One of the joys of CW that some operators get to experience after much practice, often from a very young age, is QRQ or "high speed telegraphy". This allows for long conversations with speeds measured in "PARIS" words per minute (WPM) or characters per minute (CPM), or, in the case of numbers, actual WPM or CPM.
Such speeds, and I mean without the use of a keyboard and fast typing, which can also be used, are achieved using electronic keyers with the fast reflex manipulation of a "paddle" key: however, a single lever is best used, or, at least keying without "iambic". This is something it took me decades to realize, as I did not socialize in real life with other QRQ operators: using an iambic key requires a greater reflex due to more critical shorter timing on iambic characters such as "C" and "Q" and sets the realistic maximum speed achievable around 50WPM, whereas one could more easily reach 60WPM and beyond with a single lever key.
Let's hear it from QRQ operators! What type of key do you use? What techniques or methods or applications did you use to build up your receiving and sending speed? Do you still use abbreviations such as "U", "URS", "ES" in QRQ or you tend to spell out "you, yours, and" etc?
For me, at the age of 60, and with only some years here and there in my life, say 1975-1999, and then a long break of over 15 years, I did not use any special keys or techniques, only on air QSO, and reached receive speeds for English or German plain text of maybe 65 WPM and sending of 45 WPM maybe 50 WPM. I'd now like to see if I can improve on that, any advice?
I know that there are several QRQ even "QRQQ" operators who are members of 30CW and who also are very happy to slow down to QRS and even use a variety of keys: single leaver, paddle, cootie side swiper and bugs, as do I so it would be great to hear your advice to those wanting to improve speed beyond 25 WPM, or even improve upon their existing QRQ speeds.
Here a great video of QRQ CW with great keys made by Alberto Frattini I1QOD - by ear I'm guessing final speeds around 60 WPM? https://www.i1qod.it/video