Compatibility

The following gives an overview of which typewriters are compatible with the USB Typewriter kit, and specifically names those models that are not compatible. If you don't see your favorite typewriter on this list, don't fret -- the specific models shown here are for illustration purposes only, and don't represent a comprehensive list of compatible typewriters. If you are unsure, just ask me. 

NOTE: The USB Typewriter kit cannot be used to convert electric typewriters of any kind.

UNDERWOOD :: ROYAL :: SMITH-CORONA :: REMINGTON :: OLIVETTI :: OLYMPIA :: OPTIMA:: OTHER BRANDS

UNDERWOOD PORTABLES:
In the 1960s, Underwood was purchased by Olivetti and the design changed radically.  Therefore my "Underwood" kit only works on older Underwood typewriters (1910s-1950s).  These models have either glass or bakelite keys, with nickel-plated rings around each key. Models without these metallic rings around the keys will not work with the USB Typewriter kit.


  


Underwood Standard Portable - YES


Underwood "4-Bank" - YES


Underwood 3-Bank - NO
(not enough keys)


Underwood Ace/ Universal/ Champ -YES


Underwood Quiet Tab - NO
(no nickel-plated rings on keys)


Underwood "Noiseless" - NO
(no nickel-plated rings on keys)

UNDERWOOD DESKTOPS:
Only the Underwood No. 3, No. 4, and No. 5 can be converted with the Easy Install Kit.  Later Underwood Desktops, from the 50s, can only be converted with the DIY kit.

  


Underwood #5 and similar - YES


Other Underwood Desktops - NO

ROYAL PORTABLES:
Almost all Royal Portables can be converted with either USB Typewriter kit, but it is far, far easier with the Easy Install Kit. 

The only Royal typewriters that can't be converted are the Royalite, Fleetwood, Mercury, Sprint, and El Dorado models made in the late 60's, because their undersides are fully enclosed and not easily accessible.

  


Royal Standard Portable - YES


Royal Quiet Deluxe - YES


Royal Arrow / Quiet Deluxe - YES


Royal Royalite/El Dorado - NO
(because underside is enclosed)


Royal Quiet Deluxe - YES

 
Royal Aristocrat - YES
Royal Safari - YES


Royal Fleetwood - NO
(because underside is enclosed) 

ROYAL DESKTOPS:
The very popular Royal #10 can be converted, as can later models, but unfortunately earlier Royal desktop models like the Royal #5 "flatbed" cannot.

  


Royal #10 - YES

 


Royal #5 - NO
(because underside is enclosed)

 

SMITH-CORONA PORTABLES:
All "Smith-Corona" portables can be converted, and almost all "Corona" portables can, too. The only exceptions are all of the Corona 3s and certain Corona 4s.

NOTE: The Smith Corona "Super" is encased in plastic underneath.  Since this plastic is not removable, be prepared to cut a large rectangular hole in the plastic so you can access the parts underneath.

  


Corona Silent / Sterling- YES


S&C Classic / Galaxie / Super Sterling - YES


Corona Streamline/Clipper - YES


Corona #4 -- ASK


S&C Silent/Sterling/Clipper- YES


S&C Sterling - YES


S&C Super - YES (see note)


CORONA #3 (Folding) - NO

SMITH CORONA DESKTOPS:
Before its merger with Corona, the L.C. Smith & Bros company made some beautiful desktop models. However, due to their unique decimal keys, which bisect the crossbar, none of these desktops can be converted with the USB Typewriter Kit.

 


LC Smith Desktop - NO

REMNGTON PORTABLES:
All Remington portables with glass or bakelite keys can be converted, with the exception of the Remington "Noiseless" and the Model 1 (these are distinguished by their large doorknob-shaped ribbon covers). Newer Remingtons (which have plastic keys) cannot. The main exception is the Remington "Noiseless", which is distinguished by the doorknob-shaped chrome caps on its ribbon covers -- it cannot be converted.

  


Remington #3 - YES


Remington Deluxe/Streamline YES


Remington Model 1 (Noiseless) - NO

Remington Quiet Riter and Travel Riter -- ASK


Remington #2 - YES


Remington Remette - YES


Remington Noiseless - NO

 

OLYMPIA and OPTIMA PORTABLES:
All Olympia and Optima Portable typewriters will work with our kit, except for those that have metal plates covering their undersides. The kit will not work with the Olympia SF and Olympia Traveller, since those typewriters do not have accessible parts underneath. If you are unsure if your Olympia will work with the kit, please ask.


Olympia SM Series - YES


Olympia Traveller - NO
(because underside is enclosed) 

Olympia Diplomat -  YES


Olympia SM Series - YES


Olympia SF - NO
(because underside is enclosed)

 OLIVETTI and OLIVETTI-UNDERWOOD PORTABLES:
All Olivetti Portables can be converted.  However,  Olivetti models that have perfectly circular keys (namely as the Lettera 22 and Studio 44) cannot be converted with the "Easy Install" Kit. 

  


Olivetti Studio 45 / 46 (Rectangular Keys) - YES


Olivetti Lettera 32 (Rectangular Keys) YES


Olivetti Valentine - YES


Olivetti Studio 44 (Circular keys) - DIY KIT ONLY


Olivetti Lettera 22 (Circular Keys) - DIY KIT ONLY


Olivetti MS25 (currently sold by Urban Outfitters and Amazon.com) - YES

HAMMOND TYPEWRITERS
All Hammond Typewriters can be converted with the D.I.Y. Kit, but the crossbar is very tiny, and so it is a difficult modification. Email me first if you plan on converting an old Hammond.

  


Hammond Multiplex - YES


Hammond Folding - YES

SEARS and BROTHER PORTABLES
Most Sears and Brother Brand typewriters are basically re-branded reproductions of various Smith-Corona models. Send me a photo of yours and I'll advise you.


Tower 88 (S.C. Sterling) - YES


Tower Chief (S.C. Skywriter) YES

OTHER TYPEWRITER BRANDS
If you don't see your favorite brand of typewriter on the above list, then unfortunately they are not currently compatible with the "Easy Install" Kit. 

But if you don't mind picking up a soldering iron, you can still hack together the "DIY" kit on many other typewriter makes and models.  Basically, the only requirement is that your typewriter needs to have a "crossbar" as explained here.


ADLER - YES

ERIKA - YES

WOODSTOCK - YES

IMPERIAL - YES (email me first)

MERCEDES - YES

TORPEDO - YES

HERMES - NO

IBM SELECTRIC - NO