In a profound instance of “I didn’t know I wanted that but now desperately do,” LEGO says it’s coming out with a semi-functional typewriter set. The set will allow builders to assemble a typewriter with moving parts, clicking keys, and even a moving carriage. And while builders won’t be able to write real letters, they’ll be able to dance their fingers on its springy keys, which is what really matters in the end.
LEGO
Laughing Squid picked up on LEGO’s new set, which is the retail iteration of what was originally an Ideas set; or a set that was submitted by a fan builder, who, in this case, was British brickhead, Steve Guinness. (Guinness’ original build was a beauty as well, although it didn’t have this delicious mint green color going on.)
LEGO
In the video below, LEGO Design Master, Wes Talbott, gives an overview of the set. As Talbott notes, this set is essentially as close as the company could get to making a real typewriter with bricks. The set has 31 movable keys. And they’re all movable thanks to a series of Technic pieces that form moving links. When a user presses a key, it tugs on its corresponding Technic linkage. which, in turn, slams a LEGO type hammer. The hammer then hits the fabric element in front of whatever paper is in front of it.
It’s hard to pick which part of the build looks like the most fun, although clicking the array of type hammers in their rightful place seems tantalizing. Regardless, with 2,079 pieces, the set will doubtlessly offer hours of build-time fun. And probably some build-time frustration, as those Technic linkages look complex AF.
LEGO
As for the downsides, they’re the same for the Typewriter as they are for most LEGO sets. That is to say, it’s pricey and in high demand. The Typewriter carries a Home Alone cheek-slapping price tag of $200, which is more than the LEGO Saturn V. The Typewriter will also be available to LEGO VIP members on June 16, two weeks before it’ll officially go live. Incidentally, anyone now yearning for more typewriter nostalgia should check out this slow-mo Selectric video. It’s not LEGO, but it does give us an idea for the next-generation Typewriter set.
Feature image: LEGO
