Top Typewriter Brands: A Nostalgic Journey

In an age dominated by digital technology, the nostalgic allure and tactile experience of typewriters continue to captivate writers, collectors, and aficionados alike. Revered for their timeless elegance and mechanical precision, certain brands have risen above the rest, offering unparalleled quality and unique craftsmanship. From the illustrious history of Remington and the beautifully intricate designs from Olivetti, to the steadfast reliability of Smith-Corona and the innovative touch by Brother, there's a brand to fit every typewriter enthusiast's needs. Curious to discover which iconic typewriters have etched their mark in the annals of history? Read on below to explore our curated list of the best typewriter brands that have remained beloved through the ages.

Illustration of typewriter

Best brands of typewriter in 2025

Brother

Brother, although not explicitly mentioned as a leading producer in the provided sources, is a well-known brand in the office equipment market. However, the global typewriter market is dominated by regions like Asia Pacific, where brands catering to local needs thrive. In 2023, Asia Pacific captured 40% of the typewriter market, driven by the continued relevance of typewriters in emerging economies and their cultural significance. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.0% from 2023 to 2030. While specific data on Brother's market share in typewriters is not provided, the brand's reputation in office equipment suggests it could be a significant player. For more detailed insights, refer to the typewriter market report.

Olivetti

Olivetti, founded by Camillo Olivetti in 1908, was a renowned Italian manufacturer that dominated the typewriter market, particularly with innovative designs like the Lettera 22 portable typewriter and the pop-art inspired Valentine typewriter. At its peak, Olivetti grabbed 50% of the European typewriter market and was awarded 16 Compasso d'Oro prizes for its product designs between 1954 and 2001. The company ceased typewriter production by 1994 as the market shifted towards personal computers. Olivetti's typewriters were celebrated for their design and functionality, making them a staple in many offices and homes. The company's transition from typewriters to personal computers and other business products marked a significant shift in its business strategy. For more information about Olivetti typewriters, you can visit their Wikipedia page.

Royal

Royal Typewriters, founded in the late 1800s in New York City, is renowned for its innovative and durable typewriters. The company introduced the first portable typewriter in 1906, which became a favorite among writers. The Royal Model 10, launched in 1914, set the gold standard for desktop typewriters and significantly boosted the company's reputation. Royal typewriters are celebrated for their accuracy, efficiency, and reliability, making them a trusted name in the world of writing. Despite the decline of the typewriter market, Royal's legacy endures, with the company now operating as Royal Consumer Information Products Inc. For more insights, visit their classic vintage typewriter blog.

Smith-Corona

Smith-Corona, established in 1886, is renowned as one of the best producers of typewriters, having dominated the market for over a century. The company merged with L.C. Smith & Bros. in 1925 to form the L.C. Smith & Corona Typewriter Company, and by 1925, they had produced an impressive 515,267 Corona 4 units, surpassing the entire production of Corona 3 models up to that point. Smith-Corona introduced its first electric typewriter in 1955, featuring a scientifically sloped keyboard and automatic repeat actions. Despite facing financial challenges in the late 1980s due to the rise of personal computers, Smith-Corona continued to innovate, introducing the portable PWP 270 in 1989. The company's legacy includes a significant impact on the typewriter industry, with its products still sought after by collectors and writers today. To learn more about Smith-Corona's rich history and innovations, visit their entry on Encyclopedia.

Olympia

Olympia, a brand synonymous with German engineering excellence, has been a leading producer of typewriters since its inception in 1903. The company achieved significant commercial success with the release of the Model 3 in 1921 and continued to innovate, introducing models like the SM1 in 1949 and the SG1 in 1953. By the early 1960s, Olympia dominated the German market, with one in two typewriters made in Germany being an Olympia. The brand expanded globally, becoming one of the three largest typewriter manufacturers in the world by the early 1970s. Despite facing financial decline in the late 1970s, Olympia's legacy as a reliable and durable typewriter manufacturer remains intact. For more details on Olympia typewriters, please visit their website.

IBM

The IBM Selectric, introduced on July 31, 1961, was a groundbreaking line of electric typewriters that dominated the market, capturing 75% of the U.S. electric typewriter market by the mid-1970s and selling over 13 million units. Its innovative type element, often called a "golf ball," eliminated the jamming issues of traditional typewriters and allowed for multiple fonts and languages. The Selectric's design, led by Eliot Noyes, was a blend of industrial and artistic elements, making it an iconic piece of IBM's history. By 1978, IBM held 94% of the electric typewriter market, and the Selectric continued to evolve with advanced features like magnetic tape storage and correcting capabilities. The Selectric's impact extended into the development of word processors and personal computers. For more information about the IBM Selectric, visit their official history page.

Underwood

The Underwood Typewriter Company was a seminal figure in the history of typewriters, renowned for its innovative and durable machines. The Underwood No. 5 typewriter, introduced in 1900, dominated the market for three decades, with five million units sold from 1900 to 1931. By the early 1920s, Underwood had sold 2 million of these machines, a number equivalent to the combined sales of all other typewriter manufacturers at the time. The company's rapid expansion included establishing manufacturing facilities in Europe by the early 1900s, capturing a significant share of the global typewriter market. Underwood's typewriters were favored by businesses, government agencies, and professionals due to their rugged construction and long-lasting performance.

Remington

Remington, as a renowned brand, was a significant producer of typewriters, particularly through its subsidiaries like Remington Rand New Jersey and Remington Rand Delaware. The company maintained a steady market share, selling 100,000 units per year from 1982 to 1989, with profits estimated at $209.67 per machine. However, the company faced challenges, including bankruptcy and the inability to adapt to the shift towards electronic typewriters, leading to a decline in its market presence. Despite this, Remington's products were manufactured in facilities in Naples, Italy, and DenBosch, Holland, catering to different global markets. The brand's failure to adapt to technological changes, such as the rise of word processing computers, further impacted its sales. More about the history of the Remington typewriter can be found in this detailed blog post.

Hermes

Hermes Typewriters, initiated by the Swiss company Paillard & Co. in 1887, are renowned for their high-quality and innovative machines. The brand gained popularity with the introduction of the Hermes Baby in 1935, a lightweight and portable typewriter, and later the Hermes 3000 in 1958, which was praised by writers like Truman Capote and John Cheever. These models were known for their reliability, unique design features, and ease of use. Despite the decline of typewriters with the advent of computers, Hermes Typewriters remain highly valued by collectors and writers, reflecting their legacy of innovation and quality. The brand's production spanned several countries, including Switzerland, France, and Spain, until the 1980s. For more insights into classic Hermes Typewriters, visit their dedicated blog page.

Adler

Adler is renowned as one of the best producers of typewriters, with a history dating back to 1896 when the company first ventured into typewriter production. The Adler brand gained significant traction with models like the Empire and Adler 7, known for their innovative push-rod mechanism and exceptional build quality. Despite facing financial setbacks during the Great Depression, Adler continued to innovate, collaborating with Triumph to produce models like the Adler 31 and 32. By the 1960s and 70s, Adler typewriters were popular for their vibrant colors and reliability. The brand's legacy endures even after ceasing operations in 1995, with many of its machines still in use today. For more insights into Adler typewriters, visit Adler Typewriters.