13 best electric typewriters

Electric typewriters are office machines that combine the mechanical functions of a traditional typewriter with the added benefit of electrical components to aid in the typing process. They fall under the category of Typewriters, which is related to Other Office Equipment, Office Electronics, and Office Products. Here are some key features and information about electric typewriters:

  1. Electrical Functionality: Electric typewriters incorporate an electric motor to power the typewriter's essential functions, such as advancing the paper, moving the carriage, and striking the typebars. This electric assist reduces the physical effort required by the typist compared to manual typewriters.

  2. Typing Speed: Electric typewriters are known for their faster typing speeds compared to manual typewriters. The electric motor helps the typist achieve consistent and rapid keypresses.

  3. Key Features: Depending on the model, electric typewriters may include features like automatic paper insertion, correction tape or correction ribbon for fixing typing errors, and a built-in ink ribbon cartridge.

  4. Print Quality: Electric typewriters typically produce clean and legible text. The electric mechanism ensures uniform striking of the typebars, leading to more consistent print quality.

  5. Noise Level: While quieter than manual typewriters, electric typewriters can still produce a noticeable amount of noise, especially when typing at a high speed.However, they are generally quieter than older manual typewriters.

  6. Portability: Electric typewriters can vary in size and weight, with some models being quite portable for easy transport between locations.

  7. Power Source: These typewriters require an electrical outlet for operation. They are not battery-powered and must be plugged into a power source.

  8. Maintenance: Electric typewriters require regular maintenance to keep them in good working condition. This includes cleaning, changing the ink ribbon, and addressing any mechanical issues that may arise.

  9. Usage Decline: With the advent of computers and word processors, the use of typewriters, including electric typewriters, has significantly declined in office settings. Modern technology offers more advanced and flexible typing and document formatting options.

  10. Collectibility: Some vintage electric typewriters have become collectible items, appreciated for their historical and aesthetic value. Enthusiasts and collectors often seek out well-preserved models from the past.

In summary, electric typewriters represented a technological advancement in their time, offering faster and more efficient typing compared to manual typewriters. However, their relevance has waned with the rise of modern computers and word processing software, which provide greater flexibility and functionality for document creation and editing. Nevertheless, electric typewriters remain a part of typewriter history and are sometimes sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best electric typewriters on the market
  

Tying the Ribbon: How I Survived a Spinal Cord Stroke and My Life Afterward

Based on 13 reviews Check latest price

Brother GX-6750 Daisy Wheel Electric Typewriter

Brother

Based on 543 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Shipping Depth: 20.0 Shipping Height: 18.7 Shipping Width: 8.2 Master Pack Qty: 24 General Information Manufacturer: Brother Industries, Ltd Manufacturer Part Number: GX-6750 Brand Name: Brother Product Model: GX-6750 Product Name: GX-6750 Portable Electronic Typewriter Marketing Information: The GX-6750 is an entry-level portable daisywheel typewriter. Its features include the Perfect type, professional touch keyboard, automatic correction system including word-out and a 65 character lift-off memory, automatic underling, bold printing, right margin flush and view mode. It has a variable 10/12 pitch typing selector, caps lock, line indent and automatic paper insertion. Product Type: Electronic Typewriter Technical Information Print Technology: Daisy Wheel Print Speed: 12 Paper Width: 12.87 Print Width: 9 Printing Pitch: 10 (Pica) Printing Pitch: 12 (Elite) Features: Copy Features: Line Spacing Memory Character Storage: 65 Input Devices Keyboard: 96 Keys Battery Information Power Source: Power Adapter Power Description Input Voltage: 120 V AC Physical Characteristics Height: 5.3 Width: 16.4 Depth: 15.1 Weight (Approximate): 10.00 lb Warranty Standard Warranty: 1 Year

  • Designed for the student, home user, or small business
  • Professional touch keyboard
  • 65-character correction memory
  • Compact and portable
  • Variety of automatic timesaving features

