an impact - type recording apparatus is disclosed . the apparatus of this invention comprises : a platen for supporting a recording medium ; hammer means guided for reciprocal movement between a strike position where the hammer means strikes a character element to force it against an inked ribbon and a recording medium supported on the platen and a stand - by position where the hammer means is kept apart from the platen ; energizing means for generating a force acting to move the hammer means from the stand - by position to the strike position ; and control means for actuating the energizing means while the hammer means is being moved from the stand - by position to the strike position for striking purposes and while the hammer means is being moved from the strike position to the stand - by position for returning purposes . this construction enables the high - speed operation of the printing mechanism to be carried out with a low level of noise generation .