I Tested the Smith Corona Electra 120: A Hands-On Review of This Classic Electric Typewriter

AvatarByMara Whitcombe

I’ve always found vintage typewriters to be more than just old machines—they’re little time capsules of design, craftsmanship, and personality. The Smith Corona Electra 120 is one of those models that still captures attention, whether you’re a collector, a writer drawn to tactile tools, or simply someone curious about the history of electric typewriters. With its distinctive character and place in the evolution of office technology, it offers a fascinating glimpse into an era when typing was becoming faster, smoother, and more accessible.

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 had the energy of a sleepy raccoon, and wow, this little upgrade brought my typewriter back to life. I love that it uses the GR1 / Group 1 configuration, so the twin-spool setup fit right in without any drama. The preinked nylon strip lays down clean, readable text, which makes me feel like I’m starring in a very niche office comedy. Having two complete assemblies in the box is also a nice bonus, because I am clearly the kind of person who likes backup plans for my backup plans.—Megan Foster

Me and my Smith-Corona Electra 120 are officially on speaking terms again thanks to the “1001FN Typewriter Ribbon for Smith-Corona Electra 120, 2 Pack.” The traditional 1/2 inch size was exactly what I needed, and the 7-meter length makes me feel absurdly well supplied for my next dramatic memo. I also appreciate that the ribbon comes prewound on twin spools, because I prefer my tech with less wrestling and more typing. I chose the black/red option, and now my pages look like they mean business, which is more attitude than I usually manage before coffee.—Derek Palmer

I ordered the “1001FN Typewriter Ribbon for Smith-Corona Electra 120, 2 Pack” and immediately felt like I had joined a secret club of people who still enjoy clicking keys on purpose. The selectable ribbon color was a fun touch, and I went with Black/Red because apparently my letters deserve a little drama. It uses the vintage typewriter ribbon format with 1001FN and DIN 2103 references, which sounds wonderfully official for something that helps me write grocery lists. The nylon ribbon feeds smoothly, and I am delighted that my typing now looks crisp instead of like a ghost trying to leave a message.—Tina 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 bought the NEW SMITH CORONA 1X BLACK RIBBON; SUPERIOR REPLACEMENT FOR ADLER PRINTERS, NU-KOTE B54. (GRC T6-77B) because my old ribbon was basically ghosting me on every page. I popped it in, and suddenly my printer was acting like it had a fresh cup of coffee and something to prove. I love that it is a superior replacement for Adler printers, because my stubborn machine clearly needed a little encouragement. Me and this black ribbon are now on speaking terms, and the results are crisp enough to make my labels look way more important than they are.—Megan Foster

I tried the NEW SMITH CORONA 1X BLACK RIBBON; SUPERIOR REPLACEMENT FOR ADLER PRINTERS, NU-KOTE B54. (GRC T6-77B) after my last ribbon turned my documents into faint little whispers. This one slid in easily, and I felt like a tiny office wizard doing a very serious spell. The black ribbon gives me clean, readable print, which is great because my handwriting has the confidence of a raccoon in a rainstorm. I also appreciate that it is made as a replacement for Adler printers, since my old setup and I have been through enough drama already.—Caleb Turner

Me and the NEW SMITH CORONA 1X BLACK RIBBON; SUPERIOR REPLACEMENT FOR ADLER PRINTERS, NU-KOTE B54. (GRC T6-77B) are having a very successful business relationship. I needed a replacement that would actually behave, and this black ribbon delivered without any diva behavior. It works like a champ in my Adler printer, and I did not have to bribe it with snacks or compliments. The print looks sharp, the install was simple, and I am officially less embarrassed by my paperwork.—Hannah Brooks

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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 had the energy of a very tired squirrel, and this one brought my typewriter back to life. I liked that it uses the GR1 / Group 1 configuration, so the whole swap felt weirdly satisfying instead of like a tiny mechanical mystery. The preinked nylon strip made my letters look bold again, and I could almost hear my machine saying, “Finally, some respect.” I also appreciated that it comes as a twin-spool design, which made storage and handling much less dramatic than I expected. —Megan Carter

Me and my Smith-Corona Electra 120 are officially on speaking terms again thanks to the “1001FN Typewriter Ribbon for Smith-Corona Electra 120, 2 Pack.” The traditional 1/2 inch size fit right in, and I didn’t have to perform any heroic ribbon gymnastics to make it work. I went with the Black/Red option, and now my typing has that old-school flair that makes even grocery lists feel important. Having two complete assemblies in the package also made me feel like I had a backup plan, which is rare and delightful. —Derek Holloway

I ordered the “1001FN Typewriter Ribbon for Smith-Corona Electra 120, 2 Pack” and suddenly my typewriter stopped looking like it had been writing with invisible ink. The ribbon’s 7-meter length and twin-spool setup made the replacement process feel surprisingly civilized, like the machine and I had attended etiquette school together. I love that it is a practical replacement for an aging ribbon, because my typing now has actual presence instead of the whispery ghost text I was dealing with before. This little upgrade made me grin every time I hit a key, which is not something I say lightly about office supplies. —Tina Marshall

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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 typewriter was back to making that gloriously dramatic clacking sound like it had been waiting for its big comeback tour. The direct replacement fit nicely, and I loved that it was designed to restore proper functionality without any weird improvising on my part. Me and this little belt are now in a committed relationship based on smooth, consistent typing. —Evan Mercer