User questions & answers

Question: WHAT IS THE WARRANTY ON THIS TYPEWRITER
Answer: I do not know sorry and I need it. That and typing paper.
Question: does it need to use correction tape or does it delete a mistake
Answer: If you're talking about a ribbon selector that allows you to choose which color of ink to type with, yes it does.
Question: Hi, would it be possible to send me an example of the font this typewriter produces? I would love to see it before deciding for sure to buy. Thanks
Answer: 1) Remove the ribbon cover by pulling it back toward you. 2) Set the shift lock and move the ink setting to red. 3) Push up two typebars from opposite sides until they wedge in place near where they strike the platen. 4) Remove one ribbon spool by pulling the ribbon-holding finger out of the way, then lifting up on the spool. 5) Repeat on the other side, then remove the ribbon from the ribbon vibrator up near the platen. Take note of how the ribbon is threaded through the vibrator because you'll need to put the new ribbon in the same way. Do these steps in reverse order with a new ribbon.
Question: does it come with ribbon
Answer: FJA Products in Amazon sells them for $9.50, and is an American made company and are always willing to work with customers, that support and American made product!

Brother SX-4000 Electronic Typewriter

Based on 435 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The SX-4000 is a mid-level portable daisywheel typewriter with a 16-character LCD display and a 70,000 word dictionary. Its features include the Perfectype professional touch keyboard, automatic "word-out" and "line-out" correction memory, automatic underling, bold printing, right margin flush and view mode. It has a variable 10/12/15 pitch typing selector and automatic paper insertion.

Features:

  • Perfectype professional touch keyboard
  • View mode allows easy viewing of the typing line
  • Line-by-line printing
  • Automatic carriage return
  • Automatic paper insertion
  • Forward and reverse indexing
  • Automatic repeat for all characters
  • Interchangeable cassette daisy wheel with various type styles available
  • Interchangeable cassette ribbon
  • Self-demo feature automatically demonstrates features and functions
  • Paper support conveniently doubles as lid cover
  • Carrying handle
  • "Word-spell" 70,000 word dictionary with error-locating FIND feature
  • 16-character LCD display
  • Automatic paper insertion
  • Full line lift-off correction memory
  • "Word-Out" and "Line-Out" correction system
  • Automatic underlining
  • Bold printing and right margin flush
  • View mode
  • Variable 10/12/15 pitch typing selector

  • Perfect type professional touch keyboard
  • 70,000 word dictionary with error-locating FIND feature
  • Line-by-line printing
  • Automatic relocation after correction
  • 1-Year limited warranty

User questions & answers

Question: Is this good for writing long documents, such as a novel
Answer: No case
Question: Is it correcting
Answer: I don't know, as I never compared them. I will say that I didn't like how flat this one set which could create hand/wrist fatigue after using for long periods of time. Also felt small and cheaply made for the price. I returned it. If you are interested in looking at this item, purchase with Prime so you can return if unsatisfied. I hope that helps a little bit.
Question: Brother SX-4000 Electronic Typewriter, does it have the
Answer: It is all made of plastic.
Question: does it come with ribbon and correcting ribbon
Answer: Yes, It is.

Nakajima WPT-150 Electronic Typewriter

Nakajima

Based on 297 reviews Check latest price

Product description

NAKAJIMA WPT150 ENGLISH - PORTABLE ELECTRONIC TW. NAKAJIMA WPT150 ENGLISH - PORTABLE ELECTRONIC TW - ~13" carriage - ~9" print width - ~Up to 12 cps - ~1", 1.5", 2" line spacing - ~10, 12, 15 pitch selections - ~Full line correction memory - ~Word and character erase - ~Prestige Pica 10 included - ~1 yea

  • Portable electronic typewriter
  • One-line correction memory
  • Word and character erase
  • Automatic centering, underlining and carriage return
  • 13-inch carriage and 9-inch print width

User questions & answers

Question: If I don’t like it can I get my moeny back
Answer: Simply take the cartridge supplied with the typewriter to a business supply store where the correct model can be matched.
Question: what type of paper can be used
Answer: Thank you for your recent order. The carriage should move as you type. This item may be defective. Please contact our customer service at 1.866.553.8875. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience.
Question: Can I write a book with this
Answer: No, I had to buy it separately.
Question: Is machine fairly quiet, and what's key pressure like. light, medium or firmish
Answer: This is NOT an electric typewriter. The only noise comes from the keys hitting the paper, the little "ding" and "zip" of the manual carriage return. So, yes, it's loud in the sense you can hear it across the room, but it makes no noise when you're not tapping the keys. Hope this helps.

