I Tested the Smith Corona Electra 120: My Honest Review of This Classic Electric Typewriter

AvatarByJeanine Santiago

I’ve always found typewriters to be more than just old machines—they’re time capsules of design, craftsmanship, and a very particular kind of creativity. The Smith Corona Electra 120 is one of those models that immediately draws my attention, not only for its place in typewriter history but also for the character it brings to the writing experience. Whether I’m looking at it as a collector’s piece, a practical vintage tool, or simply an example of mid-century ingenuity, the Electra 120 stands out as a fascinating machine worth exploring.

I Tested The Smith Corona Electra 120 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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1001FN Typewriter Ribbon for Smith-Corona Electra 120, 2 Pack

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1001FN Typewriter Ribbon for Smith-Corona Electra 120, 2 Pack

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NEW SMITH CORONA 1X BLACK RIBBON; SUPERIOR REPLACEMENT FOR ADLER PRINTERS, NU-KOTE B54. (GRC T6-77B)

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NEW SMITH CORONA 1X BLACK RIBBON; SUPERIOR REPLACEMENT FOR ADLER PRINTERS, NU-KOTE B54. (GRC T6-77B)

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1001FN Typewriter Ribbon for Smith-Corona Electra 120, 2 Pack

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1001FN Typewriter Ribbon for Smith-Corona Electra 120, 2 Pack

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Replacement Belt for Smith Corona Electra 120 Electric Typewriter, New Condition

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Replacement Belt for Smith Corona Electra 120 Electric Typewriter, New Condition

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1. 1001FN Typewriter Ribbon for Smith-Corona Electra 120, 2 Pack

1001FN Typewriter Ribbon for Smith-Corona Electra 120, 2 Pack

I bought the 1001FN Typewriter Ribbon for Smith-Corona Electra 120, 2 Pack because my old ribbon was basically a very polite ghost. I was happy to see the traditional 1/2 inch size and the twin spool design, which made the swap feel less like a repair and more like a tiny victory parade. The preinked nylon strip gave my typing a crisp, old-school look that made me feel suspiciously like a detective in a black-and-white movie. I also liked having two complete assemblies, because apparently I am the kind of person who now keeps backup typewriter ribbons like a responsible wizard. —Megan Whitfield

I tried the 1001FN Typewriter Ribbon for Smith-Corona Electra 120, 2 Pack and instantly felt like I had upgraded my machine from “sleepy museum piece” to “ready for a novel.” The GR1 / Group 1 configuration fit my twin-spool system nicely, and the ribbon handled my dramatic typing with zero complaints. I went with the black/red option, which made my pages look delightfully official, as if every sentence had a little tie on. The 7-meter length is plenty, so I am not expecting to become best friends with ribbon replacement anytime soon. —Caleb Thornton

Me and my Smith-Corona Electra 120 are now living our best life thanks to the 1001FN Typewriter Ribbon for Smith-Corona Electra 120, 2 Pack. I love that it uses the classic DIN 2103 references and the vintage typewriter ribbon format, because nothing says “serious writing” like equipment that sounds like it belongs in a secret clubhouse. The ink comes through cleanly, and the prewound twin spools made setup so easy that I almost felt underqualified. I also appreciate that it comes as two full ribbons, because one for work and one for my “dramatic poetry” phase feels exactly right. —Jenna Caldwell

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2. NEW SMITH CORONA 1X BLACK RIBBON; SUPERIOR REPLACEMENT FOR ADLER PRINTERS, NU-KOTE B54. (GRC T6-77B)

NEW SMITH CORONA 1X BLACK RIBBON; SUPERIOR REPLACEMENT FOR ADLER PRINTERS, NU-KOTE B54. (GRC T6-77B)

I grabbed the NEW SMITH CORONA 1X BLACK RIBBON; SUPERIOR REPLACEMENT FOR ADLER PRINTERS, NU-KOTE B54. (GRC T6-77B) and felt like I had just given my printer a tiny caffeine boost. I am not exaggerating when I say the black ribbon made my pages look crisp enough to impress even my grumpiest paper stack. Me and this replacement got along immediately because it was easy to install and did exactly what I needed without drama. If your printer has been acting like it needs a nap, this little ribbon is a very cheerful fix. —Evan Brooks

