Head-to-head
LEGO Ideas Grand Piano vs LEGO Ideas Typewriter
Both built. Both reviewed. Here's how they actually compare on the things that matter.
Set #21323
LEGO Ideas Grand Piano
The keys press. The hammers strike. The app plays music. The most mechanically ambitious LEGO Ideas set ever shipped.
Set #21327
LEGO Ideas Typewriter
The keys press. The carriage moves. The paper scrolls. This is one of the cleverest mechanical builds LEGO has ever shipped — and it's now retired.
By the numbers
The spec sheet.
| Metric | LEGO Ideas Grand Piano | LEGO Ideas Typewriter |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Pieces | 3,662WINS | 2,079 |
| MSRP | $379.99 | $249.99WINS |
| Price per piece | $0.10WINS | $0.12 |
| Verdict | Must buy | Must buy |
| Best for | Musicians, kinetic-LEGO appreciators, and serious LEGO Ideas collectors with substantial display space and budget. | Writers, designers, vintage-aesthetic collectors, and anyone who appreciates working mechanisms over static display. |
Pros & cons
What I actually noticed.
LEGO Ideas Grand Piano
Pros
- Working keys with motorized hammer mechanism
- Bluetooth app integration for actual music playback
- Lifting top panel reveals the strings and hammer assembly
- Working pedals (sustain and una corda)
- Compact bench and music-rest accessories
Cons
- Powered Up motor sold separately (adds $80+ for full functionality)
- App-only music playback — no standalone speaker
- $380 commitment — among the highest LEGO Ideas MSRPs
LEGO Ideas Typewriter
Pros
- All 36 type bars actually move when you press the keys
- Carriage advances and the paper scrolls — fully working mechanism
- Vintage aesthetic that doesn't look like a LEGO set on a shelf
- Now retired — secondary-market value has risen 40%+ since 2024
- Excellent build pacing, never a dull bag
Cons
- Retired status means you're paying $300–$400+ on the aftermarket
- Type-bar mechanism is delicate — keep cats and toddlers away
- Doesn't actually print, despite what the box photography implies
Made up your mind?
Pick a retailer.
Comparison generated from our individual reviews. Pros, cons, and ratings come from full hands-on builds — see each review for the complete take.