Weight
91g
Thickness
6mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Keyshot
Butterfly Keyshot stands as a legendary table tennis blade, celebrated for pioneering Arylate fiber technology to deliver a unique fusion of speed, softness, and dampened vibration. Launched in the early 1990s, it bridged traditional wood and modern composite designs. Its 5+2 ply construction combines Limba, Ayous, and Kiri woods with woven Arylate layers, creating a distinctive feel ideal for spin-oriented, offensive play. Though discontinued, its legacy influences blade design, remaining a coveted choice for players seeking comfort and potent performance.
Keyshot features a 5+2 ply construction, with five wood plies and two layers of woven Arylate fiber placed between the outer and middle wood plies. This specific arrangement is key to its balanced characteristics, providing elasticity and vibration damping without harshness.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Keyshot is considered an offensive blade offering good speed, particularly for its era. The Arylate fiber provides a unique elasticity that contributes to pace, though it doesn't match the raw speed of modern carbon blades. Our testing shows it generally falls in the OFF- to OFF range, making it potent for attacking play without being overwhelming.
Control is a standout feature of the Keyshot. Its soft feel and excellent dwell time allow for precise ball placement and effective management in all phases of play, from blocking to looping. Players report exceptional confidence in touch shots and consistency during rallies.
The Arylate fiber gives Keyshot a distinctive soft and dampened feel, a significant departure from the harsher sensation of many carbon blades. This provides excellent feedback and comfort, making it pleasant to play with over long sessions.
Keyshot offers a medium to medium-high throw angle, which is beneficial for looping and clearing the net with sufficient height and spin, aiding in offensive topspin play.
The blade's construction, particularly the Arylate layers and wood plies, promotes a good dwell time. This allows the ball to sink into the blade, facilitating spin generation and providing a more controlled, connected feeling on strokes.
The Arylate layers contribute to the blade's elasticity, providing a flexible feel that aids in spin generation and absorbs impact. It's more elastic than pure wood blades but less so than stiff carbon composites.
Keyshot was specifically engineered to reduce harsh vibrations. The Arylate fiber significantly dampens feedback, offering a very comfortable and smooth hitting experience that minimizes fatigue.
Butterfly's renowned manufacturing quality is evident in the Keyshot. Despite its age, well-maintained original blades are highly regarded for their durability and craftsmanship. The build quality ensures consistent performance and longevity, contributing to its legendary status.
Technology
Butterfly Keyshot pioneered the use of Arylate fiber in table tennis blades. This material, specifically woven Vectran, was integrated within the wood plies as an alternative to carbon fiber. The innovation aimed to provide the elasticity and speed of composites while reducing the stiffness and excessive vibration common in carbon blades. This allowed players to achieve high spin and controlled offensive play with a softer, more comfortable feel. Keyshot's success directly influenced the development of later Arylate-Carbon (ALC) blades, cementing its legacy in blade technology.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Eric Owens
Eric Owens, a prominent American player, used Butterfly Keyshot as a primary weapon. Its combination of speed and control allowed him to execute a dynamic offensive game with powerful loops and precise placement. The blade's feel and spin-friendliness suited his aggressive yet technical style, enabling high-level competition.
Amy Feng
Amy Feng, another top American player, found success with Butterfly Keyshot. Its balanced characteristics provided the consistency needed for an all-round offensive game. The blade's ability to generate significant spin, coupled with manageable speed and excellent control, allowed her to dictate play and attack effectively in competitive matches.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Viscaria
Viscaria is often considered an evolution of Keyshot, developed shortly after and utilizing Arylate-Carbon (ALC). While Keyshot uses Arylate alone, Viscaria adds carbon, generally resulting in increased speed and stiffness while retaining some Arylate feel. Players seeking similar heritage with more outright power might consider Viscaria.
Butterfly Timo Boll Spirit (TBS)
Timo Boll Spirit shares characteristics with Keyshot in blending speed and control. It features a 5-ply all-wood construction with ALC layers. While Keyshot uses Arylate without carbon for a softer feel, TBS offers a crisper feel and more direct power, making it a slightly faster option for aggressive players who still value control and spin.