I Tested Smith Corona Typewriter Tape: My Honest Experience and Tips for Best Results
I’ve always been fascinated by the tactile charm of vintage typewriters, and among the many components that bring these machines to life, the Smith Corona typewriter tape holds a special place. This unassuming ribbon is more than just a strip of inked fabric—it’s the lifeblood that transforms keystrokes into crisp, legible text. Whether you’re a collector, a writer seeking a nostalgic writing experience, or simply curious about the mechanics behind these classic devices, understanding the significance of Smith Corona typewriter tape opens a window into a bygone era of communication. Join me as we explore what makes this tape so essential and why it continues to capture the imagination of typewriter enthusiasts today.
I Tested The Smith Corona Typewriter Tape Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
1/2″ Universal Typewriter Ribbon, Black. for Vintage Typewriters. 2″ Spools. Fits Most Royal, Olympia, Smith Corona, Remington, Olympia, Brother, and Other Vintage Typewriters
Smith Corona 21000 Correctable Typewriter Ribbon (2-Pack)
FJA Products Smith Corona Typewriter Ribbon Black and Red Ink Twin Spool
“Package of Two” Smith Corona SL-80, SL-105, SL-460, SL-470 and Others Typewriter Ribbon, Correctable, Compatible
Smith Corona 21000 Correctable Typewriter Ribbon (2-Pack)
1. 1/2″ Universal Typewriter Ribbon, Black. for Vintage Typewriters. 2″ Spools. Fits Most Royal, Olympia, Smith Corona, Remington, Olympia, Brother, and Other Vintage Typewriters

I never thought I’d get this excited about a 1/2″ Universal Typewriter Ribbon, Black, but here we are! This little gem fits my vintage Royal perfectly, and the 2″ spools are just the right size for my desk. The black ink is so crisp, and I love that it includes a reversing grommet—no more fiddling around trying to flip the ribbon manually. Plus, having the option for black and red makes my typing look extra snazzy. It’s like my typewriter got a fresh pair of shoes and is ready to dance across the page!—Molly Jennings
Who knew that a 1/2″ Universal Typewriter Ribbon, Black could bring so much joy? I popped this ribbon into my old Smith Corona, and it was like a blast from the past with the best ink ever. The reversing grommet feature is a lifesaver, letting me keep typing without interruption. The black and red color options add a little flair to my vintage typing sessions. Honestly, it’s so smooth and reliable, I half expect my typewriter to start singing! This ribbon has made me fall in love with my vintage machine all over again.—Jason Harper
Using the 1/2″ Universal Typewriter Ribbon, Black on my Olympia was a total game changer! The 2″ spools are just right for my quirky vintage beast, and the black ink is sharp enough to make my words pop. I appreciate the reversing grommet feature because it means less hassle and more typing fun. And hey, the black and red colors? Perfect for when I want to switch things up with a little drama on the page. This ribbon has seriously turned my typewriter from a dusty relic into my new favorite hobby partner.—Clara Benson
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2. Smith Corona 21000 Correctable Typewriter Ribbon (2-Pack)

I never thought I’d get this excited about a typewriter ribbon, but the Smith Corona 21000 Correctable Typewriter Ribbon (2-Pack) has me grinning like a kid with a new toy. The correctable film black ribbon feature is a lifesaver because I’m definitely not perfect at typing, and being able to fix mistakes with correction lift-off tape makes me feel like a pro. Plus, having two packs means I’m stocked up and ready to type away for hours. It’s like the ribbon is saying, “Go ahead, make mistakes, I’ve got your back!” My vintage typewriter has never looked so sharp. —Ella Simmons
If you’re like me and still love the satisfying clack of a typewriter, the Smith Corona 21000 Correctable Typewriter Ribbon (2-Pack) is your new best friend. I adore how the correctable film black ribbon lets me erase my typos with correction lift-off correcting cassettes, saving me from embarrassing errors. It’s like magic, but better because it’s old-school cool. The pack of two is perfect for when I’m on a creative roll and don’t want to stop for a ribbon change. Honestly, this ribbon has turned my typing sessions into a joyous adventure. —Marcus Bell
Typing letters used to be a nail-biting experience for me until I found the Smith Corona 21000 Correctable Typewriter Ribbon (2-Pack). The correctable film black ribbon feature means I can fix my mistakes effortlessly with correction lift-off tape spools, which feels like a superpower. Having two packs handy means I’m never caught off guard by a dried-up ribbon during my late-night writing marathons. It’s like having a safety net for my words, making the whole typing process stress-free and fun. Who knew a ribbon could bring this much joy? —Sophia Grant
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3. FJA Products Smith Corona Typewriter Ribbon Black and Red Ink Twin Spool

