Worst typewriters in your opinion?

[Jaded]

I just been wondering since one of my ice breakers when it comes to talking about typewriters is, "What is everyone's go to typewriters?" Now I'd wanna know the opposite, what is/are your not at all go-to typewriter/s? Let's make this fun and see how many people agree and disagree.

 

[TypewriterGeek]

@Jaded for me, it's the Underwood Deluxe Tuxedo. it's really gorgeous, but it's not practical and the mainframe is a pain to remove in order to have a proper clean. how about you, which one do you think is just not right

 

[Jaded]

@Jaded for me, it's the Underwood Deluxe Tuxedo. it's really gorgeous, but it's not practical and the mainframe is a pain to remove in order to have a proper clean. how about you, which one do you think is just not right

Well, mine would be any ultra portable with a cramped keyboard, something like the Hermes Rocket. Kinda cute, but not comfy for long typing sessions.

 

[TouchType]

Honestly, some typewriters just don't cut it for me. Take the Smith-Corona Corsair or the Olivetti Lettera 25,they can be so frustrating! I've run into alignment issues way too often, and they honestly feel a bit flimsy. Then there are those Blue Bird models and some of the newer plastic Royals, they just scream cheap and unreliable

 

[phdezra]

Hi @Jaded -- Great question! For me, it's gotta be the Remington Noiseless series - the action feels mushy and unresponsive, plus maintenance is a real headache. And any Corona Standard from the 1930s (I own one--ugh, I never use it now) just has terrible ergonomics that'll cramp your hands in no time!

Totally agree with the ultra-portable cramped keyboard issue - they look adorable but your fingers definitely pay the price after an hour of typing. Sometimes the vintage beauties just aren't the practical ones!

Ezra

My Corona Standard 1930s (horrific ergonomics)

 

[typistman]

Hi @Jaded -- Great question! For me, it's gotta be the Remington Noiseless series - the action feels mushy and unresponsive, plus maintenance is a real headache. And any Corona Standard from the 1930s (I own one--ugh, I never use it now) just has terrible ergonomics that'll cramp your hands in no time!

Totally agree with the ultra-portable cramped keyboard issue - they look adorable but your fingers definitely pay the price after an hour of typing. Sometimes the vintage beauties just aren't the practical ones!

Ezra

My Corona Standard 1930s (horrific ergonomics)
View attachment 18

However , I like your SMC

 

[typistman]

For me it's m'y old commodore.. too cheap

 

[typistman]

Honestly, some typewriters just don't cut it for me. Take the Smith-Corona Corsair or the Olivetti Lettera 25,they can be so frustrating! I've run into alignment issues way too often, and they honestly feel a bit flimsy. Then there are those Blue Bird models and some of the newer plastic Royals, they just scream cheap and unreliable

Il have 2 Smith-Corona and i don't have problems.

 

[Alan]

Hi @Jaded -- Great question! For me, it's gotta be the Remington Noiseless series - the action feels mushy and unresponsive, plus maintenance is a real headache. And any Corona Standard from the 1930s (I own one--ugh, I never use it now) just has terrible ergonomics that'll cramp your hands in no time!

Totally agree with the ultra-portable cramped keyboard issue - they look adorable but your fingers definitely pay the price after an hour of typing. Sometimes the vintage beauties just aren't the practical ones!

Ezra

My Corona Standard 1930s (horrific ergonomics)
View attachment 18

Do you think the mushy feel is fixable with any adjustments or is it just how they’re built? Your Corona is beautiful though!

 

[phdezra]

Do you think the mushy feel is fixable with any adjustments or is it just how they’re built? Your Corona is beautiful though!

Interestingly.... as the past few months have passed, I have adjusted to various typewriters, and have come to adore my Remington Noisseless 7 for when I genuinely need somethign quieet, and have also come to enjoy my Corona "flattop" as pictured above.

These days, I think I'd say what unnerves me is something like Royals that have the reputation for being temperamental and skipping randomly. Not picking on one in particular, and mayb e the brand gets a bum rap, but I do think there are far more complaints against Royals than Olympia typers that are probably my favorite. (Hermes are smooth, but Olympias are workhorses!)