Bert, as stated there is not one correct answer. I have been a CW ham op for 67 years with some maritime CW ops also. In the old days we needed to use our brain filters, since any receiver we could afford was wide as a barn door, and even the more expensive ones had filtering far inferior to what we now have. So for casual operation many of us old guys actually prefer a wider bandwidth for tuning around and even a QSO with no or even some nearby stations, and may only use the very narrow roofing and/or DSP filters in our rigs if the going gets really bad. I believe newer hams probably rely more on a narrow filter (DSP or roofing). When I ordered my K3S a few years ago I got only the 2700, 750, and 400 Hz filters. I ordered the 750 Hz filter directly from Inrad. My plan was to later Order more filters, but the DSP filter is so good that I do not think I will order the 250 Hz filter. In other radios I usually used around 700 Hz to 1000 Hz filters for casual CW, but really needed good 400 Hz and 250 Hz filters for tough (contest) operation. So with The DSP filtering, I think your 500 Hz filtering should be adequate for most or all of your operating. The exception is if you Use your rig in close proximity to other stations (like FD) or a KW within a few blocks, or if you have a very large Yagi in say a 20 meter contest loaded with other well equipped stations. As Jim stated his 1000 Hz filter was probably not needed, just use your SSB filter with your DSP set to 1000 Hz or whatever, and if things get really tough narrow the DSP filter all the way down to 500 Hz or less and your roofing filter will switch in. I do often use my 750 Hz filter, but not sure it would be worth it if I ordered again. Also, sometimes the NR function is a real help, but usually it does a better job with somewhat wider filtering, perhaps even over 1000 Hz in some situations. If budget is not a consideration, and you like go for serious contesting, and sometimes DX, then a filter less than your 500 Hz filter may be worthwhile, so spend some time on CW. As to the set up as Jim suggested get and read the Fred Caddy book. Good info on setting up where the switch in point for various roofing filters may be different than the BW setting (I set mine up slightly different than the Elecraft suggestion). Also Fred’s, and Elecraft books offer some good advise on how to best use NR, NB, and APF and other buttons. The threshold settings are important, and the settings for signals down in the noise on 160 may not be the same as for typical ham operation. Enjoy your K3S, I sure enjoy mine, and do experiment since some CW folks use AGC and others ride the RF gain control. I am sure many will have other equally good or better suggestions, so just experiment awhile before you order more roofing filters. Rick KL7CW K3S KX2 KX1 etc.
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