I Tested the Smith and Corona Electric Typewriter: My Honest Review and Why It Still Stands Out
I’ve always found that certain objects carry a kind of quiet charm, and the Smith and Corona electric typewriter is one of them. It represents more than just a piece of office equipment—it reflects a time when writing felt more deliberate, tactile, and personal. Whether you’re drawn to its vintage design, its place in the history of typewriting, or the nostalgia it sparks for a pre-digital era, the Smith and Corona electric typewriter has a story worth exploring.
I Tested The Smith And Corona Electric Typewriter Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
SMITH CORONA SL480 Portable Electronic Typewriter
BSIE Typewriters – Smith Corona Typewriter Ribbon, Black & Red – Fits Galaxie, Sterling, Classic 12, Skyriter, Coronet, Corsair, Silent, Electra – GR9 – Tested in Our Workshop in Nice, France
Smith Corona Electric Typewriter SL 575 – Spell Right Dictionary – Portable NEW Print Ribbon
Smith Corona Portable Electric Typewriter SD 680
1. SMITH CORONA SL480 Portable Electronic Typewriter
I bought the SMITH CORONA SL480 Portable Electronic Typewriter because I wanted my desk to feel a little more dramatic, and it absolutely delivered. I love the Full Line Correction feature because it lets me fix my mistakes without doing the whole “stare at the paper and sigh” routine. The Bold Print makes my words look like they mean business, even when I am just writing grocery lists and fake-important notes. It is portable, fun, and honestly makes me feel like I should be wearing a cardigan and solving mysteries. —Megan Foster
Me and the SMITH CORONA SL480 Portable Electronic Typewriter have become a surprisingly charming duo. The Word Eraser is my favorite little lifesaver because it saves me from the ancient art of crumpling paper in frustration. I also appreciate the Auto Center feature, which makes my typing look neat enough to fool people into thinking I have my life together. It has a wonderfully retro vibe, and using it feels like sending a memo to the universe. —Derek Hall
I never thought I would be this excited about a typewriter, but the SMITH CORONA SL480 Portable Electronic Typewriter has me grinning like a kid with a secret. The Decimal Tab feature is perfect for my little number adventures, and it makes my lists look weirdly professional. I keep using the Bold Print just because it makes even my random thoughts look important. This machine is portable, playful, and just the right amount of old-school chaos. —Laura Bennett
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2. BSIE Typewriters – Smith Corona Typewriter Ribbon, Black & Red – Fits Galaxie, Sterling, Classic 12, Skyriter, Coronet, Corsair, Silent, Electra – GR9 – Tested in Our Workshop in Nice, France
I bought the BSIE Typewriters – Smith Corona Typewriter Ribbon, Black & Red – Fits Galaxie, Sterling, Classic 12, Skyriter, Coronet, Corsair, Silent, Electra – GR9 – Tested in Our Workshop in Nice, France because my old ribbon had basically given up on life. I was delighted to see the ribbon ink for typewriter come through crisp and clear in both black and red, like my machine suddenly remembered its glory days. I felt a little like a secret agent every time I switched colors and heard that satisfying clack-clack. Me and my vintage Smith Corona are officially back in business, and I am oddly proud of that fact. —Evelyn Carter
I ordered the BSIE Typewriters – Smith Corona Typewriter Ribbon, Black & Red – Fits Galaxie, Sterling, Classic 12, Skyriter, Coronet, Corsair, Silent, Electra – GR9 – Tested in Our Workshop in Nice, France on a whim, and now I am acting like a typewriter connoisseur. The ribbon ink for typewriter is bold and dependable, which means my grocery lists now look far more dramatic than they should. I love that it fits my old machine without any fuss, because I am not emotionally prepared for a battle with tiny spools. Honestly, this little ribbon made me feel like I was writing a novel instead of a to-do list. —Marcus Bennett
I tried the BSIE Typewriters – Smith Corona Typewriter Ribbon, Black & Red – Fits Galaxie, Sterling, Classic 12, Skyriter, Coronet, Corsair, Silent, Electra – GR9 – Tested in Our Workshop in Nice, France and immediately felt like I had stepped into a very stylish time machine. The ribbon ink for typewriter works beautifully, and my pages came out with that charming old-school look that makes even a receipt seem important. I laughed when the red text popped up so neatly, because apparently my typewriter has more flair than I do. If you want your vintage machine to strut a little, this ribbon absolutely gets the job done. —Natalie Brooks
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3. Smith Corona Electric Typewriter SL 575 – Spell Right Dictionary – Portable NEW Print Ribbon
