LEGO Ideas set 21327 recreates a 1950s-style typewriter with functional keys, moving carriage, and a printable letter from the LEGO Group.

I finally built the LEGO Ideas Typewriter this fall and it easily earns a spot among my favorite display sets. The Technic core under the retro shell is a marvel—each key triggers a hammer and advances the carriage just enough to feel satisfying without jamming. The ribbon spools, sliding platen, and paper return lever all work, so dropping in the included letter from The LEGO Group feels authentic. It’s a lengthy build (about 12 hours across a weekend) with repetitive key assemblies, but the payoff when you test the mechanism is worth it. I added my own printed stationery and tucked an Easter egg message under the carriage; visitors can’t resist tapping out a few characters. The price is steep and the finished model is more for display than play, yet as an AFOL showpiece it’s outstanding.

LEGO Ideas Typewriter 21327 with Functional Keys Set

LEGO Ideas Typewriter

LEGO Ideas set 21311 Voltron lets you build five posable lions that combine into an 18-inch Defender of the Universe display model.

I reassembled LEGO Ideas Voltron (21311) for a nostalgia binge this summer and it still holds up as one of the cleverest combiner builds. Each lion is sturdy enough to swoosh on its own, with rubberized paws and ratcheting joints that click satisfyingly into place. The combination sequence is manual but intuitive—the torsos lock together solidly, the arms snap on via Technic axles, and the iconic blazing sword and shield finish the pose. Standing nearly 18 inches tall, combined Voltron has enough articulation to strike hero poses without wobbling, especially if you leave the display stand under the torso. The set’s been retired for a while, so the price has climbed, yet if you grew up on Defender of the Universe, nothing beats seeing the lions lined up before forming the towering mech.

LEGO Ideas Voltron 21311 Defender of the Universe Set

LEGO Voltron

Hand-picked lego ideas tools and resources we actually use in production. Each item tested by developers, for developers.

LEGO Ideas Products

LEGO Ideas Typewriter

LEGO Voltron