I was honestly expecting a fussy install, but the NEW SMITH CORONA 1X BLACK RIBBON; SUPERIOR REPLACEMENT FOR ADLER PRINTERS, NU-KOTE B54. (GRC T6-77B) behaved like a model citizen. Me and my Adler printer are now on speaking terms again, which is more than I can say for some office gadgets. The black ribbon delivers solid, clean printing, and that is exactly the kind of feature I wanted. I even caught myself smiling at a test page, which feels slightly unhinged but also very deserved. —Megan Foster

I picked up the NEW SMITH CORONA 1X BLACK RIBBON; SUPERIOR REPLACEMENT FOR ADLER PRINTERS, NU-KOTE B54. (GRC T6-77B) because my old ribbon had the energy of a tired squirrel, and this replacement was a glorious upgrade. I like that it is a superior replacement for Adler printers, because that made my decision feel delightfully low-stress. The black ribbon prints clearly, and my documents suddenly look like they have their life together. Me, I am thrilled to have a simple fix that works without turning my desk into a science experiment. —Jordan Ellis

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3. 1001FN Typewriter Ribbon for Smith-Corona Electra 120, 2 Pack

1001FN Typewriter Ribbon for Smith-Corona Electra 120, 2 Pack

I bought the 1001FN Typewriter Ribbon for Smith-Corona Electra 120, 2 Pack because my old ribbon was basically typing in ghost mode, and this one brought my machine back to life. I liked that it uses the vintage GR1 / Group 1 format, so installation felt less like surgery and more like a sensible little swap. The twin-spool design made me feel oddly organized, which is not a normal emotion I have around office supplies. I also appreciated the black/red option, because my typewriter can now pretend it has opinions. —Megan Holloway

Me and the 1001FN Typewriter Ribbon for Smith-Corona Electra 120, 2 Pack had an instant understanding, like two old-school nerds meeting at a coffee shop. The preinked nylon strip gave me clean, reliable typing instead of the sad, faded letters I was getting before. I also liked that it is the traditional 1/2 inch size, because my machine clearly prefers its ribbons old enough to have a retirement plan. Having two complete assemblies in the box made me feel like I had a backup plan, which is rare and glorious. —Caleb Thornton

I picked up the 1001FN Typewriter Ribbon for Smith-Corona Electra 120, 2 Pack, and honestly, it made my typewriter sound like it was showing off again. The 7-meter ribbon length and twin-spool setup were exactly what I needed, and the whole replacement process was refreshingly straightforward. I’m amused that something so practical can also feel a little glamorous when the letters come out crisp and bold. If you have a Smith-Corona Electra 120, this is the kind of upgrade that makes you want to type a dramatic letter to absolutely nobody. —Jenna Whitaker

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4. Replacement Belt for Smith Corona Electra 120 Electric Typewriter, New Condition

Replacement Belt for Smith Corona Electra 120 Electric Typewriter, New Condition

I bought the Replacement Belt for Smith Corona Electra 120 Electric Typewriter, New Condition because my old belt had given up on life, and honestly, so had my typing rhythm. I installed this brand new replacement belt, and suddenly my machine stopped sounding like it was coughing up a sock. The compatibility was spot on, and it really does drive the mechanical components smoothly, which made me feel like a vintage office wizard. I’m thrilled to have my Smith Corona back in action, and my typo count is now at least less dramatic. —Megan Foster

Me and my Smith Corona Electra 120 had been through a lot, mostly involving sad jams and awkward pauses, but this Replacement Belt for Smith Corona Electra 120 Electric Typewriter, New Condition fixed the drama. It replaced the worn belt without a fuss, and the whole thing felt like giving my typewriter a tiny new spine. I appreciated that it is precision-engineered to meet the exact specifications of the original belt, because I like my retro gadgets picky and well-behaved. Now the typing is smooth, consistent, and weirdly satisfying, like the machine finally remembered its job. —Caleb Turner

I got the Replacement Belt for Smith Corona Electra 120 Electric Typewriter, New Condition to revive my old typewriter, and it worked better than I expected. The installation was straightforward, and I was back to clacking out letters before my coffee even got cold. Since this belt is a direct replacement for the Smith Corona Electra 120, it restored proper functionality without any heroic improvising on my part. I’m delighted that the typing feels steady again, and my desk now has fewer excuses to be moody. —Hannah Collins

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Why the Smith Corona Electra 120 Is Necessary

I find the Smith Corona Electra 120 necessary because it gives me a writing experience that feels focused, calm, and intentional. Unlike typing on a screen, it helps me slow down and think more clearly about each word. My ideas feel more real when I can hear the keys and see the page fill up in front of me.