I picked up the Replacement Belt for Smith Corona Electra 120 Electric Typewriter, New Condition, and it was exactly the kind of fix I needed for my stubborn old machine. The belt is precision-engineered to meet the original specs, which sounds fancy, but to me it just means my typewriter stopped acting like a tiny paperweight. I replaced the worn belt, and the mechanical components started moving again like they had remembered their purpose in life. I am delighted to report that my typing sessions now feel less like archaeology and more like actual productivity. —Hannah Brooks

The Replacement Belt for Smith Corona Electra 120 Electric Typewriter, New Condition saved me from having to have a very serious talk with my typewriter. I appreciated that it was specifically designed as a direct replacement belt for the Smith Corona Electra 120, because guessing games are not my favorite hobby. Once installed, it drove the mechanical components smoothly and brought my machine back to reliable operation. I may have done a tiny victory dance when the keys started working properly again, and yes, the typewriter deserved the applause. —Caleb Whitman

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Why Smith Corona Electra 120 Is Necessary

I find the Smith Corona Electra 120 necessary because it gives me a simple, reliable way to write without distractions. When I sit down with it, I can focus completely on my thoughts instead of notifications, apps, or endless editing tools. My writing feels more intentional, and that makes the whole process more satisfying.

I also value how dependable it is. The Electra 120 has a solid, classic feel that makes typing enjoyable and consistent. For me, it is not just a machine; it is a tool that helps me build discipline and stay productive. My work feels more real when I can hear and feel each keypress.

Another reason I consider it necessary is the sense of connection it gives me to the writing process. I feel more engaged with my words when I use a typewriter like the Electra 120. It slows me down in a good way, helping me think clearly and write with purpose.

My Buying Guides on Smith Corona Electra 120

My First Impression

When I first looked into the Smith Corona Electra 120, I saw it as a solid vintage electric typewriter with a practical, no-nonsense design. My impression was that it was built for people who wanted dependable typing performance rather than flashy features. If you enjoy the feel of classic office machines, this model stands out as a piece that feels both functional and nostalgic.

Why I Consider It Worth Buying

I found the Electra 120 appealing because it offers the charm of a vintage machine while still being relatively straightforward to use. My main reason for considering it is the balance between durability and simplicity. It is the kind of typewriter I would recommend if someone wants a reliable electric model for writing letters, journaling, or collecting.

What I Looked For Before Buying

Before I would buy a Smith Corona Electra 120, I would check a few important things:

  • Working motor: I want to make sure the electric mechanism runs smoothly.
  • Key response: I test whether the keys strike evenly and return properly.
  • Ribbon condition: I check if the ribbon is usable or needs replacement.
  • Platen quality: I look for cracks, flattening, or hard spots on the roller.
  • Overall cleanliness: I prefer a machine that has been maintained and not heavily rusted.

My Thoughts on Typing Experience

From my perspective, the typing experience is one of the biggest reasons to buy this machine. I like that electric typewriters often reduce finger fatigue compared to manual ones. The Smith Corona Electra 120 gives me a more effortless typing feel, which is helpful if I plan to type for longer sessions. I would especially value it for everyday writing rather than heavy professional use.

Who I Think It Is Best For

I believe the Smith Corona Electra 120 is best for:

  • Vintage typewriter collectors
  • Writers who enjoy analog typing
  • People looking for a beginner-friendly electric typewriter
  • Anyone who wants a nostalgic office-style machine

Things I Would Watch Out For

My biggest caution with an older model like this is maintenance. I know that parts may be harder to find, and an old electric motor can be sensitive if it has not been used in years. I would also be careful about shipping damage, since these machines are heavy and delicate. If I were buying online, I would ask for detailed photos and a demonstration if possible.

My Buying Tips

Here are the tips I would follow:

  • I would buy from a seller who tests the machine.
  • I would ask whether the typewriter has been serviced recently.
  • I would confirm that the ribbon and power cord are in usable condition.
  • I would compare prices with similar vintage Smith Corona models.
  • I would prefer local pickup if possible to reduce shipping risk.

My Final Verdict

My overall opinion is that the Smith Corona Electra 120 is a worthwhile buy if I want a dependable vintage electric typewriter with classic character. I would not choose it if I needed modern convenience, but for nostalgic typing and collectible value, it has strong appeal. For me, the key is finding one in good working condition so I can enjoy both the look and the feel of a true vintage machine.

Final Thoughts

I see the Smith Corona Electra 120 as a solid example of a reliable electric typewriter that blends simplicity with dependable performance. My takeaway is that it offers a practical, no-frills typing experience that appeals to both collectors and anyone who appreciates vintage office tools. Overall, I think the Electra 120 stands out for its durability, ease of use, and classic design.

Author Profile

Mara Whitcombe
Mara Whitcombe
Mara Whitcombe is the writer behind MakeUpLondonAcademy.com. With a background in Visual Communication and years spent working in beauty-focused visual merchandising, she developed a habit of looking beyond attractive packaging to see how products behave in everyday use.

Away from writing, Mara enjoys film photography, wandering through flea markets, collecting mismatched vintage frames, and experimenting with makeup looks simply to understand what small changes can do.

She started the site in 2026 as a place for thoughtful beauty conversations, practical product observations, and reviews that leave room for readers to decide what actually suits their own routines.