LEGO Reviews Ideas21327

Typewriter

Name: LEGO Typewriter 21327
Brand: LEGO
SKU: 21327
Rating: 4.77 (1746 reviews)

86 · HIGHLY RECOMMENDEDINVESTMENT GRADE: AA20212,079 pcsHigh agreement · 93%

Expert reviews

5analyzed

Owner ratings

1.7K+

Consensus

BUY

BrickScore

Highly Recommended

Owners

Synthesized Verdict

"With a BrickScore of 86.3 and a 4.77-star owner rating, the Typewriter is one of the standout LEGO Ideas releases, delivering genuine mechanical function inside a display-worthy shell that earns its Highly Recommended status across a wide and enthusiastic audience."

The LEGO Ideas Typewriter earns a Highly Recommended BrickScore of 86.3 built on exceptional design aesthetics (88.8) and display value (88.5), matched by an enthusiastic 4.77-star owner average across 1,746 ratings with 88% recommending it. Reviewers from both Brickset and a broad base of LEGO.com owners converge on the same points: the Technic-based internal mechanism that actually advances the carriage when keys are pressed is genuinely impressive, the finished model makes a stunning desk display, and the build is more technically involving than typical Ideas sets. The $249.99 MSRP and $0.12 per piece sit at the high end for Ideas, but owners rated value at 4.32 out of 5.

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LOVED (7)

01Functional carriage-advance mechanism that moves left as keys are pressed and can be returned by hand, just like a real typewriter
02Technic internals that reward understanding during the build process as the mechanism gradually reveals itself
03Exceptional display presence with a finished model that looks immediately at home on a desk
04Authentic typewriter sounds when keys are depressed
05Faithful recreation of vintage typewriter design including paper guide, return bar, and type bars
06Strong emotional and nostalgic resonance for people with memories of real typewriters
07Works as an approachable gift for writers, designers, and enthusiasts beyond the core LEGO audience

CRITICIZED (6)

01Carriage mechanism noted by some buyers as not moving with every key press as expected
02Paper insert described as tricky to seat correctly
03Open base that exposes the table surface below the keyboard bothered some display-focused buyers
04One fragile point under the space bar, requiring care during handling
05Challenging Technic sections make this unsuitable for casual or impatient builders
06Some builders wished the individual keys used distinct letter-printed elements rather than generic round plates

What reviewers are saying

"Stop what you're doing, and go buy a LEGO Ideas typewriter right now. You'll thank me later."

Tiago Catarino

"For the 21327 Typewriter, though, the I think the answer is clearly a caps locked OMG YES"

The Brothers Brick

"It's an incredibly realistic model of a typewriter that packs in a lot of functionality."

Brickset Reviews

"as a lego one-to-one scale representation of a mechanical object with some mechanical features built into it it is a masterpiece it is incredible it works amazingly well"

JANG's LEGO Reviews

"i think this set looks really really nice i do love it on a desk it looks fantastic the contrast is there it looks very appealing for a typewriter"

Solid Brix Studios

Ecosystem

NASA Space Shuttle set — The Typewriter surpasses the NASA Space Shuttle which the reviewer previously praised; the reviewer explicitly states 'I will take back what I said in my review of the NASA Space Shuttle. The Typewriter is so far, the best LEGO set of 2021!'

21323 Grand Piano — The reviewer mentions the Grand Piano when discussing LEGO Ideas real-world object recreations being 'kind of hit or miss,' but states that with the Typewriter, 'the answer is clearly a caps locked OMG YES' - implying the Typewriter is the superior of the two in terms of worth making room for in your life.

Vintage manual typewriter (real-world object) — Side-by-side comparison shows the LEGO version has a more compact keyboard lacking the number row, but the open-base design, carriage return arm, typebar configuration, and roller construction closely match. The LEGO version holds true to all key elements that define a manual typewriter while being its own unique design.

21323 Grand Piano — The typewriter delivers more functionality than expected and improves upon the Grand Piano's reception. While both are display-focused models with limited real functionality, this set works better mechanically and satisfies more viewers. The typewriter's working escapement mechanism and key tactile feedback exceed expectations in ways the piano did not.

IdeasTier 2Investment Grade

By Reviewer · 5

Avg score

Consensus

BUY

Tiago Catarino

Expert Video Source

BUY

"Stop what you're doing, and go buy a LEGO Ideas typewriter right now. You'll thank me later."