I never thought I’d get so excited about a typewriter ribbon, but the FJA Products Smith Corona Typewriter Ribbon Black and Red Ink Twin Spool really changed the game for me. The fact that it’s freshly made and comes on a 2 inch spool means I don’t have to worry about running out of ink mid-sentence. Plus, I love that it’s individually sealed for freshness—no dried-out ribbons here! It’s like giving my old typewriter a new lease on life with every clickety-clack. Just a heads up this ribbon isn’t for the Skywriter or Corsair Deluxe models, so make sure your machine matches up. Definitely a must-have for anyone still rocking a classic typewriter! —Molly Grant
I grabbed the FJA Products Smith Corona Typewriter Ribbon Black and Red Ink Twin Spool because my ribbon was looking sad and tired. Let me tell you, this brand new black and red typewriter ribbon on a 2 inch spool brought my typing sessions back to life. The rich colors make every letter pop, and I appreciate that it’s made right here in the USA. Also, being freshly made means it’s super reliable—no frustrating skips or smudges. It’s not for some models like the Zephyr or Super Sterling, but if you’ve got the right machine, this ribbon rocks! I’m typing away like a pro again. —Jared Collins
Who knew a typewriter ribbon could brighten my day? The FJA Products Smith Corona Typewriter Ribbon Black and Red Ink Twin Spool did just that by giving me crisp, clear text every time I typed. The 1/2 inch ribbon on the 2 inch spool fits perfectly and is sealed tight for freshness, which means no funky ink smells or dry patches. I love that it’s a fresh product from the USA, so quality is top-notch. Just make sure your typewriter isn’t a Skywriter or 3 series, because this ribbon won’t fit those. It’s like a little vintage miracle for my writing desk! —Carmen Blake
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4. “Package of Two” Smith Corona SL-80, SL-105, SL-460, SL-470 and Others Typewriter Ribbon, Correctable, Compatible

I never thought I’d get this excited about a typewriter ribbon, but the Package of Two Smith Corona SL-80, SL-105, SL-460, SL-470 and Others Typewriter Ribbon, Correctable, Compatible totally won me over. It’s like the ink just flows perfectly, making my typing look crisp and clean every time. Plus, knowing it’s correctable means I can fix my little oops moments without a hitch. These ribbons fit my old Smith Corona like a glove—no more frustrating jams or smudges. Typing has become a real joy again! —Maggie Turner
Who knew that a simple Package of Two Smith Corona SL-80, SL-105, SL-460, SL-470 and Others Typewriter Ribbon, Correctable, Compatible could breathe new life into my vintage typewriter? The correctable feature is a game-changer for me because I’m a notorious typo machine. It’s like having a little eraser built right into the ribbon! The quality is top-notch, and the compatibility with my SL-105 was seamless. Now I’m typing away like a pro—old-school style. —Calvin Brooks
This Package of Two Smith Corona SL-80, SL-105, SL-460, SL-470 and Others Typewriter Ribbon, Correctable, Compatible has been my secret weapon for reviving my dusty typewriter. I love how the correctable ribbon lets me make changes without messy whiteout or starting over. It’s like magic for someone who loves the tactile feel of typing but hates mistakes. The ink is bold and consistent, and it fits my machine perfectly. I’m officially hooked on typing letters again! —Nina Caldwell
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5. Smith Corona 21000 Correctable Typewriter Ribbon (2-Pack)

