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Remember the satisfying clack of a mechanical typebar and the swoop of the carriage return? Typewriters aren’t just relics — they’re experiencing a renaissance. Writers, designers, collectors, and people seeking a distraction-free writing experience are rediscovering these machines. Whether you want a portable manual for journaling, a heavy-duty electric for stationery work, or a restored collectible to display, there are plenty of UK shops and online sellers to explore. Think of a typewriter like a classic car: parts, personality, and patina matter as much as performance.
If you want something fresh out of the box, mainstream channels like Amazon UK and large retailers often carry modern mechanical keyboards or typewriter-styled machines that blend vintage looks with contemporary tech. These outlets are great if you prefer new-condition warranties, quick shipping, and easy returns. Shops such as John Lewis and other department-store style retailers occasionally stock typewriter-style keyboards or retro-themed home-office bits, giving you the charm without the uncertainty of a vintage purchase.
For machines that are designed more as lifestyle pieces than office machines, boutique online shops and design stores offer attractive, brand-new typewriter-style keyboards and compact electric models. These are ideal if you want the tactile feel of keys but need USB connectivity or Bluetooth for modern devices. Buying from boutique sellers often means better customer support on niche models and a curated selection that’s easier to browse than endless marketplace pages.
If you’re chasing a classic Royal, Olivetti, Remington, or Underwood, eBay UK and Etsy are fantastic hunting grounds. Sellers range from private collectors to specialist shops, so you’ll find everything from project machines sold “as-is” to fully restored gems that look and type like new. The auction format on eBay can snag you a bargain if you’re patient; Etsy often showcases carefully refurbished models and rare parts with clear seller histories.
Don’t underestimate bricks-and-mortar antique centres, flea markets, and vintage shops scattered across the UK. These stores often have unexpected finds — a portable 1950s Olivetti in an attic-like stall, or a mid-century electric tucked behind old radios. Visiting in person lets you inspect key action, platen condition, and noise level, which are hard to judge from photos. Plus, there’s something fun about bargaining with a dealer over a cup of tea and a pile of typebars.
Specialist dealers and restorers across the UK focus solely on typewriters and related services. They can provide full restorations, replacement ribbons and parts, and expert advice on how to keep a machine performing. These vendors are invaluable if you want a working collector piece or need mechanical services like platen resurfacing, new keytops, or carriage alignment. A professional restoration can make a thirty-pound machine feel like it weighs half as much to type on and last for years.
Look for dealers who share before-and-after photos, provide detailed service descriptions, and offer guarantees on their work. Online forums and vintage typewriter communities are good places to ask for recommendations. Many restorers also sell refurbished machines with clear histories and test typing samples, so you can be confident in the condition before committing to a purchase.
One of the most important ongoing purchases is the ribbon. Luckily, ribbons and ribbon spools are readily available from specialist UK suppliers and marketplaces like eBay and Etsy. You can find nylon, fabric, and inked ribbons in black, black-and-red, and other colors. If your machine needs a bespoke spool or a rare tension spring, specialist parts dealers or restorers are the go-to. A good ribbon will keep your lines crisp and your text readable for months of writing.
Paper choice matters: thicker, higher-quality sheets give a better feel under the typebars and reduce show-through. UK stationery shops and online sellers offer heavyweight papers, ruled pads, and typewriter-friendly sheets sized for common uses. If you’re doing forms or labels, look for suppliers who stock pre-perforated or continuous-feed paper — it takes the guesswork out of aligning your carriage return and margins.
Manual typewriters are tactile, quiet in their own mechanical way, and often very portable. They’re great for writers who want to slow down and savor each sentence. Electrics, on the other hand, offer lighter key action and faster typing for heavy workloads. Think of manual as a smooth fountain pen and electric as a reliable ballpoint. Your choice depends on whether you prize the sensory experience or typing efficiency.