Key Pros

✓Working mechanical system that actually types and moves the carriage like a real typewriter
✓32 printed keyboard elements providing authentic detail
✓Exceptional building experience despite Technic complexity

Key Cons

✕Lacks numbered keys on keyboard (design compromise)
✕Ribbon selector is non-functional/decorative only

JUMP TO REVIEW

The Brothers Brick

Expert Video Source

BUY

"For the 21327 Typewriter, though, the I think the answer is clearly a caps locked OMG YES"

Key Pros

✓Excellent design aesthetics with clean lines and minimal exposed studs
✓Sand green color is described as lovely and delicious
✓Accurate to real manual typewriter design elements

Key Cons

✕Key tensioning requires careful attention to avoid misalignment
✕Keys can rotate freely (though acceptable for display)

JUMP TO REVIEW

Brickset Reviews

Editorial Source

BUY

"It's an incredibly realistic model of a typewriter that packs in a lot of functionality."

Key Pros

✓Incredible realism and detailed design
✓Complex Technic mechanisms inside elegant System bodywork
✓Excellent blend of System and Technic building

Key Cons

✕Keys have tendency to rotate out of alignment over time
✕Carriage return lever not robust and needs careful handling

READ FULL REVIEW

JANG's LEGO Reviews

Expert Video Source

BUY

"as a lego one-to-one scale representation of a mechanical object with some mechanical features built into it it is a masterpiece it is incredible it works amazingly well"

Key Pros

✓Fantastic mechanical engineering and build techniques - top five for mechanisms
✓All keys are printed with silver backing and black printing
✓Mechanisms work impressively well given LEGO constraints

Key Cons

✕As a functional typewriter replica it is far from perfect
✕Key responsiveness varies significantly - only center keys work well, edge keys are softer and less responsive

JUMP TO REVIEW

Solid Brix Studios

Expert Video Source

WAIT FOR SALE

"i think this set looks really really nice i do love it on a desk it looks fantastic the contrast is there it looks very appealing for a typewriter"

Key Pros

✓Beautiful sand-green color with good contrast
✓All keyboard letters printed rather than stickers (only two stickers total)
✓Highly functional mechanism that accurately mimics real typewriter operation

Key Cons

✕Price point ($200) is slightly high - reviewer would prefer $180
✕Build is approximately 50% repetitive technic structure which may disappoint builders

JUMP TO REVIEW

Dimensional Analysis

Investment Layer

Buy now (5)Wait for sale (1)

Exclusivity

Tiago Catarino: LEGO Ideas exclusive platform release

The Brothers Brick: LEGO Ideas exclusive (set #35); limited release window (VIP June 16, general July 1)

Resale

Tiago Catarino: Strong aftermarket value expected due to retired Ideas status, mechanical innovation, MOC parts appeal, and display prestige

The Brothers Brick: Not explicitly stated by the reviewer.

Minifigures & Standout Parts

Standout parts (per reviewers)

32 printed keyboard elements
Full set of printed keys including letters, shift keys, backspace, interrogation mark, and spacebar; numbered keys excluded due to design constraints
Ribbon spools and selector mechanism
Material looks similar to minifigure capes; selector is non-functional but represents real typewriter capability to switch between black, stencil, and red ribbon
Sand green elements
Most of the 2079 pieces are sand green, providing an old-school aesthetic; some sand green elements never seen before outside the Creator Expert Porsche in white
Drum lacquered silver elements
Fair amount of these premium elements included; expensive to produce
5 x 32-long Technic axles
Essential to the functional typing mechanism
4 x newer 1x5 plates in new color
Relatively rare newer color variant

What Owners Say

The Typewriter is widely regarded as one of the most satisfying and technically impressive LEGO Ideas sets ever made, with working mechanics that delight builders, though a meaningful minority encountered functional issues with the carriage mechanism or were disappointed by minor quality inconsistencies.

COMMON PRAISE

+Working mechanics including a moving carriage, functional typebars, and a carriage-return lever that genuinely mimic a real typewriter's operation
+Uniquely challenging and engaging build that combines Technic internals with traditional bricks in a way owners describe as deeply satisfying
+Stunning display piece in sand green that draws compliments and looks at home on a desk or shelf
+Printed keys rather than stickers are appreciated as a premium touch

COMMON COMPLAINTS

−Carriage mechanism does not work reliably for a notable share of builders, requiring disassembly or leaving the typewriter non-functional after completion
−Instructions can be unclear or show only one angle, making placement of certain pieces difficult
−Some owners received sets with missing pieces, requiring LEGO support and multi-week waits
−A few reports of printed keys being misaligned, and inconsistent color on green exterior pieces

working mechanicstechnical challengenostalgic display piececarriage reliability issuesadult collectors

Buyer Ratings

Amazon4.8

1,549 reviews

90%