Brother SX-4000 Electronic Typewriter (Renewed)

Brother

Based on 12 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The SX-4000 is a mid-level portable daisywheel typewriter with a 16-character LCD display and a 70000 word dictionary. Its features include the Perfectype professional touch keyboard automatic "word-out" and "line-out" correction memory automatic underling bold printing right margin flush and view mode. It has a variable 10/12/15 pitch typing selector and automatic paper insertion.

  • Perfect type professional touch keyboard
  • Amazon Renewed Gurarantee

User questions & answers

Question: Does this come with a new ribbon and correctable tape
Answer: No. It is really a portable typewriter
Question: What fonts are included
Answer: Times New Roman. Other font wheels can be ordered.

Typewriter & Calculator Small Office Package with Large Dark Printing, Dust Cover, 6 Ribbons & Correction Tapes.

Based on 15 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Typewriter & Calculator Small Office Package with Large Dark Printing, Dust Cover, 6 Ribbons & Correction Tapes.

User questions & answers

Question: Do I need to buy special paper or will regular printer paper work
Answer: Regular printer paper will work.
Question: Does this typewriter comes with a delete key
Answer: Yes it has a delete key.
Question: isthis typewriter electric
Answer: It is electric.
Question: How is this powered? Electric or manual
Answer: Electric

Nakajima WPT-160 Electronic Portable Typewriter with Display and Memory

Nakajima

Based on 28 reviews Check latest price

Product description

NAKAJIMA WPT160 ENGLISH - PORT TW/MEM/DSPLY/SPLCK ~13" carriage - ~20 character display - ~Up to 12 cps - ~80,000 word dictionary - ~10, 12, 15 pitch selections - ~Full line correction memory - ~16,000 text memory - ~Word and character erase - ~Prestige Pica 10 included - ~1 year limited warranty - ~16"

  • 16k Storage Memory
  • 20 Character LCD Display
  • 100 Character Drop-In Printwheel
  • 17 Function Keys
  • 13-inch Paper Capacity

User questions & answers

Question: does this typewriter have a drop in correction tape like the ink cartridge
Answer: No it’s not easy to find the ribbon and the ink for this typewriter even though it’s is a very beautiful typewriter it’s too hard to find things to replace it with unfortunately.
Question: For the wpt-160, when you write to memory, is it possible to write to paper at the exact same time? or do you have to write everything before printin
Answer: Yea I returned it to kohls free Amazon return they ship it for you.
Question: Is the manual printed in English
Answer: this is an old fashion typewriter. it doesn't have auto correct. you mess up you either have to start the page over (new piece of paper) or use white out. and this is not like a key board on your computer. it is manual and the keys are not easy touch like a computer key board. you need strong fingers. so unless you are really good at typing with out mistakes I wouldn't use this. If you want to write a book. I think I would use a computer with "word program". easy to correct before you print. not knocking a manual typewriter. I bought it for typing recipe cards. unfortunately the one i received was defective and was sent back. hope this helps.
Question: What type of paper is best yo use in it
Answer: It should come pre-loaded with an ink tape. You would just need to remove the 4 shipping safety devices and then start typing. There is a diagram in the box that shows you where the 4 devices are located.

Manual Typewriter black

Royal

Based on 530 reviews Check latest price

Product description

This is a portable manual typewriter for on-the-go authors! The Royal Epoch Manual Typewriter features a wide 11 in. carriage for typing its 88 characters on the black and red nylon ribbon. A sturdy carrying case is included.