If you plan to carry a machine between rooms or travel with it, consider portability. Many portable machines weigh under 15 lbs and have compact cases that make them easy to transport. Desktop and heavy-duty machines can weigh 20 lbs or more but provide a steadier typing platform and often more robust mechanisms. Measure the case and carriage width in inches if desk space is tight, and consider the weight in pounds if you’ll be lifting it regularly.
Ask for clear photos of the keytops, ribbon vibrator, platen (the rubber roller), and carriage rails. Test or request a video of the carriage return and key action; sticky keys or uneven strike often signal service needs. Check that the spacebar springs back cleanly and that the typebars don’t stick together. If a seller offers a local pickup, try to test-typing three to five lines to check alignment and ink transfer.
Beware of machines with cracked platens, severe rust on the chassis, or missing typebars — these can be costly to repair or impossible to restore without custom parts. Extremely low prices can hide non-working items sold “for parts only.” If you’re not handy with tools, it’s worth paying more for a tested machine sold by a reputable dealer rather than buying a bargain that sits on a shelf gathering dust.
Cleaning, oiling, and replacing a ribbon are beginner-friendly tasks most people can do with basic tools. A delicate brush, a few drops of light machine oil, and a new ribbon spool can dramatically improve a machine’s performance. If you enjoy tinkering, learning to remove and clean segment slots and keys can be rewarding, like giving the machine a spa day.
If the machine needs platen resurfacing, key re-bushing, or carriage regeneration, seek a professional. These tasks require specialized tools and experience. A pro can also source rare parts and ensure timing and escapement adjustments are precise. Think of a professional restorer as a skilled mechanic who can return a worn classic to showroom condition.
Typewriter communities are a treasure trove for rare parts and obscure knowledge. UK-based forums, social media groups, and collector clubs often trade parts, offer advice, and list trustworthy sellers. Joining these communities gives you access to shared wisdom and sometimes private sales that never reach wider marketplaces.
For truly rare components, specialist parts dealers and machinists can reproduce parts or adapt modern equivalents. This can be pricier than a simple ribbon replacement but is often the only way to restore an uncommon model to working order. If you’ve fallen in love with a rare brand, a custom solution can be worth the investment to preserve a piece of mechanical history.
Prices vary widely based on condition, rarity, and whether a machine is restored. Basic project machines can start as low as £20 to £40, while fully restored collectors’ models may fetch several hundred pounds or more. Modern typewriter-styled keyboards and new electric models typically range from mid-range to premium price points, depending on features like Bluetooth or tactile switch types.
A professionally restored typewriter often offers years of reliable typing and a beautiful finish, and for many buyers the peace of mind is worth the extra cost. If you type a lot or want an heirloom-quality piece, paying for proper restoration can be a smart long-term investment. If you’re buying for occasional use or display, a lightly cleaned project machine may be perfectly satisfactory.
Keep your machine covered to protect it from dust, and store it in a dry spot to avoid rust. Use the correct ribbon type and avoid heavy-handed lubrication — a drop of light oil at pivot points is usually enough. Periodically exercise the keys and carriage to prevent parts from seizing. Think of your typewriter as a pet that appreciates routine attention rather than as a sealed museum piece.
Want to combine vintage charm with modern convenience? Use a typewriter for first drafts or creative exercises, then transcribe to a computer. Some enthusiasts use smartphone photos of typed pages and OCR software to digitize text. Others pair a typewriter for focus sessions and a laptop for editing — a hybrid approach that delivers both tactile joy and practical workflow.
Whether you’re hunting for a restored 1940s Remington, a reliable portable for daily journaling, or a modern typewriter-style keyboard that pairs with your laptop, the UK has a rich ecosystem of options. From mainstream retailers and marketplace platforms to specialist restorers and vintage dealers, there’s a path for every budget and taste. Take your time, inspect machines carefully, and don’t be afraid to ask the specialist community for guidance — a little homework goes a long way toward finding a typewriter that will click and clack for years to come.
