Tapping the keys: Society’s love affair with the manual typewriter

Most young people today probably don’t know what a manual typewriter is. This once experimental device, invented in the late 19thcentury, became a ubiquitous office tool that revolutionized communication and changed the landscape of office work. Although the first models were cumbersome, the continuous improvements in design and functionality led to their widespread adoption, making them an essential part of many business and government offices until they were ousted, first by electric typewriters and then by computers and word processors.

Butis the manual typewriter still being used today? Thai PBS World talked to Rita Jopet, a retired government employee who clearly recalls spending long hours in front of a typewriter while undertaking her daily office tasks.

“Yes, the manual typewriter is still used today, but no longer as an office tool,” she says with a smile. “Offices were much different during my time, when almost every desk had a manual typewriter. Today, computers have taken their place. But there are still a few people who use a typewriter. Most of them are enthusiasts. And I think there are still a few writers who are inexplicably drawn to the distinct appeal of the sound that a typewriter makes. In specific industries where digital records are not the preferred choice, I believe typewriters still have a place,” she said.

Many members of the current generation admit to never having used or even seen an actual typewriter. “I have seen pictures but never a real one,” confessed Dina Ofran, a secondary school student. “It must be an awesome experience to see one or even use one,” she added.

A typewriter is a mechanical or electromechanical machine for writing characters similar to those produced by a printer’s movable type. It operates by means of keys that strike a ribbon to transmit ink or carbon impressions onto paper. A single character or letter is printed on each key. This machine prints characters by making ink impressions of type elements similar to those used in movable type letterpress printing.

A few loyal fans

Manual and even electric typewriters have become a thing of the past. Using them has become one of those old traditions that, although not really ancient, has all but disappeared. But while they have been replaced by modern computers and word processors, this charming machine still retains a few loyal followers.

“The actual act of pressing keys and seeing the letters appear on a page provides a physical and immediate connection to my writing process,” says Jaime Calub, a novelist and retired university professor. “The act of typing on a typewriter demands concentration. Each keystroke requires intention, reducing the temptation to multitask or get distracted by notifications when someone is using a laptop,” he continued.

For Chito Ras, a retired public school teacher, using a manual typewriter has an aesthetic appeal and gives a sense of nostalgia. “It evokes an appreciation for simpler times and its vintage visual is undeniably charming,” he said. “Unlike computers, typewriters are not connected to the internet, making them a secure option for writing confidential documents or avoiding digital surveillance,” he added. He also believes that using a typewriter enhances creativity. “Editing, as we know it today, is quasi-impossible, so I see it as a limiting and yet an effective training activity,” he said.

Getting rare

Where can we still find typewriters in use today?

“Although their presence is fading and they have already become rare pieces, it’s still possible to find manual typewriters in a variety of places,” said Rita. She mentioned one particular friend who still keeps and uses an old typewriter in her studio. “She writes literary fiction and prefers the deliberate pace and purposeful experience of writing on a manual typewriter.”

A former government employee, Rita also believes that typewriters are still in use in some legal and government settings. “Certain legal or governmental contexts may require typewritten documents for archival or security reasons,” she explained.

Artistic appeal

While no longer used as widely as in the past, this old reliable tool still finds a place in specific niches, such as in creative and artistic projects. “Artists and designers sometimes incorporate typewriters in their work, taking full advantage of the device’s visual and symbolic appeal. Antique shops and museums catering to art enthusiasts sometimes have old traditional typewriters that offer a glimpse of history. In some ancestral homes of the elite, there is also a good chance of finding an old but still working typewriter tucked away in the private library,” Chito said.

“The manual typewriter is no longer as visible today as it was a few decades ago. Modernity and technology have taken over. However, it is good to know that it continues to be appreciated by niche communities and individuals who value its unique qualities. Its nostalgic appeal, tangible writing experience, and discipline-enhancing attributes allow the user to journey back to a time when things were much simpler and organic. As technology continues to evolve, the manual typewriter, I think, will remain as a cherished reminder of our colourful past,” Chito concluded.

(This story is part of a series about the vanishing cultural traditions in Southeast Asia.)