Typewriters with lightest touch

[RibbonJockey]

I'm on a bit of a quest here, I'm trying to discover which typewriters have the shortest key travel and demand the lightest touch to get those little type slugs to dance across the platen. You know, something that doesn't make your fingers feel like they just ran a marathon after a long typing spree. If you've got any reccommendations or personal favorites, I'm all ears! Let's make our typing adventures as comfy as possible because typing pain is so last season

 

[Tortured Poets Department]

I'm on a bit of a quest here, I'm trying to discover which typewriters have the shortest key travel and demand the lightest touch to get those little type slugs to dance across the platen. You know, something that doesn't make your fingers feel like they just ran a marathon after a long typing spree. If you've got any reccommendations or personal favorites, I'm all ears! Let's make our typing adventures as comfy as possible because typing pain is so last season

For sure, I get you no. You want something with a smooth, light feel. So while you're at it maybe check out the IBM Selectric if you can find one.

 

[MrChow]

Hermes 3000, Olympia SM3, and Smith-Corona Silent Super should be your top picks if you put emphasis on 'lightest touch'. They're smooth, easy on the fingers, and great for long sessions.

 

[phdezra]

Hi @RibbonJockey -- Spot on recommendations from @MrChow ! I'd just add that the Hermes Media 3 (the 'budget' Hermes) gives you about 95% of that buttery 3000 feel at a fraction of the price if you find one.

Also the IBM Selectric isn't technically a typewriter by purist standards, but if you can find one, the key touch is chef's kiss light. It's like typing on clouds compared to most vintage machines. Then again, you need dedicated space for that large paperweight.

Whatever you choose, a fresh ribbon and clean typebars always make any machine feel significantly lighter to the touch, IMHO. Sometimes what feels like heavy action is just old gunk fighting back!

Ezra