I have an Adler Primus with Imperial elite pitch that’s very similar to the Perfekt, and it’s my favorite machine when compared to my SM-3, SM-9, Silent Super, Olivetti Underwood 21, etc. I had an opportunity to switch rapidly between the Primus, a Torpedo 18b and a Hermes 3000 recently. I like the Primus better than all of them. My wife preferred the Torpedo, but that was, in part, because it was a script typeface. The Primus isn’t as luxurious to use as the SM-3, Torpedo or Hermes, but damn, the touch is light and fast.

This may sound blasphemous, but I’ll aver that the Triumph Perfekt from the late 50s, early 60s (& Gabriel, et al), along with the previous generation, can stand toe to toe with a Torpedo/Bluebird any day. Complete rockets with a feather-light return, responsive touch, great lines. As good as it gets. And QWERTZ? An easy adjustment–you’re locked in before you complete the first page. In fact, it’s a plus because so many Americans & other English speakers get scared off, leaving more available machines, often at somewhat reasonable prices.

Nichts matches the solid typing feel of an ERIKA, but they are heavy to the touch and therefore not the best choice when it comes to fast writing. This machine has a much lighter and responsive touch, much like the Olympias.