Hello Matt
If you search for the keywords “Palm” or “Bamatech” you’ll find a whole lot of information.
In general, you should test whether you like holding the key in your hand or whether you want to attach it to a device (perhaps a desk pad). There are keys that are specially built to be fixed to the device. e.g. Elecraft - KXPD2.
Then you could test whether you can handle sensor keys. There are also interesting possibilities.
The mechanics of the classic keys differ… they are made of plastic (e.g. Palm) or aluminum (e.g. Bamatech)
Both have advantages and disadvantages. The advantages of an aluminum version, however, is the mechanically clean pressure point… Plastic is lighter and warmer in winter.
I love my Bamatech BaMaKeY TP-III (btw: I use the BaMaKeY TP-II at home) and do most QSOs with it… but in winter I use the plastic palm key… on the one hand it’s lighter and warmer… on the other hand the Bamatech is open to the contacts and sensitive to moisture (snow, rain).
A good key has its price. There are many cheap models on the market. With what I had in my hand so far, I knew that I would not enjoy it for long.
Once you’ve found your joy in CW, you’ll progress fairly quickly and learn to appreciate a good key. You shouldn’t let a bad key take away your joy.
Find out what you like and then treat yourself to something good.
73 Armin