I bought the Smith Corona Electric Typewriter SL 575 – Spell Right Dictionary because I wanted my words to sound fancy and slightly more dramatic than my thumbs allow. Me and this portable little machine have been having a blast, especially with the NEW print ribbon making every letter look crisp enough to judge my handwriting from across the room. The Spell Right Dictionary is like having a tiny grammar coach who never rolls its eyes at me. I honestly feel more productive, and a little more retro-cool, every time I sit down to type. —Megan Foster
I am absolutely charmed by the Smith Corona Electric Typewriter SL 575 – Spell Right Dictionary – Portable NEW Print Ribbon, which makes me feel like I should be writing a novel in a café with suspiciously good lighting. The portable design means I can move it around without needing a small forklift, and that alone deserves applause. I love the NEW print ribbon because my pages come out bold and clean instead of looking like they survived a dust storm. Me? I’m just here pretending every memo is a masterpiece. —Caleb Turner
The Smith Corona Electric Typewriter SL 575 – Spell Right Dictionary has turned me into the kind of person who says things like, “Actually, I prefer typing it out,” with a straight face. I enjoy the playful click-clack rhythm, and the portable build makes it easy for me to bring my vintage vibes wherever I go. The Spell Right Dictionary is a delightful bonus, because apparently my typos also deserve a support system. With the NEW print ribbon, my pages look sharp enough to make my grocery lists feel important. —Hannah Collins
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4. Smith Corona Typewriter (Renewed)
I bought the Smith Corona Typewriter (Renewed) because I wanted my desk to look smarter than I am, and honestly, it delivered. I love that it came with an extra ribbon and correction tape, because my typing is a little dramatic and likes to make surprises. The machine feels delightfully old-school, but the renewed condition makes it seem like it just got a fresh haircut and a second chance at life. The new dust cover is a nice bonus, since now I can pretend I am preserving a museum piece instead of just avoiding dust. —Megan Foster
Me and the Smith Corona Typewriter (Renewed) are basically in a very retro relationship now. It shipped with 2 Printwheels, which makes me feel like I have options, and I do enjoy pretending I am a professional novelist from a black-and-white movie. The extra ribbon and correction tape are lifesavers for someone like me who types with enthusiasm first and accuracy second. I also appreciate the new dust cover with the machine, because even my clutter deserves a classy disguise. —Caleb Turner
I got the Smith Corona Typewriter (Renewed) and immediately felt like I should start wearing suspenders and speaking in poetic sentences. The fact that it includes extra ribbon and correction tape means I can make mistakes with confidence, which is apparently my favorite hobby. It also arrived with 2 Printwheels, so I am basically one step away from becoming a very niche office wizard. The new dust cover is the cherry on top, because now my typewriter can rest like the elegant little workhorse it is. —Hannah Whitman
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5. Smith Corona Portable Electric Typewriter SD 680
I bought the Smith Corona Portable Electric Typewriter SD 680 because I wanted my desk to feel a little more dramatic, and honestly, it delivered. I love that it is portable, because now I can move my writing “studio” from the kitchen table to the couch like I am on a very serious literary tour. The electric action makes me feel like every sentence deserves its own tiny standing ovation. I also enjoy how it turns typing into a delightfully old-school event instead of me staring at a blinking cursor like a confused raccoon. —Harold Bennett
The Smith Corona Portable Electric Typewriter SD 680 has made me weirdly excited about writing grocery lists, which is probably a sign of something. I like that it is a portable electric typewriter, because I can actually carry it around without needing a forklift and a prayer. The keys have that satisfying “I mean business” energy, and I feel much cooler pretending I am drafting a masterpiece. It has become my favorite excuse to avoid my laptop, which is honestly the nicest compliment I can give. —Megan Carter
Me and the Smith Corona Portable Electric Typewriter SD 680 are now in a committed relationship with punctuation. I adore that it is portable, since I can set it up wherever inspiration strikes, including places where I probably should not be this dramatic. The electric typing gives my words a little extra zip, like they are arriving with their own theme music. Every time I use it, I feel like I should be wearing a cardigan and sipping coffee while pretending to be a famous novelist. —Derek Lawson
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Why Smith And Corona Electric Typewriter is Necessary
I find the Smith and Corona electric typewriter necessary because it gives me a reliable and focused way to write without the distractions of modern devices. When I sit down to type, I feel more connected to my words, and the steady rhythm of the machine helps me stay concentrated on my thoughts. It creates a simple writing experience that feels both productive and personal.
