Recommended Machines

Recommended Typewriters

Buying your first typewriter is often a daunting task. With thousands of models to choose from, and thousands of price points to consider, how can you know you're buying a solid machine that types well, is easily repaired and well-built? Here are a few editors' picks for top typewriters. Please do note that these impressions are subjective and all machines will be somewhat unique. The quality of many machines will depend in part on their age as well as how well-maintained they are and how recently they've been serviced. It's part of their history.

Standards, Portables, and Ultraportable Typewriters

For details on comparing and contrasting standards, portablea, and ultraportable typewriters for your use cases and needs, try Standard Typewriters versus Portable Typewriters and Ultraportable Typewriters.

Standards

• Underwood 5

• Olympia SG1

• Remington 24

• Royal 10, Royal KMM, Royal KMG, Royal HH, Royal FP
  • These models were broadly very similar over several decades with the primary changes being the exterior body styling.

• Remington Standard 17, Remington Standard KMG, Remington Standard, Remington Super-Riter

Portables

• Smith-Corona Portables

• Brother JP-1 and Similar

• Underwood Four Bank Portables

• Hermes: 2000, 3000

• Torpedo 18B

• Remington Portables nos. 1-5

• Royal Quiet De Luxe

• Remington Quiet-Riter

• Olympia SM series

• Olivetti: Lettera 22, Lettera 32, Studio 44

Ultraportables

• Smith-Corona Skyriter, Corona Zephyr

• Groma Ultraportables

• Silver - Seikou Ultraportables

• Adler - Tippa S

Videos

• Standard Typewriter Recommendations by Mr. & Mrs. Vintage Typewriters (YouTube)
• Top 10 Typewriters by Mr. & Mrs. Vintage Typewriters (YouTube)
• Typewriters for Writers by Joe Van Cleave (YouTube)

Articles

• Top 10 Typewriters for Writers by Daniel Marleau