Olivetti Praxis 48
A typewriter from Olivetti, 1964
The Olivetti Praxis 48 in a electro mechanical typewriter from 1964, and I think it’s one of the typewriters with the more unconventional design. The Greek name “Praxis" refers to practical action, exercise, or concrete experience, as opposed to theory.
The design is squared, there is a suspended keyboard, which is very particular, but in my opinion it is too high and uncomfortable if you have to type for a long time. In the buttons there is the green top, it's a detail that catches the eye, and is pleasant. The green color of the keys is recalled in some green parts on the carriage, the levers and knobs.
The ribbed sides, probably because at the time the printing on a plastic surface of that type could present imperfections and so they tried to hide them.
The design of this typewriter was made by Ettore Sotsass, who cooperated with Olivetti at many other typewriters. The structure creates contrast, it seems to be made of different parts: the ribbed sides, the smooth top part, the keyboard seems like a separate module set into the body of the machine. The carriage is embedded in the body of the typewriter, at the same level.
Here there is a video about the Praxis 48 and its use.
