A4 Typewriter

The A4 electronic typewriter market in Malaysia has narrowed considerably over the years. Brands like Canon, Brother, Olivetti, and Olympia have long since exited the market, A3 models are no longer available locally, and mechanical typewriters are fully discontinued — though we still provide repair services and ribbon supply for mechanical units. Today, Nakajima is effectively the only brand still actively supplying new electronic typewriters in Malaysia, and we carry the two current A4 models: the AX-150 and the AX-160, which adds an LCD display for easier line and margin setup. Both handle standard A4 paper with a 13″ carriage width. Contact us if you need ribbons, servicing, or help choosing between the two models.

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Frequently Asked Questions — A4 Typewriter

Why do offices still use typewriters when computers and printers are available?
The main reason is pre-printed forms. Government departments, courts, customs, and many official agencies still use multi-part carbon copy forms that need to be filled in with typed characters — not printed on. A laser or inkjet printer can't feed a thick carbon set or a stiff pre-printed form through its paper path without jamming. A typewriter handles these with ease, and the typed impression goes cleanly through all carbon layers simultaneously. For offices that regularly deal with official forms, import/export documentation, or land office paperwork, a typewriter remains genuinely useful and irreplaceable.
What is the difference between the Nakajima AX-150 and AX-160?
Both are 13″ carriage A4 electronic typewriters with the same core typing mechanism, correction function, and memory storage for repeated text. The key difference is the AX-160 has an LCD display, which shows the text you're typing before it's committed to the page — letting you review and correct a full line before printing it. This is particularly useful when precise alignment matters, such as filling in narrow form fields. The AX-150 types as you press each key with no preview screen. If you type forms frequently and want that extra control, the AX-160 is worth the upgrade.
Are there still A3 typewriters or other brands available in Malaysia?
No — A3 electronic typewriters are no longer available new in the Malaysian market. Brands that were once common here, including Canon, Brother, Olivetti, and Olympia, have all exited the typewriter market. Nakajima is the only brand still actively supplying new units locally, and only A4 models remain in production. If you're looking for an A3-carriage typewriter, the only route is secondhand.
Can you still get ribbons and repairs for older typewriters?
Yes — we stock ribbons and provide repair and servicing for electronic typewriters, including older models from brands that are no longer selling new units. For mechanical typewriters, which are fully discontinued from new production, we also supply ribbons and carry out repairs. If you have an older machine that needs a service or a ribbon replacement, contact us with the brand and model and we'll advise on what's available.
What ribbon does the Nakajima AX-150 and AX-160 use?
Both models use the Nakajima compatible ink ribbon cassette. We stock ribbons for current Nakajima models — contact us to confirm availability and to order. Using the correct ribbon type for your model ensures clean, consistent print quality and protects the print mechanism from damage caused by incompatible cassettes.
Can a typewriter handle carbon copy forms?
Yes — this is one of the primary reasons typewriters remain in use. Carbon copy sets (typically 2 to 5 layers) are designed to receive the impact impression of a typewriter key through all layers simultaneously. Electronic typewriters have an adjustable impression setting that lets you increase the strike force to ensure the impression carries clearly through thicker multi-part sets. A standard computer printer cannot replicate this — it deposits ink only on the top sheet and cannot transfer through carbon layers.