Dot matrix printers remain essential for businesses needing dependable, multi-part form printing with continuous paper. This article reviews the best old dot matrix printers that combine traditional print head technology with multiple interface options such as parallel, serial, and USB. We’ve selected top models from Epson and OKI, known for durability and print speed. Additionally, we cover compatible labels and printhead replacements to keep your printer running smoothly.
| Product | Brand | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Epson C11CC24001 LX-350 Dot Matrix Printer | Epson | 9-pin, 347 cps, Parallel/Serial/USB, Compact design |
| OKI MICROLINE 320 Turbo Mono Dot Matrix Printer | OKI | 9-pin, 435 cpm, 64KB buffer, USB/Parallel, 20,000 page duty |
| Epson Lq-590ii 24-Pin Dot Matrix Printer | Epson | 24-pin, 584 cps, Low cost of ownership, Durable |
| Avery White Computer Labels for Dot Matrix Printers | Avery | 12 labels per sheet, Continuous form, Designed for pin-feed printers |
| Oki MICROLINE 320 Turbo Dot Matrix Printer | OKI | 9-pin, 435 cps, USB/Parallel/Serial, 20,000 pages max duty cycle |
Epson C11CC24001 LX-350 9-Pin Dot Matrix Printer
The Epson LX-350 features a fast and durable 9-pin print head, capable of printing up to 347 characters per second. Its design accommodates continuous or multi-part stationery, making it ideal for front and back office environments requiring multipart forms or receipts. This model supports parallel, serial, and USB interfaces, providing excellent connectivity options for different setups. Its compact size ensures a neat fit on busy desks, maximizing workspace efficiency without sacrificing reliability.
OKI MICROLINE 320 Turbo Mono Dot Matrix Printer
The OKI MICROLINE 320 Turbo delivers high-speed printing at 435 characters per minute using 9-pin technology. Equipped with a 64 KB buffer, it handles large print jobs smoothly. The printer offers a maximum duty cycle of 20,000 pages, supporting heavy daily use. With USB and parallel port interfaces, it ensures broad compatibility. Its print resolution of 240 x 216 dpi meets common dot matrix print quality standards.
Epson Lq-590ii 24-Pin Dot Matrix Printer
The Epson LQ-590ii is a robust 24-pin printer offering faster speeds up to 584 cps. Known for its long life cycle and low cost of ownership, it handles critical daily printing needs with ease. This printer produces sharp characters and graphics, ideal for invoices, receipts, and multipart forms. Its design emphasizes reliability and ease of maintenance, making it a preferred choice for high-volume environments.
Avery White Computer Labels for Dot Matrix Printers
This Avery label pack is specifically designed for use with dot matrix and pin-feed printers. Each label measures 15/16 inch by 3-1/2 inches, with 12 labels per perforated continuous-form sheet. The set contains 5,000 total labels, perfect for printing large volumes of professional-looking address or shipping labels without frequent reloading. Its continuous sheets align perfectly with pin-feed mechanisms for consistent feeding and print accuracy.
Oki MICROLINE 320 Turbo Dot Matrix Printer
The Oki MICROLINE 320 Turbo is a versatile 9-pin printer offering print speeds up to 435 cps and a 64 KB memory buffer to handle complex print jobs efficiently. It supports multiple interfaces including parallel, serial, and USB, ensuring wide compatibility with legacy and modern devices. Its maximum duty cycle of 20,000 pages reflects durability suitable for moderate to heavy print volumes, maintaining good print quality at 240×216 dpi resolution.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations for Choosing Old Dot Matrix Printers
When selecting a dot matrix printer, consider the following factors to ensure it meets your printing needs:
Print Head Type and Pins
Dot matrix printers typically use 9-pin or 24-pin print heads. The 9-pin models, such as Epson LX-350 and OKI MICROLINE 320, offer reliable text printing and are cost-effective. The 24-pin printers like the Epson LQ-590ii provide higher print quality and are better for graphics and detailed text.
Print Speed
Speed is measured in characters or columns per second (cps). Higher speeds (400+ cps) improve productivity for large print jobs. Models like OKI MICROLINE 320 Turbo and Epson LQ-590ii offer faster printing, ideal for busy office environments.
Connectivity Options
Ensure the printer supports your system interfaces. Common connections include parallel, serial, and USB. Modern printers with USB compatibility, like those reviewed here, provide easy connection to contemporary computers while maintaining legacy support.
Duty Cycle and Reliability
Duty cycle indicates the number of pages the printer can handle per month. Models with higher maximum duty cycles, such as the OKI MICROLINE series at 20,000 pages, are suited for heavy daily printing. Epson printers are noted for long life cycles and durability.
Media Compatibility
Dot matrix printers excel with continuous feed paper including multipart forms and continuous labels. To maximize efficiency, use compatible media like the Avery white computer labels designed specifically for dot matrix pin-feed mechanisms.
Cost of Ownership
Consider the cost of ribbons, maintenance, and replacement parts such as print heads. Printers with widely available consumables and easy maintenance, like the Epson LQ-590ii and DEVMO printhead replacements, help keep long-term costs manageable.
Print Quality and Resolution
Although dot matrix printers generally have lower resolution than inkjets or lasers, look for models with better dpi for clearer print results. The 240 x 216 dpi standard models reviewed offer acceptable clarity for text and simple graphics.
By evaluating these aspects, you can select an old dot matrix printer that aligns with your business needs for dependable multi-part and continuous form printing.