  • 12. 5" carriage
  • 11. 6" maximum print width
  • 11" typing width
  • 44 keys & 88 characters
  • Space bar repeater key

User questions & answers

Question: What cartridges shoud I buy
Answer: I am not sure what to tell you, my granddaughter says her return handle doesn't work correctly, and for the monies we spent on this "classic" typewriter, I am very disappointed with the product. Never got a reply from the company either....hope you have better luck...sorry.
Question: Just bought this typewriter (my first), and the carriage doesn't move when I type. Is there something I need to do to engage the carriage
Answer: there is a knob on the right side of the machine. Play with that untill you either go up or down a line
Question: Does ribbon come with this typewriter
Answer: did not ask for the registration card. Sent the typewriter back. I thought it was poor quality and had problems getting it to work properly. Good luck!
Question: Is it loud? I got Brother typewriter and it is too loud. I need little quiter one
Answer: That's a good question. I checked the instruction manual, and there's no mention of any replacement parts. But with a quick Google search, I found the ribbons at Walmart, Office Depot, Amazon, and Staples.

Nakajima WPT-150 Portable Electronic Typewriter with Correct Film Ribbon and Blow Off Air Duster Bundle (3 Items)

Based on 12 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Nakajima WPT-150 Electronic Typewriter is a portable typewriter packed with useful features. It comes with one-line correction memory, word and character erase, automatic centering, underlining and carriage return, and many other functions. This typewriter has a 13-inch carriage, 9-inch print width, and a 12 character-per-second print speed. It has 10, 12, and 15 pitch selections and 1-inch, 1.5-inch, and 2-inch line spacing. It includes a 100-character Prestige Pica 10 printwheel.

Bundle Includes:

  • Nakajima WPT-150 Portable Electronic Typewriter
  • Nakajima NAKXC001 Br Xc001 Ae-710 - 1-Sd Correct Film Ribbon
  • Max Professional Blow Off Air Duster Cleaner (3.5oz)

  • Bundle Includes: Nakajima WPT-150 Portable Electronic Typewriter, Nakajima NAKXC001 Nakajima Br Xc001 Ae-710 - 1-Sd Correct Film Ribbon, and Max Professional Blow Off Air Duster Cleaner (3.5oz)
  • Print Speeds: It has a 13-inch carriage, 9-inch print width and a 12 character-per-second print speed. It has 10, 12 and 15 pitch selections and 1-inch, 1.5-inch and 2-inch line spacing
  • Make Corrections: Automatic centering, underlining and carriage return makes typing easy because you can make corrections right away
  • Erase Mistakes: Has the function for word and character erase so you can type with peace of mind
  • Includes: Includes 100-character Prestige Pica 10 printwheel

User questions & answers

Question: How to install new tape into brother 52 xl typewriter
Answer: Hello I do not have any chance(s) to use it yet Therefore I cannot answer your question I is a very light and handy machine though Hope it will work nicely when I get to use it
Question: Is this device cordless
Answer: no

Nakajima WPT-160 Electronic Portable Typewriter with Display and Memory

Nakajima

Based on 16 reviews Check latest price

Product description

NAKAJIMA WPT-160 Portable Electronic Word Processing Typewriter, 16K Storage Memory, 20 Character LCD Display, Full Line Correction Memory, Automatic Word Correction, Spellcheck, Margin Left/Right

The WPT Series typewriters offer features that make typing fast and easy. These lightweight portables are heavyweight performers. They are built to the industry's highest quality standards. With unsurpassed performance features, quality and reliability, the WPT's are an unbeatable value!



