Abstract: A typewriter which has a minimized dimension in the direction of the depth and requires a minimized overall installation area. The typewriter includes a keyboard mounted at a portion near a top, front side of the typewriter housing and is pivotable from and to a horizontal position. When pivoted in a normally closed position, it lies substantially in a plane of a top opening formed in the typewriter housing. The keyboard is located such that its rear end is positioned very close to a platen mounted at a rear portion of the typewriter housing and covers the area of movement of a ribbon cassette carried on a carrier that is mounted to the typewriter housing and moves parallel to the platen.