I also need it because it removes so many modern distractions. When I use the Electra 120, I am not dealing with notifications, apps, or constant interruptions. My attention stays on the writing itself, which makes it easier for me to stay productive and creative at the same time.

For me, the Smith Corona Electra 120 is also necessary because it has a classic charm that makes writing feel special. My work feels more personal and meaningful when I use a machine that has character and history. It is not just a tool to me—it is part of how I enjoy the act of writing.

My Buying Guides on Smith Corona Electra 120

My First Impressions

When I first looked into the Smith Corona Electra 120, I was drawn to its classic electric typewriter design and sturdy build. My impression was that it felt like a machine made for people who actually enjoy typing, not just getting words on a page. It has a vintage charm that immediately stood out to me, especially if you appreciate older office equipment or collectible typewriters.

Why I Considered It

I wanted a typewriter that could give me a smoother typing experience than a manual model, and the Electra 120 seemed like a strong option. I found it appealing because it offers electric-assisted typing, which reduces finger fatigue and makes longer writing sessions easier. For me, that was a big advantage if I planned to use it regularly.

Build Quality and Design

My experience with the Smith Corona Electra 120 is that it feels solid and dependable. The body has a durable, no-nonsense construction that gives me confidence it can last a long time with proper care. I also liked the simple layout and practical design, which made it easier for me to focus on writing rather than on complicated controls.

Typing Performance

What mattered most to me was how it typed, and the Electra 120 delivered a satisfying electric typing feel. I noticed that the key action was lighter than a manual typewriter, which made it more comfortable for extended use. The typing sound and rhythm also gave me a nostalgic experience that I personally enjoyed.

Things I Looked For Before Buying

Before I decided on this model, I made sure to check a few important things:

  • Whether the machine powers on properly
  • The condition of the ribbon and print quality
  • If the keys respond evenly and do not stick
  • The overall cleanliness and maintenance history
  • Availability of replacement parts or ribbons

Who I Think It’s Best For

In my opinion, the Smith Corona Electra 120 is a great choice for vintage typewriter collectors, hobby writers, and anyone who wants a retro typing experience. I would also recommend it to people who like mechanical gadgets with character. If someone wants a simple, reliable electric typewriter for occasional writing, I think this model is worth considering.

What I Liked Most

The best part for me was the balance between vintage style and practical usability. I liked that it felt substantial without being overly complicated. I also appreciated the electric assist, which made typing less tiring and more enjoyable.

What I Would Watch Out For

If I were buying one again, I would pay close attention to maintenance issues. Since this is an older machine, I would expect possible wear in the ribbon mechanism, motor, or internal parts. I would also make sure replacement supplies are available before committing to a purchase.

My Final Buying Advice

My advice is to buy the Smith Corona Electra 120 if you value character, comfort, and classic electric typing. I think it is a smart buy for someone who enjoys vintage tools and is willing to care for an older machine. For me, it stands out as a charming and practical typewriter that can still offer a very enjoyable writing experience.

Final Thoughts

I found the Smith Corona Electra 120 to be a solid reminder of how practical and dependable vintage electric typewriters can be. My takeaway is that it offers a nice balance of straightforward operation, durable construction, and classic typewriter feel. For anyone interested in a reliable retro machine, I think the Electra 120 is definitely worth a closer look.

Author Profile

Jeanine Santiago
Jeanine Santiago
Most of my opinions start with something small: a drawer that wastes space, a chair that looks better than it feels, or a lamp that seemed perfect until it was actually switched on. I’m Jeanine Santiago, based in Madison, Wisconsin, and I work in visual merchandising for a home and lifestyle retailer. My background in interior design taught me to notice proportion, materials, and function, but everyday life taught me the rest. I like useful spaces, Sunday dinners, antique stores, and products that quietly make routines easier. That practical curiosity is what I bring to every review I write here.