Thermal Typewriter Comparison<br /> by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

Ranked:<br /> 1. Sharp PA-1050<br /> 2. Brother EP-43<br /> 3. Brother EP-20 v 4. Casiowriter CW-10<br /> 5. Canon Typestar 4<br /> 6. Canon Typestar 5

Typewriter Video Series - Episode 207: Canon Typestar 5<br /> by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

Instruction manual shows use of the typewriter in someone's lap.

Doesn't have clean plastic at the top for ripping off pages cleanly.

The 5 is missing a few features that were found on the 4.

These Writing Devices Changed How I Write (7 Tested)<br /> by BYOK

reply to u/Greydusk1324 about the difference in Royal Standard typewriters at https://reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1skmfum/comparing_royal_standard_desk_machines/

I'm (sorry?) to report that the internals of the Royal standard typewriters including the Ten, H, KH, KHM, KMM, KMG, RP, HH, FP, Empress, 440, 660, etc. are all incredibly similar if not exactly the same over several decades. The biggest change is probably the introduction of Magic Margins with the KMM. The margin release button also moved down to the keyboard around this time as well.

Most of the rest are smaller, subtle differences in how the ribbon reverse mechanism is done or things like keytops changing from glass and acetate to plastic, the threading design of the ribbon vibrator, as well as the external design and some of the other small fit and finish. Some of the much later models allow one to remove the entire chassis from the body of the typewriter to make cleaning and servicing easier.

There are certainly differences in type-feel and "weight" in the changes in the keytops, but broadly they're all mostly the same machine. The biggest differences between them all (for me) tend to be how well they've been maintained and/or been cleaned and adjusted. One seriously well adjusted Royal is better than any 20 other random Royal standards you might pick up for a fraction of the price. Of course, if you're doing your own wrenching work, then once you've learned one machine well, the rest are a breeze to work on and bring up to snuff.

If you think there's a huge difference between your KMM and KMG (which are probably the two closest models), then perhaps it's worth it to try some others? The biggest difference may be the FP which has chunkier key caps that have more effect on the "feel". The HH and many of the other later models have thinner key tops. The Ten is probably the most different from the rest. The H, KH, KHM are what I would call "experimental" models moving toward the perfection in the KMM and KMG.

Context: I'm an owner of a KHM, 2 KMMs (including a 47+ pound, 18" wide carriage), 2 KMGs, 2 HHs, half a dozen FPs (in all the colors but Willow Green), and a 440. This includes a variety of their standard pica and elites, a Clarion Gothic, and a Pica Double Gothic. Stylistically I love the KMG and the FP, but my KHM has one of the most satisfying "actions" of any of the machines I own.

Of course, all this depends on what sort of collection you're aiming for. I love a good Royal and have a smattering of other makes and models, but I am slowly working toward a completist picture of Royal Standards. I do try to add machines that have a unique typeface or other feature as I add more of them to get some additional depth and breadth to my collection.

If you're a collector with limited space, then pick up the best looking design(s) (for your personal aesthetic) and rest easy that you're not missing too much. You can also pick up new machines to curate for a few years and then move them along to other collectors to enjoy so that your collection is always changing.

You might get some more detail and nuance by watching Joe Van Cleave's YouTube channel where he's done a few dozen videos on Royal standards as well as comparison videos over the past several years.

Good luck on your hunt!

Typewriter Profile: Comparing the Olivetti Lettera 22, Lettera 32, and Studio 44<br /> by [[Damon Di Marco]] of CreateX3.com on YouTube<br /> accessed on 2026-01-19T11:32:11

Marcello Nizzoli designed the Olivetti Lettera 22, an ultra-portable, and the standard Lexicon 80. He used the automotive idea of press-forming steel to the Olivetti line.

In 1959, the Illinois Institute of Technology chose the Olivetti Lettera 22 as the best designed product of the last 100 years. It also won the Compasso D'Oro Award in 1954.

1963 Lettera 32 introduced<br /> Square keys

1965 Olivetti Studio 44 introduced<br /> Between the standard and the portable<br /> Comes with a case, but is heavier than many portables

Prefer original spools with spool nuts.

TypewriterMinutes - Typewriter Review: 1963 Sears Cutlass - YouTube<br /> by [[TypewriterMinutes]]<br /> accessed on 2025-12-26T01:20:57

SCM Electra 220 Versus Coronet Automatic 12 - YouTube<br /> by [[Joe Van Cleave]]<br /> accessed on 2025-11-01T22:48:53

The Coronet Automatics were one of the first in their line with 1/2 line spacing.

Adler J3 Typewriter - YouTube<br /> by [[Joe Van Cleave]]<br /> accessed on 2025-09-27T15:42:43

The rubber gromets/bushings of the Adler J3 are often an issue with their cases when they've aged.

