" Vibroplex company, some other manufacturers also produced similar semi-automatic switches. Before the 1940s, companies like J.H. Bunnell and E.F. Johnson in the United States introduced their own designs of similar products. During World War II, to meet the needs of US military operations on the front lines, the Vibroplex Lightning military model J-36, as mentioned earlier, was authorized for mass production by several companies, with Lionel being one of the most common manufacturers.
The military version of the J-36 semi-automatic key, from World War II, was structurally identical to the Lightning.
Over the past 20 years, as the primary use of "臭虫键" has shifted towards amateur radio enthusiasts, some manufacturers of amateur radio equipment have begun to enter this field, producing a range of semi-automatic switches, some intended for educational purposes or as collectible items. A Chinese manufacturer, Changshu Electronic Equipment Factory, also produced a batch of DJGK-1 semi-automatic "quick switches," which are still available on the market today. In addition, some CW enthusiasts have also made small batches of DIY semi-automatic switches, with some of these being created by enthusiasts in China.
Domestic DJGK-1 type rapid electrical switch
Clothes for different types of cockroaches
The Vibroplex "Bee" key, produced since 1905, has a history spanning over a century. In addition to its evolution into various designs, the changes in appearance also reflect the impact of changing times.
Prior to the 1920s, all early Vibroplex beetle keys had only two base options: the standard Japanese-style lacquered finish (referred to as "Japanned" in English, which was a common coating used on Japanese furniture at the time) and a nickel-plated version that cost extra. For a period after this, three-color models in red, green, and blue also appeared. These older beetle keys are often in poor condition due to their age, particularly those with Japanese lacquer finishes where the gold leaf patterns have faded or fallen off, resulting in an almost pure black appearance. Therefore, if you see a purely black early model in a photograph, it is not unusual.
Well-preserved "Japanese lacquer" base.
In 1939, Vibroplex likely followed the famous words of automobile tycoon Ford: "We can make any color you want, as long as it's black," by introducing a "Deluxe" version with chrome plating and jewel bearings for the Original, Blue Racer, and Lightning models. At the same time, all "Standard" versions (i.e., non-deluxe) had their keybeds painted in solid black ("Damn capitalists!").
Standard Vibroplex Original Deluxe
However, as everyone knows, two years later, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, "fully embracing their aspirations for Hawaii," and the United States was officially drawn into World War II. Since chromium metal was a crucial military material at the time, it could no longer be used on non-essential items like chrome-plated bases. Therefore, all "luxury" models were converted to use a gray paint between 1941 and 1945. Given the historical context of the Pacific War, this product from that specific period is known as "battleship grey."
"Warship Grey" Vibroplex Original Deluxe
In the early 1950s, Vibroplex changed the standard version's base from solid black to gray, and some domestic users referred to it as the "gray princess" version, but in reality, it was simply the standard color at that time. However, about 20 years later, it reverted back... Additionally, a batch of luxurious "bug keys" bases used for shop displays were gold-plated on their surfaces, and were calledBudget version"Presentation" or "Ultra Luxury Edition". The currently available Original standard version has a black base, while the Blue Racer has a blue base (remembering our original purpose). The luxury edition still features chrome plating, and gold-plated versions are also available for sale.
Current version of Blue Racer
Furthermore, the historical evolution of Vibroplex's "Bee" key is also reflected in its markings. Early versions of Bee keys produced before the 1920s had a variety of different markings, but except for a few thousand from the very early years, their serial numbers generally followed the chronological order that continues to this day. Starting in 1921, Vibroplex began using its iconic "Red Bee" stamped copper plaques.
Classic Vibroplex stamped copper signage
However, after 2009, Vibroplex changed ownership. Due to the closure of the original cooperating manufacturer and the resulting high prices for similar products, Vibroplex's new owners decided to replace the existing copper nameplates with laser-printed, colored paper nameplates (as shown in the current version of Blue Racer image above). This change caused dissatisfaction among many switch enthusiasts, and some domestic enthusiasts even posted online arguing "Why...Playing "The Stench"Purchase "Old Stink Bug".
Vibroplex Buying Guide for 2025
Currently, the new products from Vibroplex's domestic distributors are priced between 2400 and 3000 yuan. However, due to various manufacturing issues and the labeling disputes mentioned earlier, their value for money is not high. The used vintage Vibroplex keycaps sold by domestic enthusiasts also generally fall within this price range. If you find one in good condition with high collectible value, it might be worth considering.
However, if you're on a tight budget, don't just skip ahead – there are plenty of options available overseas. The "臭虫键" (likely referring to a specific watch model) has a significant presence in the US market, and experienced buyers can often find them at much lower prices than domestically: Prices typically range from $100-250 (excluding shipping and customs fees), depending on condition and rarity. More common models like the Original, Lightning, and Champion are often available for as little as $70. Other popular models include Blue Racer and Zephyr, while rarer models such as Double Lever and Model X are even more difficult to find. Within a specific model, luxury or display versions will typically cost more than standard versions. Rare models like "战列舰灰" (likely referring to a specific watch color) also command a premium price.
Additionally, you can also...Official documentation provided by VibroplexBy reversing the product serial number to determine its production year, older products generally have higher value (products produced before 1910, especially those in good condition, are often considered valuable collectibles and can command several times their original price). This allows you to identify specific years or periods that hold special significance for you.
(The following section is open for discussion. The author has not yet personally used any key other than the Original, and this summary is based solely on online reviews.)
From a usability perspective, both the Original and Lightning have relatively wide adjustment ranges, allowing speeds down to around 20 wpm. Both also feature stable bases, making them suitable for beginners and everyday use. The Lightning's adjustment is simpler than that of the Original, but the Original has a larger user base and more readily available information and experience. Users can choose between the two based on their individual preferences.
The Blue Racer offers even higher speeds, with some models only adjustable down to 25 or 28 wpm. This makes it ideal for experienced QRQ users, but may be difficult for beginners or those who are not accustomed to high-speed typing. Furthermore, its narrower and lighter base can make it unstable during fast typing, exacerbating this issue.
Some models, such as the Champion and Model X, have a simplified design that may affect the feel of pressing keys in alternating patterns. Additionally, "paper label" keyboards produced after 2009 may have quality issues, so when purchasing, it is recommended to find a dealer with good after-sales service or consider buying used products that have been inspected by their previous owners.
Conclusion
Countless once-advanced productivity tools, after their period of glory, have become relics of a bygone era. Vibroplex clearly understands this, and they continue to produce models that were already established decades ago, but at prices that are now significantly higher than in the past. This allows them to maximize the emotional value associated with their century-long history, but it also makes these products unaffordable for ordinary enthusiasts.
However, the switch itself surely doesn't want to be locked away as a collectible, even though its efficiency in high-speed operation can no longer compete with automatic switches. Its purpose is to bring joy to its owner. I hope this article provides some reference for those interested in this small, niche product, and that if you one day become the owner of a "臭虫键" (literally translated as "Stink Bug Switch"), you will be able to hear its echoes across over 100 years through its frequency.
闽ICP备2021006864号-7
闽公网安备35020602002794号