The Best Electric Typewriters for Writing in 2023

While computers dominate most writing today, electric typewriters still appeal uniquely. The tactile experience of typing on physical keys can boost focus and creativity for writers. Electric models make typing easier with automated carriage returns and uniform vital strikes.

This guide reviews the best electric typewriters available in 2023 for writing letters, manuscripts, notes and more. We compare durability, ribbon life, noise level, special features, and overall typing experience across manual, self-correcting, compact and lightweight electric typewriters. Whether you’re looking for a portable machine or want office-style productivity, we’ll help you pick the right electric typewriter to spark your writing.

Brother SX-4000 Electronic Typewriter (Renewed)

The Brother SX-4000 Electronic Typewriter (Renewed) is a refurbished product professionally inspected, tested, and cleaned by Amazon-qualified vendors. It is backed by the 90-day Amazon Renewed Guarantee, which ensures the product is fully functional and in excellent, good, or acceptable cosmetic condition. The typewriter may come with non-original accessories, but they are guaranteed to be compatible and fully functional. This product features thermal printing technology and produces monochrome output. It has a professional touch keyboard and a 70,000-word dictionary with an error-locating FIND feature. It also offers line-by-line printing and automatic relocation after correction. The product dimensions are 20 x 18.6 x 8 inches, weighing 12.27 pounds.

The Brother SX-4000 Electronic Typewriter (Renewed) is part of the Amazon Renewed program, which extends the lifetime of products and reduces electronic waste. If the product does not work as expected, it is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt. The product has received positive customer reviews, rated 4.1 out of 5 stars based on 32 ratings. However, it is currently unavailable, and there is no information on when or if it will be back in stock. The product was first available on February 12, 2019, and is manufactured by Brother.

Smith Corona SL 460 Electric Typewriter Portable Correctable

The Smith Corona SL 460 Electric Typewriter Portable Correctable is a vintage office product with mixed customer reviews. The typewriter, currently unavailable for purchase, has an overall rating of 3.2 out of 5 stars based on 33 customer ratings. The product is designed for use in the US and may require an adapter or converter for international use due to differences in outlets and voltage. It is essential to check compatibility before purchasing. The typewriter has been compared with similar items, such as the Brother GX-6750 Daisy Wheel Electric Typewriter and the Maplefield Black Vintage Typewriter. These comparisons are based on factors such as customer ratings and price. Customers who viewed this item also viewed other typewriters and related products. Some customers have reported issues with the typewriter, including problems with the lock button light and the absence of an operations manual. However, others have praised the product’s functionality and the seller’s quick and helpful response to queries.

The product information indicates that the typewriter weighs 10.9 pounds and has package dimensions of 16.5 x 14.1 x 5.6 inches. The ASIN is B00KYYOARG.Amazon encourages customers to report if they find a lower price for the product elsewhere. This feedback helps Amazon ensure that its prices remain competitive. The Smith Corona SL 460 Electric Typewriter Portable Correctable is a vintage office product with mixed reviews. Its availability and cost may vary, so potential buyers should check these details before purchasing.

Nakajima WPT-160 Electronic Portable Typewriter with Display and Memory

The Nakajima WPT-160 is an electronic portable typewriter with a display and memory. This product is designed for those who need a reliable and efficient typing tool, whether for personal or professional use. The typewriter features a 20-character LCD and a 16k storage memory. It also includes a 100-character drop-in printwheel and 17 function keys, providing users with a wide range of typing options. The device can accommodate a 13-inch paper capacity, making it suitable for various documents.

The Nakajima WPT-160 has received a rating of 3.7 out of 5 stars from 91 ratings on Amazon. Customers have praised the typewriter for its quality and functionality. Some users have noted that it is excellent for filling out forms, especially in law offices. Others have appreciated the screen and memory features of the typewriter. However, some customers have reported issues with setting the margins and initial setup due to a lack of clear instructions. This typewriter is ranked #153,423 in Office Products and #61 in Typewriters on Amazon. It was first available on July 23, 2008. Amazon offers a voluntary 30-day return guarantee for this product. The Nakajima WPT-160 Electronic Portable Typewriter with Display and Memory is sold by various sellers on Amazon, with prices starting from $276.00.

Royal 69149V Scriptor Typewriter

The Royal 69149V Scriptor Typewriter is a portable electric typewriter designed for authors who need to write on the go. It features a wide 13-inch carriage, 62 character and function keys, and a carrying handle for easy transportation. The typewriter also includes additional features such as correction memory, auto underlining, bold print, word correction, centering, and more. It comes with a printwheel, correctable ribbon, and lift-off tape. ROYAL CONSUMER PRODUCTS manufactures the product and it weighs approximately 12 pounds. Its dimensions are 16.25 x 14.75 x 4.75 inches. The model number is ROY69149V, and the manufacturer does not discontinue it. The typewriter is white, and the manufacturer part number is 69149V.

However, it’s important to note that this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. Customer reviews for the Royal 69149V Scriptor Typewriter are generally positive, with an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from 174 global ratings. Users have praised its portability, well-written user manual, and convenient features like the correction key. However, some users have reported issues with the keys being touchy and difficulties with the instructions and using the correction tape. The Royal 69149V Scriptor Typewriter is $229.99, and PORTABLE GUY sells it. The product is eligible for return, refund, or replacement within 30 days of receipt, provided it is returned in its original condition.