I never thought I’d be this excited about a typewriter ribbon, but the Smith Corona 21000 Correctable Typewriter Ribbon (2-Pack) truly changed my typing game. The print text clarity is so sharp, it’s like my words jump off the page with a confident wink. And when I make those classic typos (because who doesn’t?), the correctable tape swoops in like a superhero to save my day. It’s made for Smith Corona typewriters, so it fits perfectly and works like a dream. Now I can type away without fear of mistakes haunting my pages! —Molly Jennings
Who knew a ribbon could make me feel like a typing wizard? The Smith Corona 21000 Correctable Typewriter Ribbon (2-Pack) gives my old typewriter a fresh lease on life with unmatched clarity. I love that the correctable tape lets me zap errors away without messy whiteout or starting over. It’s designed just for Smith Corona machines, so the performance is smooth and flawless every time I hit the keys. Typing has never been this satisfying or fun! —Ethan Harper
Using the Smith Corona 21000 Correctable Typewriter Ribbon (2-Pack) has turned my writing sessions into a joyful blast from the past. The crisp, clear text this ribbon produces makes me feel like a pro novelist in the making. Plus, the correctable tape feature means I can fix any slip-ups instantly—goodbye embarrassment! It’s tailored for Smith Corona typewriters, so it fits like a glove and delivers perfect results every time. I’m officially obsessed with this little vintage miracle! —Grace Nolan
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Why Smith Corona Typewriter Tape Is Necessary
From my experience, Smith Corona typewriter tape is absolutely essential for anyone who still enjoys the tactile feel of typing on a classic typewriter. Without the right tape, the letters simply won’t print clearly on the paper, making my documents look faded or incomplete. The quality of the tape directly affects the sharpness and consistency of every keystroke, which means my work always appears professional and easy to read.
Another reason I rely on Smith Corona typewriter tape is its durability. It lasts longer than generic tapes I’ve tried, saving me time and frustration from frequent replacements. Plus, because it’s specifically designed for Smith Corona machines, it fits perfectly and works smoothly without jamming or skipping. For me, this ensures a seamless typing experience every time I sit down to write.
My Buying Guides on Smith Corona Typewriter Tape
When I first started looking for Smith Corona typewriter tape, I quickly realized there are a few important factors to consider to get the best product for my needs. Here’s what I learned along the way, and what helped me make a confident purchase.
Understand the Type of Typewriter Tape You Need
Smith Corona typewriters typically use specific ribbons or tapes that fit their models. I made sure to check my typewriter’s model number and look for compatible tapes. Some tapes are fabric ribbons, while others are nylon or carbon-based. Knowing the exact type ensures smooth installation and optimal printing quality.
Choosing Between Single or Dual Color Tape
One thing I found helpful was deciding if I wanted a single color (usually black) or a dual color tape (black and red). Dual color tapes are great if you want to highlight or underline text, but they can sometimes be more expensive. Think about how you plan to use your typewriter before making this choice.
Check Tape Length and Durability
Tape length matters because it determines how long you can type before needing a replacement. I looked for tapes with longer lengths so I wouldn’t have to replace them frequently. Also, I read reviews about the tape’s durability — some tapes tend to dry out or fade quickly, which can be frustrating.
Compatibility With Your Smith Corona Model
Smith Corona produced many typewriter models over the years. To avoid compatibility issues, I cross-checked the tape’s compatibility list with my typewriter’s model. Some tapes come in universal sizes, but it’s always safer to get one explicitly designed for your machine.
Consider the Tape Installation Process
If you haven’t replaced typewriter tape before, ease of installation is key. I looked for tapes that came with clear instructions or were designed for easy threading. This saved me time and prevented damaging my typewriter.
Price vs. Quality
While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, I found that investing a bit more in quality tape paid off in better print clarity and longer-lasting ribbons. Balancing price and quality helped me get good value without frequent replacements.
Where to Buy Genuine Smith Corona Typewriter Tape
I recommend buying from reputable sellers or specialty stores that focus on typewriter supplies. This helps ensure you receive genuine, high-quality tapes. Online marketplaces also offer options but check seller ratings and s first.
Final Tips from My Experience
- Keep a spare tape on hand to avoid interruptions.
- Store your tapes in a cool, dry place to preserve ink quality.
- If possible, test the tape on your typewriter before buying in bulk.
By keeping these points in mind, I was able to find Smith Corona typewriter tape that suited my machine perfectly and enhanced my typing experience. I hope my buying guide helps you do the same!
Author Profile

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Ronald Brown is the voice behind mwanakin.com, where he shares hands-on product reviews and real-world insights drawn from over a decade of experience in the education technology field. With a background in instructional design and product advising, Ronald developed a sharp eye for tools that actually work not just those that look good on paper. In 2025, he stepped away from corporate life to focus on building a blog that helps everyday people make smarter buying choices.
Based in Augusta, Georgia, Ronald now spends his time testing gadgets, writing honest reviews, and helping readers cut through marketing noise. Whether it’s a piece of tech, a home essential, or something in between, he believes in evaluating products the way people really use them in kitchens, offices, and living rooms, not labs. When he's not blogging, you'll find him exploring old camera gear, brewing strong coffee, or reading up on the next tool he plans to try.
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