Sara’s Stationery: Pens

by Sara Yen, Winged Post Editor-in-Chief
December 4, 2020

I like my pens inky, my paper smooth and my pencils precise. Fancy writing supplies don’t necessarily give rise to magnificent works or penmanship, but, hey, they look and feel cool. I’m by no means an expert, nor an aficionado, of stationery, but here’s a list of my five favorite pens.

#5 Acro 300 Ballpoint Pen

It’s the only ballpoint pen I’ve used that feels as smooth as a gel pen. The ink only comes in black, but there’s a variety of barrel colors from clear to glossy. It’s elegant but uncomfortable to write with for long periods of time. Sara Yen

Inkiness:     ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆

Reliability: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆☆

Overall:        ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆☆

 

#4 Uni-ball Signo Gel Pen

Some stationery enthusiasts regard this pen as one of the smoothest gel pens to exist. It’s 0.5 mm tip feels as precise as 0.38 mm. There’s also a decent amount of colors — the only downside is that it’s not retractable. Sara Yen

Inkiness:    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆

Reliability: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆☆

Overall:        ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆

 

#3 Zebra Sarasa Clip Gel Pen

From pastels to metallics to multicolor ink, Zebra Sarasa pens have plenty of colors for any occasion. Except for lighter colors, these pens are decently inky and consistent. When writing for a long period of time, the grip feels a bit firm and uncomfortable though. Sara Yen

Inkiness:     ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆

Reliability: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆

Overall:        ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆

 

#2 Mitsubishi No. 460 Ballpoint Pen

I usually dislike ballpoints for their inconsistency and coarse feel, but the Mitsubishi No. 460 feels extremely precise with its slim body. Without a clip or grip, its look is pleasingly minimalist and bare. It’s also balanced and great to flip when you need a short break from homework. Sara Yen

Inkiness:    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆

Reliability: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Overall:        ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆

 

#1 Pilot G2 Gel Pen

This is a classic. Pilot G2 pens are inky, precise and consistent — I’ve bought several packs and refills of these over the years. Refills are cheaper and save plastic compared to buying whole new pens. There isn’t a large variety of colors, but they get the job done and also spin well. Sara Yen

Inkiness:     ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Reliability: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Overall:        ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️