Best Electric Typewriters

Review & Comparison, Last Update December 25, 2023
Despite the fact that a laptop is a far more impressive piece of technology, there's still no better device than a typewriter if ...Read more
PROS

The Nakajima WPT-160 portable typewriter boasts multiple useful functions, a very impressive dictionary, and a comfy carrying handle. The machine has an automatic papers select/eject feature, 16 position tabulation, and just-right margin justification. You will also be able to set the page length.

CONS

The instructions are a bit complicated. 

OUR VERDICT

This machine will make a fantastic present for those who like to collect things, as well as for anyone who works with words. The unit has a more comprehensive spell check compared to it rivals. If you are looking for a typewriter with a Spanish keyboard, it is also available.

detailed parameters
Type

Daisy wheel

Carriage

13" (9" typing width)

Printing pitch

10 (Pica) / 12 (Elite) / 15 (Micro)

Typing Speed

12 characters per second

Power Source

AC

Extras

LCD screen, Handle feature, 80,000-word dictionary, Full line correction memory, Word and character erase, Prestige Pica 10 included, 16K storage memory

Dimensions

16" х 14" х 5"

12.9 lbs

Warranty

1 year limited

PROS

The Word-Spell, 70,000-word dictionary with error-locating FIND feature, basically rivals high-end spell checkers. The feature even provides typographic and phonetic corrections. The automatic paper insertion feature will noticeably streamline the writing process. The handle will let you easily carry this machine. 

CONS

The 16-character LCD screen could've been bigger. 

OUR VERDICT

Though the Brother SX-4000 looks pretty unassuming, the machine is anything but. You'll be able to quickly and efficiently type/write for hours on a daily basis. The typewriter will let you keep the texts neat and error-free. Plus, the machine is as durable as they come.

detailed parameters
Type

Daisy wheel

Carriage

12.87" (9" typing width)

Printing pitch

10 (Pica) / 12 (Elite) / 15 (Micro)

Typing Speed

12 characters per second

Power Source

AC

Extras

One-line LCD screen, "Word-spell" 70,000-word dictionary with error-locating FIND feature, Automatic paper insertion, Self-demo feature, 2-in-1 paper stand and keyboard cover, Handle for easy carrying

Dimensions

16.4" x 15.1" x 5.3"

10 lbs

Warranty

1 year

PROS

The typewriter comes equipped with a programmable choice of 12 different tabulation options and an automatic centering solution. It will also provide you with the opportunity to type in bold, in case you ever need to highlight some parts of the text over the others. The sound that keys produce is reminiscent of the legacy mechanical models. 

CONS

Some people may find the sound the keys make a tad too loud. 

OUR VERDICT

The Nakajima WPT-150 will be able to fit only those customers that do not particularly care about the latest innovations and advancements in this field and would like to simply recreate that authentic old-school experience.

detailed parameters
Type

Daisy wheel

Carriage

13" (9" typing width)

Printing pitch

10 (Pica) / 12 (Elite) / 15 (Micro)

Typing Speed

12 characters per second

Power Source

AC

Extras

One-line correction memory (90 characters max), Paper stand, Keyboard cover, Handle for easy carrying

Dimensions

16.2" x 14.7" x 4.5"

11.3 lbs

Warranty

1 year

PROS

Lightweight and portable, the Royal electric typewriter boasts easy operation and fast response. The unit has a wide 13-inch carriage, 62 character and function keys, and an ergonomic handle for carrying around.

CONS

Installing the ribbon could be easier. 

OUR VERDICT

Reliable and functional, the Royal Scriptor typewriter will ensure fast typing, easy word correction, and many other useful features. Offering good value for the money, the device can be recommended for both professional and individual use.

detailed parameters
Type

Daisy wheel

Carriage

13" (9" typing width)

Printing pitch

10 (Pica) / 12 (Elite) / 15 (Micro)

Typing Speed

12 characters per second

Power Source

AC

Extras

Control automatic underlining, Bold typing, Superscript & Subscript, Margin set and release functions

Dimensions

‎16.25" x 14.75" x 4.75"

12.32 lbs

Warranty

30 days Amazon

PROS

The LCD screen capable of displaying 2 lines worth of text will allow you to preview what you've written before actually printing it on paper. If you find some sort of mistake or simply something that you would like to change, the correction system will allow you to do just that, with one line of correction memory. 

