Typewriter Review: Smith-Corona Silent Super
Sometimes folks come to the store looking for a typewriter, but they’re not sure which one to choose. They haven’t used a typewriter in a long time, or maybe they’ve never used one at all.
To those people, I often say, “Here, try this Silent Super.”
I love the Silent Super, and it’s not just because it was my first typewriter and the one I still use most often in my collection (though I admit, that does bias me a bit).
Silent Super in light blue — love the stripe detail!
Here are a few reasons I love this machine:
Great typing action: The Silent Super has pleasantly shaped keys that feel nice under the fingertips, and it has a mechanism that allows the key to press straight downward, rather than at an angle, that feels more natural.
Colors! This machine comes in a variety of colors, from classic beige to beautiful blue and green. The keytops are often off white, but sometimes you can find one with beautiful green keys.
Features! The Silent Super can do everything a portable typewriter can do, and it does it well. The margins are easy to set, it has tabs that you can set and clear at the keyboard, carriage release levers on both sides that are intuitive to use, and more! It even has a number “1” key with an exclamation mark, which many machines don’t have.
Tab key with tab clear and set levers. “M-R” is margin release.
Easy to service and fix: All typewriters need service now and then, and even the best machines sometimes have something go wrong. The Silent Super is one of the easiest portables for repairpeople to work on, which means the cost of repair and service is cheaper for you.
Common: There are a lot of functioning Silent Supers out there, which is great for a few reasons. First, it means that they’re sturdy machines that have stood the test of time. Second, more availability means more parts machines, so if something breaks on yours, it’ll be easier to find spare parts to fix it. Finally, more common machines are often more affordable.
Ribbons: The Silent Super uses universal ribbons, which are very affordable (under $10) and easy to find, as they’re still manufactured today.
The metal tabs with the red accent are the margins, and it has lovely bunny ears to hold up your paper.
Come see us at Type Townsend and try out a Smith-Corona Silent Super!
Or if this typer doesn’t seem like your type, we have so many more available, each one with its own unique charms and features. Come by the shop and we can help you find just the right machine for you.