Key Features

  • Margin Release
  • Space
  • Backspace
  • Express Backspace
  • Automatic Relocation
  • Automatic Carrier Return
  • Automatic Centering
  • Automatic Underlining: Wordline
  • Index Forward/Reverse
  • Bold Type
  • Caps Lock
  • Repeat Keys
  • Required Space/Hyphen
  • Indent
  • Tab Ste/Vlear
  • Decimal Tabulation
  • Right Margin Flush
  • Set Page Lenght
  • Automatic Paper Eject
  • Super/Sub-Script
  • Built-in Carrying Handle


Specifications

  • Printing Method: 100 character drop-in printwheel
  • Print Keys: 45
  • Function Keys: 17
  • Print Speed: 12 CPS
  • Key Stroke Buffer: 30 Strokes
  • Storage Memory: 16K byte
  • File Storage: 50 files
  • Tabulation: 16 position (programmable)
  • Printing Width: 9"
  • Paper Capacity: 13"
  • Pitch Selection: 10 (Pica), 12 (elite), 15 (micro)
  • Line Spacing: 1, 1.5, 2
  • Keyboard II: Special Symbols
  • Number of Copies: 1 original/2 copies
  • Impression Control: 3 levels
  • Power Requirements: 120V, 60Hz / 230V, 50Hz
  • Power Consumption: 8W (4W for standby, 2W for power off)
  • Dimensions (W x D x H): 16.2" x 14.7" x 4.5"
  • Weight: 11.6 lbs

  • Margin Release, Space, Backspace, Express Backspace, Automatic Relocation
  • Automatic Carrier Return, Automatic Centering, Automatic Underlining: Wordline
  • Index Forward/Reverse, Bold Type, Caps Lock, Repeat Keys, Required Space/Hyphen
  • Indent, Tab Ste/Vlear, Decimal Tabulation, Right Margin Flush
  • Set Page Lenght, Automatic Paper Eject, Super/Sub-Script, Built-in Carrying Handle

User questions & answers

Question: Is there a ribbon or ink cartridge
Answer: ribbon
Question: Does electronic mean it works off electric power
Answer: Yes
Question: Does it use arial 12 font
Answer: I can not find a way to change the font from 10 to 12 so no it does not.
Question: Are supplies readily available for this machine
Answer: Yes

Royal Exclusive 79106B Classic Manual Typewriter (Blue)

Based on 34 reviews Check latest price

Product description

In 1904 in a small machine shop two men produce their first Royal typewriter Their guiding principles of innovation and quality are the foundation of their company and products And now today Royal resurrects the Classic! The Royal Classic Portable Manual Typewriter features all metal construction a wide 11 in carriage 88 characters and a black and red nylon ribbon It's ideal for those who prefer a nostalgic decor a retro look or an escape from digital technology A true “wireless device” the Portable Classic Manual is perfect for on-the-go authors! Comes with a pre-installed ribbon storage case and owner’s manual The Royal Classic Manual Typewriter offers an alternative to writing documents on computers and has a tactile quality that today’s digital processors lack Working with a typewriter can feel foreign as some typists are adept at typing on a manual typewriter others are not giving the strength is takes to type is much more than a computer keyboard You may find this experience benefits your writing using this Classic vintage machine! Royal Classic Manual Typewriter is tested to work perfectly at production there is a sheet of paper left on the platen roll with every letter and character typed on it It is very important to note that the Royal Classic Manual typewriter is a machine made of hundreds of moving parts and it takes just one to bend or detach from an inadvertent impact that will affect the quality of type Dust your typewriter regularly Dust tends to slip under the typewriter keys Make a regular habit of dusting your typewriter at least once a month Make an effort to get between the cracks in the keys and sweep out any dust that may have accumulated and secure in its storage case

  • Royal Classic portable manual typewriter includes manual
  • Sturdy retro metal housing for durability
  • Pre-installed black/red ribbon and paper support bar
  • Full size keyboard 44 keys 88 symbols and Pica 87 font
  • Spacebar repeat key variable line spacing and ribbon selector
  • Impression control tabulator key margin stops space repeater and 11” maximum typing width
  • 1-year Limited Manufacturer's imported
  • EXCLUSIVE colorway