CONS

The power cord is relatively short. 

OUR VERDICT

This Smith Corona electric typewriter will prove to be a great choice for people that have never used a typewriter as it will help them seamlessly transition from a laptop to a more orthodox technology.

detailed parameters
Type

Daisy wheel

Carriage

12" (9" typing width)

Printing pitch

10 (Pica) / 12 (Elite) / 15 (Micro)

Typing Speed

12 characters per second

Power Source

AC

Extras

Two-line LCD screen, 50,000 words spellcheck, One-line correction memory, 16K text memory, Paper stand, Keyboard cover, Handle for easy carrying

Dimensions

15.35" x 14.57" x 4.72"

~12 lbs

Warranty

1 year

The Best Electric Typewriter for Home and Professional Use

Conforming to the highest industry standards, the Nakajima WPT-160 electronic typewriter will become a fantastic present for anyone who works with words. This lightweight and portable unit allows fast and easy typing and has a bunch of user-friendly features that will make your work as comfortable as possible. In addition to automatic paper select and eject, auto centering, auto relocation, and many other useful features, the unit has an 80,000-word dictionary for a more comprehensive spell check. It also has a 20-character LCD screen.

Featuring 9-inch printing width and 13-inch paper capacity, the machine offers 12 CPS (characters per second) printing speed. You can store up to 16,000 characters (divided into up to 50 files) in the device's memory. Even if you turn the unit off, these files will be maintained for up to 5 years by a backup battery. Note that there are three types of files you can create: text files (including tabs and margins), phrase files (frequently used words and phrases), and format files (margins and tabs only).

On the whole, the Nakajima WPT-160 is a functional and user-friendly device that can be recommended for both home and office use. Offering 80,000-word spell check and up to 16K storage memory, the typewriter will make your work more comfortable and effective.

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B00B29JVEO

Error-Free Writing

The Brother SX-4000 looks somewhat bland. Of course, that's how typewriters used to look more often than not. Still though, the device could use those old-school/classic aesthetics that hipster typewriters sometimes sport. Setting looks aside though, this is an excellent machine.

For starters, the one-line LCD screen lets you see the words you're typing. The 16-character screen is not necessarily something to write home about but enough to make the typing job easier.

The Word-Spell, 70,000-word dictionary with error-locating FIND feature, is awesome though. As far as we're concerned, this feature basically rivals high-end spell checkers apps/addons/software pieces. The feature even provides typographic and phonetic corrections.

We've seen automatic paper insertion before, so there's nothing to discuss here, except that the feature will noticeably streamline the writing process.

As it is usually the case, the self-demo feature can be used to explore the machine's various features and functions. These features and functions include the standard automatic carriage return, an interchangeable cassette ribbon, automatic relocation after correction, full line lift-off correction memory, and more.

Bottom line, though the Brother SX-4000 looks pretty unassuming, the machine is anything but. You'll be able to quickly and efficiently type/write for hours on a daily basis. The typewriter will let you keep the texts neat and error-free. Plus, the machine is as durable as they come, so you'll be able to rely on this device for years to come.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $200.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B0000636X8

Old-School Experience

If you don't necessarily care for the latest advancements in the field and what you want is a machine that is as close to a classic typewriter as it gets without sacrificing the most necessary features in return, we would recommend looking into the Nakajima WPT-150.

It doesn't come with a spell check feature nor does it include an LCD screen. Furthermore, the keys produce a sound that is reminiscent of the mechanical typewriters. Of course, the latter may easily turn off some of the customers, but people that aren't looking to recreate that classic experience shouldn't be considering this model in the first place. It is exactly the Daisy Wheel printing technology with its iconic sound that makes this model attractive to the previously mentioned crowd.