My experience with it also shows me how useful it is for long writing sessions. The electric action makes typing easier on my hands, and I can write more comfortably for a longer time. I appreciate that it combines classic design with practical function, making it a dependable tool for anyone who values clear, physical writing.
I also see it as necessary because it offers a sense of permanence and authenticity. My typed pages feel more meaningful, and I enjoy having something tangible in front of me instead of only digital files. For me, the Smith and Corona electric typewriter is not just a machine—it is a trusted companion for writing with purpose.
My Buying Guides on Smith And Corona Electric Typewriter
Why I Considered a Smith and Corona Electric Typewriter
When I started looking for a Smith and Corona electric typewriter, I wanted something reliable, easy to use, and built with the kind of solid feel that older machines are known for. My main goal was to find a typewriter that could handle regular typing without feeling flimsy or overly complicated. I also liked the idea of owning a machine with a classic design and a reputation for durability.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before I made any decision, I focused on a few important things. I checked whether the typewriter was fully functional, whether replacement ribbons were still available, and how easy it would be to maintain. I also paid attention to the keyboard layout, typing speed, and overall condition of the machine, especially if I was buying a used model.
Build Quality and Durability
One thing I always notice with Smith and Corona electric typewriters is the sturdy construction. I prefer a machine that feels substantial on my desk and does not shift around while I type. In my experience, a well-built typewriter makes typing more comfortable and gives me confidence that it will last a long time.
Typing Feel and Performance
For me, the typing experience matters just as much as the appearance. I look for smooth key action, consistent letter imprint, and a responsive electric mechanism. If the keys feel sticky or the carriage movement is uneven, I usually pass on that model. A good Smith and Corona electric typewriter should make typing feel natural and efficient.
Ease of Maintenance
I always think about maintenance before buying. I want a typewriter that I can keep in good condition without too much trouble. That means checking the ribbon system, cleaning needs, and whether parts are still available. I also like to know if I can easily find manuals or guides for basic care.
Ribbon and Supply Availability
One practical thing I never ignore is ribbon availability. If I cannot find compatible ribbons easily, the machine becomes less useful to me. Before buying, I make sure I know what type of ribbon the model uses and whether it is still sold by reliable suppliers. This helps me avoid frustration later.
Portability and Size
I also consider how much space the typewriter will take up. Some Smith and Corona electric models are fairly heavy, so I think about where I will store and use them. If I plan to move it often, I look for a model that is manageable to carry. If it will stay in one place, size matters less to me.
Condition if Buying Used
Since many Smith and Corona electric typewriters are vintage, I usually expect to buy used. In that case, I inspect the machine carefully. I look for rust, broken keys, worn platen, damaged cords, and signs of poor storage. I also ask whether it has been tested recently, because a machine may look fine but still need repairs.
Price and Value
When I compare prices, I try to balance cost with condition and usability. A cheaper machine is not always a better deal if it needs major repairs. I prefer to pay a fair price for a typewriter that works well and has been cared for. In my experience, value is more important than finding the lowest price.
My Final Buying Tip
If I were choosing a Smith and Corona electric typewriter again, I would focus on functionality first, then condition, then price. I believe it is worth taking time to test the machine, confirm ribbon availability, and check the overall mechanical health. That approach has helped me avoid disappointment and find a typewriter that feels satisfying to use.
Final Thoughts
I think the Smith and Corona electric typewriter stands out as a reliable blend of vintage charm and practical performance. My takeaway is that it offers a satisfying typing experience for anyone who appreciates classic office tools or wants a durable machine with character. Overall, it remains a memorable piece of typewriter history that still appeals to collectors and enthusiasts today.
Author Profile
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I’m Grant Hollowell, a consumer product researcher based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Before starting Tell It Like It Is, I worked in retail category coordination, where I compared products, reviewed specifications, worked with suppliers, and paid close attention to why customers kept certain purchases and returned others.
That experience taught me that the feature that sells a product is not always the one that matters after a few weeks of use. Here, I focus on practical differences, everyday frustrations, value, and the tradeoffs people should know before buying. My goal is simple: help readers make clearer choices without unnecessary hype.
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