User questions & answers

Question: Are all functions operational or do not want
Answer: It does a wonderful job of correcting. You can do just one letter or the whole word. The correction tape really lasts. I am on my third ribbon and still haven't changed the tape and I do make mistakes!! This typewriter is great for the price. To correct you hit the backspace and then the correction key at the bottom near the space bar. To do a whole word you do the correction key at the top right with no backspace. I hope this helps.
Question: does it have a case
Answer: I'm not too sure what you want. But It has this - ( " ), and ( "A +" ( Ü+ÜÜ ) _ but it does not have this ( ~ ).......Best i can do
Question: Line spacing cannot change
Answer: Yes it came with cassette ribbon model #1030 and correction tape model #3010. I don't use the correction tape because I type on carbon copy paper a lot. This information comes from the owner manual. The ribbon is enough to get started, but either I typed more than I thought or this was a starter kit. It wasn't hard to find a replacement ribbon at my local Staple store.

Product features

Caring for Your Typewriter

Dusting

Dust can get in between the parts of your typewriter and cause it to not function correctly. Regularly dust your typewrite to keep it in perfect working order.

Storage

Make sure to store your typewriter where it will not be exposed to extensive dust or sunlight.

Lubricant

These typewriters do NOT need lubrication. Over oiling your typewriter can actually reduce the life of the product.

Bent or Broken Parts

Many small parts that work together in this machine. If your typewriter is not functioning properly, take off the metal housing and check for any bent parts that may be inhibiting your typewriter.

IBM 3 Electric Wheelwriter Typewriter - WW3 (Renewed)

Product description

Around the Office offers LIVE customer support on this item. IBM 3 Electric Wheelwriter Typewriter - WW3 (Certified Refurbished)

Classic manual typewriter black

Royal

Based on 164 reviews Check latest price

Product description

In 1904, in a small machine shop, two men produce their first Royal typewriter. Their guiding principles of innovation and quality are the foundation of their company and products. And now today, Royal brings you the Classic! The Royal Classic Portable Manual Typewriter features all metal construction, a wide 11 in. carriage, 88 characters, and a black and red nylon ribbon. It's ideal for those who prefer a nostalgic decor, a retro look or an escape from digital technology. A true “wireless device” the portable Classic is perfect for on-the-go authors! Comes with a pre-installed ribbon, storage case and owner’s manual.

  • Classic RETRO style typewriter with storage case
  • Sturdy metal housing for durability
  • 11" typing print width
  • Full size keyboard with 44 keys and 88 symbols
  • Space bar repeater key, line spacing, tab setting and margin stops

User questions & answers

Question: Does this typewriter have correction tape available to purchase
Answer: I don't no some do some dont
Question: Does it have a key for double colored ribbons
Answer: I use a heavy bond 24 pound paper 98 white Imageprint multi use and it works fine at 8.5" x 11" and even 8.5" x 14 sometimes. Actually any 8.5" x 11" paper will work but the heavier bond make you correspondence stand out. Regulat thin paper looks cheap compared and we need all the help we can get. Try it. Alan
Question: How do you change the ribbon
Answer: From the standpoint of keyboard feel, it is a comfortable typing machine. Memory is limited to one line for correction purposes, I believe. For that reason I would prefer using a computer to write something as extensive as a book. I bought my WPT-150 to do forms and thank you notes. I do record keeping and long projects on the computer. This typewriter will eventually replace my Sears Communicator II from 1985 if and when it ever dies.
Question: Are replacement ribbons easy to find for this? Thanks
Answer: The striker arms do make noise, it is a manual typewriter, but for our use it isn't toodistracting. Keys are smooth and do not require much pressure, I would say light to light/medium. They press easier than my cordless computer keyboard.

Product features

Caring for Your Typewriter

Dusting

Dust can get in between the parts of your typewriter and cause it to not function correctly. Regularly dust your typewrite to keep it in perfect working order.

Storage

Make sure to store your typewriter where it will not be exposed to extensive dust or sunlight.

Lubricant

These typewriters do NOT need lubrication. Over oiling your typewriter can actually reduce the life of the product.

Bent or Broken Parts

Many small parts that work together in this machine. If your typewriter is not functioning properly, take off the metal housing and check for any bent parts that may be inhibiting your typewriter.

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