Nevertheless, like we said earlier, some of the newer technologies are simply too useful and convenient to get rid of, so the manufacturers made sure to include a pretty solid correction system that is limited to 90 characters. On top of that, the Nakajima electronic typewriter also comes equipped with a programmable choice of 12 different tabulation options and an automatic centering solution. Finally, it will also provide you with the opportunity to type in bold, in case you ever need to highlight some parts of the text over the others.

Again, as we have said earlier, the Nakajima WPT-150 will be able to fit only those customers that do not particularly care about the latest innovations and advancements in this particular field and would like to recreate that authentic old-school experience.

Last updated price $245.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B001D4CH9O

Good Value for the Money

Great for both professional and individual use, the Royal 69149V Scriptor typewriter features a 45-key, 17-function keyboard. It has a 20-keystroke buffer, a 13-inch carriage, and 9-inch typing width. The device can be used for typing up to 12 characters per second. The typewriter has all the essential features including automatic underlining, auto return, caps lock, paper eject, and many more. You can use the typewriter at home or in your office—the item is portable and simple to carry around, and it has a handy carrying handle. It is also fitted with ergonomic cord storage for even easier transportation.

The Royal electric typewriter comes with an installed correction tape and ribbon, so you can use it right from the box. That said, according to some users, changing the ribbon could be easier. In any case, if you don't like computers and love to print on paper, this is a good option to choose.

All in all, if you are looking for a good quality typewriter at an affordable price, the Royal 69149V is the one to go for. Offering all the basic functions you would expect in a device of its kind, this portable electric typewriter also has a handy carrying handle and cord storage for easy storage and transportation.

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B06WVHY43T

Your Perfect Transition Partner

The Smith Corona Word Smith 250 is the model we would recommend to the younger audience and those people that have never operated a typewriter and are looking for a good place to start.

First off, it is a Daisy Wheel model, so you will have the opportunity to experience that authentic clacking sound that makes people go back to the typewriters in the first place. Some of the same orthodox settings are still there as well, like the 12-inch typing carriage with a 9-inch typing width or printing pitch (number of characters in an inch of a running text) with choices including the 10 (Pica), 12 (Elite), and 15 (Micro).

But, in addition to these legacy settings, the Smith Corona electric typewriter also comes equipped with some of the newer solutions that will help people make a transition from a laptop to a typewriter. The LCD screen capable of displaying 2 lines worth of text will allow you to preview what you've written before actually printing it on paper. If you find some sort of mistake or simply something that you would like to change, the correction system will allow you to do just that, with one line of correction memory. The spell check capable of recognizing up to 50 thousand different words will also help with the transition for people that got used to the spell check system on their laptops. Finally, about 16k worth of text memory will allow you to save your documents more or less the same way a laptop would.

To put all of it differently, this Smith Corona electric typewriter will prove to be a great choice for people that have never used a typewriter as it will help them seamlessly transition from a laptop to a more orthodox technology.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $495.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B001B0AJC2

What Is an Electric Typewriter?

The time of typewriters is over. Or is it? According to Washington Post and a variety of other media outlets, typewriters are actually making a comeback with the millennial generation. While it might seem somewhat counterintuitive since any computer is capable of offering everything that the typewriter does and then some on top of that, the latter actually has quite a few advantages over any computer or laptop connected to the Internet. 

First of all, there's a question of security. Since nobody can hack your typewriter and gain access to your files the same way people can with a computer hooked to the Internet, your intellectual possessions are safe and secure. On top of that, typewriters never crash nor do they buffer, load, or update themselves. These devices are portable, sturdy, and they do not include any distractions the way laptops do, so you can focus on your writing instead of checking social media. Finally, they look much cooler than any regular laptop, which may not be your primary goal but is always a plus nonetheless.

Once you acquire an electric typewriter, you might want to take a look at our review of the best office chairs that will allow you to type for hours in a comfortable position.

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