The recently announced #21327 LEGO Ideas Typewriter became available for LEGO VIP members a few days ago, and it looks like the first batch of sets is already gone. The next opportunity to purchase the set will be on July 1st, which is the official launch date for wider release. You can read all about the set, as well as watch the designer-video at LEGO Ideas Typewriter Press-Release.
The original concept for the #21327 LEGO Ideas Typewriter came through LEGO fan Steve Guinness’ submission to the LEGO Ideas platform. And the final design of the set is the work of LEGO designers Wes Talbott and James May.
The design is inspired by the classic typewriter used by the LEGO Group’s founder Ole Kirk Kristiansen, and it moves and sounds just like the real thing. The brick-built center typebar rises each time a letter key is pressed and is linked to the carriage that moves across as you type. There is also a platen roller that you can feed real paper into. In fact, the set comes with a letter written by Thomas Kirk Kristiansen, a member of the fourth generation of the LEGO Group’s owner family.
The typewriter model measures over 4.5 in. (11 cm) high, 10.5 in. (27 cm) wide and 10.5 in. (26 cm) deep, which is decently close to the size of classic portable typewriters. In fact, I learned to type on one these old style typewriters, which originally belonged to my grandpa, then was passed down to my mom, then to me. I remember that the keys were quite hard to press, especially for a first grader, but I still liked it because it looked ancient, and because of the clicking and ratcheting sounds it made. My mom kept using it for many more years even after most people switched over to computers. She said it reminder her of grandpa, who was an avid writer and typist.
Unfortunately, I did not have a chance to purchase the set last week, but I did watch the video-review by JANGBRiCKS with interest (included below). I’m also seeing on LEGO forums and social media that the set has been received with great enthusiasm and positivity. The printed keys, sand-green body, and new black & red fabric element make this set especially realistic and lovely.
As I mentioned, the #21327 LEGO Ideas Typewriter is currently showing as temporarily out of stock after LEGO VIP members snapped up the first batch of sets. It should be available again at the beginning of July. Prices are as follows: $199.99/€199.99/329.99 AUD/269.99 CAD. To keep tab on when the set is back in stock, visit the LEGO Ideas section of the Online LEGO Shop.
What do you think? How do you like the LEGO Ideas Typewriter? Is this a set you’re planning to get? Feel free to share your thoughts and discuss in the comment section below!
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I like it. Not the color but the concept.
I didn’t pay any attention to this Ideas set, but it turned out really great. Even with the few imperfections that Jang talks about it’s fine with me. One of the best updates from idea to final set in my opinion.
We also had one of these in our family. And it was even light green like the set. Really digging this. Good job by the designers.
I love the sounds it makes! The NES set is like that too, with authentic clicks and other sounds. I like when they pay attention to little things like that. 😀
It’s awesome that the letters are printed. Thank you, Lego! 😀