Joe also compares this with the Olympia SM3 and an Optima Super typewriter (poorly designed)

John Lewis is closing his typewriter shop in Arizona soon.

https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1g1y3ii/thoughts_on_the_nakajima_wpt150/

Buying a New Typewriter - YouTube<br /> by [[Joe Van Cleave]]<br /> accessed on 2025-08-29T18:33:40

Royal Century - Silver Seiko Typewriter Review - YouTube<br /> by [[Joe Van Cleave]]<br /> accessed on 2025-08-28T11:37:07

Broadly a review of the Royal Century made by Silver-Seiko, but he also compares the performance with the Hermes Rocket/Baby and the Smith-Corona Skyriter, which he feels aren't as solid as the Century despite their lighter weight and portability.

Reviewing the We R Memory Keepers Typecast Typewriter! - YouTube<br /> by Sarah Everett for [[Just My Typewriter]]<br /> accessed on 2025-08-27T23:14:56

US Navy Underwood Universal<br /> by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

Royal Arrow by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

The “Charming?” Yet awful Typecast Typewriter (updated) by [[Lucas Dul]]

a tale of two remingtons (remette vs remington 5) by [[Just My Typewriter]]

a $13 typewriter from 2012.......(the Royal Scrittore) by [[Just My Typewriter]]

Most likely manufactured by Shanghai Weilv, but not mentioned or obvious anywhere.

Kmart 300 Deluxe 12 Typewriter by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

Because of the geometry of the JP-7's ribbon vibrator, which hinges from the right rather from the middle, the ribbon can rub against the paper/platen. To remedy this, one can mis-thread the left side to keep the ribbon away from the paper.

Typewriter Video Series - Episode 189: Underwood SX by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

Joe mentions, again, how standards fill up your field of view and aid in cutting out distractions so you can focus more while writing.

At the end Joe talks about the hobby of repairing typewriters.

Olympia SG1 Typewriter by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1hnsfhn/i_bought_some_trash_off_amazon/

Typewriter review: Royal Epoch by [[Richard Polt]]

The 2023 Rover Typewriter: Worst Machine Ever? by [[Typewriter Chicago]]

I know Michaels was carrying the We R Memory Keepers typewriter, but hadn't heard about Home Depot carrying them.

Rover made by Shanghai Weilv Mechanism Company still making typewriters (bad quality control, plastic, poor alignment). These are variously rebadged as: - the Rover - the Royal Epoch - We R Memory Keepers (Michaels, Home Depot) - Royal Classic (metal shell) - Maplefield (Target, Walmart, Michaels) - The Oliver Typewriter Company

Will Davis has determined that they're all based on the Olympia Carina.

Typewriter Video Series - Episode 187: Remington Ten Forty by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

JVC: Somewhere between a portable and an ultraportable. Good, but not great. Could be a solid, easy-to-use machine for a type-in. He wasn't a fan of the touch. Likely wouldn't use it as a daily machine.

Remington Monarch by [[Joe Van Cleave]]]

The Remington Monarch (rebadged as a Singer Graduate), is one of the few machines with 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, and 3 line spacing settings.

It has a true carriage lock on the front of the machine.

Generally solid build, particularly on the main body. Only some portions on the back are pressed metal.

JVC generally likes this machine with respect to it's contemporaries.

A Quick Overview on the Groma Kolibri by [[Typewriter Chicago]]

Lucas Dul loves the Groma Kolibri as one of the finest (ultraportable) typewriters out there.

He also loves the Omega 2 (which is nearly identical to the Princess 200.)

Typewriter Video Series Episode 31: Culling the Herd by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

Rating typewriters by:<br /> - looks<br /> - feel<br /> - print quality

Back to the Futura: The Jetsons' Typewriter - Royal Futura 800 600 400 by [[Lazy Dog Typewriters]]

Empire Sky-Riter Typewriter Review by Smith Corona: The End of Empire by [[Lazy Dog Typewriters]]

Triumph Norm 6 Revisited by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

The 7Keys Retro Typewriter Keyboard by [[Just My Typewriter]]

Sarah thought it was fairly solid for a mid level price. Replaceable blue keys, so a nice mechanical keyboard experience. Better than some of the cheap white label drop ship keyboards in the space.

Royal Empress by [[Joe Van Cleave]] and [[Kevin Kittle]]

Royal Standards were broadly the same internally from 1912 onward.

The Royal HH: my FAVORITE desk typewriter by [[Just My Typewriter]]

Good basic intro, and overview, but doesn't get into deep functionality review. Short list of some writers who used it from Richard Polt's site, though not complete.

Typewriter Video Series - Episode 173: Olympia SG-3 by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

Type Shop, Ep. 15: The Ultimate Keyring Toolset Guide by [[Typewriter Chicago]]

Charles Gu's new keyring pliers for about $500 for a set are as good as if not better than vintage tools. In particular the new rubber pieces seem to help protect from breaking the original glass key tops which will then require replacement.

Olympia SM3 & 9 Comparison by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

My first "ultra-portable" (Skyriter 1955) by [[Just My Typewriter]]

55 had an integral cover versus later versions which had bags.

Typewriter Video Series - Episode 143: Rocket Versus Skyriter by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

Typewriter Video Series Episode 407: Remington Ten Forty by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

Top 10 Typewriters for Writers by [[Daniel Marleau]] (created One Typed Page)

Hermes 3000