Royal 79101T Classic Manual Typewriter (Mint Green)

The Royal 79101T Classic Manual Typewriter is a mint green, portable typewriter that offers a nostalgic and retro aesthetic. It is designed with sturdy metal housing for durability and features a full-size keyboard with 44 keys, 88 symbols, and Pica 87 font. The typewriter includes a pre-installed black/red ribbon, a paper support bar, and a manual. The product has a maximum print speed of 1 ppm and weighs 15.75 pounds. Its dimensions are 15.5″D x 13.5″ W x 5″H, and it uses plain paper as its print media. The typewriter has a spacebar repeat key, variable line spacing, ribbon selector, impression control, tabulator key, margin stops, and space repeater. It also has an 11” maximum typing width and a 1-year limited manufacturer’s warranty.

However, despite its appealing design and features, the Royal 79101T Classic Manual Typewriter has received mixed reviews. Some users have praised its aesthetic appeal and sturdy build, but others have criticized its functionality. There have been complaints about the low-slung space bar causing discomfort during use, inconsistent alignment of the typeface, and the overall quality of the build. Despite these criticisms, the typewriter is still appreciated for its effort to bring back the classic typing experience. Amazon sells the product and is frequently bought with FJA Products Royal Quiet Deluxe Twin Spool Combo Pack Typewriter Ribbon and Mead Paper Multi-Purpose Typing Paper. It is recommended for office use and is ideal for those who prefer a break from digital technology.

Royal 79103Y Epoch Manual Typewriter (Gray)

The Royal 79103Y Epoch Manual Typewriter (Gray) is a portable manual typewriter designed for authors on the go. It features an 11-inch carriage for typing 88 characters on the black and red nylon ribbon. The typewriter comes with a sturdy carrying case for easy transportation. The product is made of Nylon and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene material and has a snap closure. It weighs 16.5 pounds and measures 15.5 x 13.5 x 5 inches. The typewriter is gray and uses black ink. It has 44 keys and 88 characters, including a space bar repeater key. The maximum print width is 11.6 inches, and the typing width is 11 inches.

The product has received mixed reviews from customers. Some users have praised the typewriter for its functionality and value for money, while others have criticized it for its build quality and specific design elements. For instance, some users have reported that the lowercase ‘q’ appears as the letter ‘a, and the keys require significant pressure to register a keystroke. Additionally, replacing the ribbon can be challenging for some users. Despite these issues, many users are satisfied with their purchase and enjoy using the typewriter. The product comes with a legal disclaimer stating that it contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. The product is currently unavailable on Amazon, and is unclear when or if it will be back in stock.

Black Vintage Typewriter for a Nostalgic Flow 

The Maplefield Black Vintage Typewriter for a Nostalgic Flow is a manual typewriter designed to provide a nostalgic writing experience. It is portable, allowing users to write in any location, regardless of the availability of WiFi. Antique designs inspire the typewriter and are available in classic black, bold red, and cool blue. This typewriter is functional and adds an aesthetic touch to any home. It is easy to use and suitable for experienced writers and novices. The typewriter’s lower profile and tough exterior allow it to be stored in various places around the home, such as shelves, closets, drawers, or dressers.

However, customer reviews indicate mixed feelings about the product. Some customers have praised the typewriter for its functionality and design, while others have reported issues with paper feeding, key spacing, and critical pressure. Some keys were said to be sticky or reversed, and some customers received units with missing parts or broken upon arrival. Despite these issues, some customers kept the typewriter due to its aesthetic appeal. The typewriter is priced at $234.99 and comes with an ink ribbon. It can accommodate any paper size. As of March 23, 2023, the product has an average rating of 3.2 out of 5 stars based on 76 global ratings on Amazon.

Brother GX-6750 Daisy Wheel Electric Typewriter

The Brother GX-6750 Daisy Wheel Electric Typewriter is a portable, entry-level typewriter designed for students, home users, or small businesses. It features a professional touch keyboard and a 65-character correction memory. The typewriter is compact and portable, with various automatic timesaving features. The product has a print speed 12 and can accommodate paper widths of up to 12.87 inches. It uses daisy wheel print technology and has a print width of 9. The typewriter also stores line spacing memory characters, a 96-key keyboard, and a power adapter. It measures 16.4 x 15.1 x 5.3 inches and weighs approximately 10 pounds.

The typewriter is sold by PBurg and ships from Amazon Fulfillment. It is frequently bought with the Brother 1030 Correctable Ribbon for Daisy Wheel Typewriter and FJA Products Compatible Typewriter Ribbons & Correction Tape Spools.

Customer reviews are generally positive, with many praising its ease of use, functionality, and the quality of its typing. Some customers have reported issues with the daisy wheel calibration, but these seem to be isolated incidents. Please note that products with electrical plugs are designed for use in the US and may require an adapter or converter for use in other countries.

Brother SX-4000 Electronic Typewriter

The Brother SX-4000 Electronic Typewriter is a mid-level portable device with various features to enhance the typing experience. It comes with a 16-character LCD and a 70,000-word dictionary. The typewriter boasts a Perfectype professional touch keyboard, automatic “word-out” and “line-out” correction memory, automatic underlining, bold printing, right margin flush, and view mode. It also has a variable 10/12/15 pitch typing selector and automatic paper insertion.

The SX-4000 has an interchangeable cassette daisy wheel with various styles available and an interchangeable cassette ribbon. It also has a self-demo feature that automatically demonstrates its features and functions. The typewriter’s paper support conveniently doubles as a lid cover and has a carrying handle for easy portability.

Users have praised the SX-4000 for its tactile feedback, lightness, portability, and durability. However, some users have reported issues with the shift lock key and the lack of a traditional cap lock key. Additionally, the typewriter does not store margin settings, requiring users to set them up each time they turn the device back on. Despite these minor issues, many users find the SX-4000 a practical and useful piece of office equipment, particularly for filling out forms.