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The Best Mechanical Pencils

The Best Mechanical Pencils

January 23, 2024 - Posted by Connie to Guides, Mechanical Pencils

The Best Mechanical Pencils

Are you searching for the perfect mechanical pencil? With so many to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start looking. In this guide, we’ll share some tips on how to pick the one that’s right for you, then share our top mechanical pencil recommendations.

What Is the Best Mechanical Pencil?
The Pentel Sharp Kerry is the best mechanical pencil.
The Pentel Sharp Kerry is the best mechanical pencil.

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The Pentel Sharp Kerry is the best mechanical pencil. It has a distinctive capped design that resembles a fancy rollerball or fountain pen. The cap isn’t just for style, though: it protects the tip from damage and keeps your pencil from poking holes in your pocket or pen case.

When capped, the Kerry is just under five inches long. Posting the cap on the back of the barrel extends the pencil to a nice length that feels comfortable to hold, even during long writing sessions. Buttons on the back of the barrel and cap let you extend the lead even if the cap is posted. Removing the cap button reveals a small eraser, and removing the barrel button provides access to the lead storage tube.

The Pentel Sharp Kerry is a sleek pencil with a smart design. You can learn more about it in our dedicated guide.

Mechanical Pencil Considerations
Lead Advancement Mechanism

Mechanical pencils can use a variety of different methods to advance the lead. This is something you’ll have to do a lot when using a mechanical pencil, so it’s worth considering which mechanism you prefer.

Most mechanical pencils (like the Pentel Sharp Kerry shown) use push buttons to advance the lead.
Many mechanical pencils (like the Pentel Sharp Kerry shown above) use push buttons to advance the lead.
Most mechanical pencils use push buttons that advance lead with each click. The button is usually on the top of the pencil (opposite the tip), but it can also be on the side of the pencil or built into the clip.
Shaker mechanical pencils like the Pilot Fure Fure Me extend lead with a flick of the wrist.
Shaker mechanical pencils like the Pilot Fure Fure Me extend lead with a flick of the wrist.
Like its name suggests, a shaker mechanical pencil extends lead with a flick of your wrist! A sliding weight inside the pencil activates an internal mechanism that advances the lead, so you don’t have to adjust your grip to keep writing. Many people find that shaker mechanical pencils are easier or more comfortable to use than push button pencils, but they may not be for everyone. The shaker mechanism can be a little noisy, so some writers can find them distracting. Thankfully, all shaker pencils also include conventional push button mechanisms.
The Retro 51 Tornado is an example of a twist mechanical pencil that extends and retracts the lead by turning a knob.
The Retro 51 Tornado is an example of a twist mechanical pencil that extends and retracts the lead by turning a knob.
Twist mechanisms advance and retract the lead by turning a knob located in the top cap or nose cone of the pencil. This allows you to adjust the amount of lead you want to extend. Twist mechanisms are common on vintage mechanical pencils, though there are some modern pencils that use them. Twist mechanical pencils have some limitations, though. They usually only take wider leads (0.7 mm and above), and generally hold just one piece of lead at a time.
The Pentel Orenz is an automatic mechanical pencil that extends lead as it’s used up.
The Pentel Orenz is an automatic mechanical pencil that extends lead as it’s used up.
With an automatic mechanical pencil, all you have to do is extend the lead once: you don’t need to do anything to advance the lead! As you write, the lead wears down to the edge of the lead sleeve. The pressure of the paper on the lead sleeve activates a ratchet mechanism that pushes out more lead. While an automatic mechanism is a lifesaver for anyone who takes a ton of notes, it does mean that you’ll be doing most of your writing with the lead sleeve touching the paper. Some people don’t like this added sensation, so keep that in mind when considering an automatic mechanical pencil.
Lead Size
Lead size is one of the most important parts of how a mechanical pencil writes.
Lead size is one of the most important parts of how a mechanical pencil writes.
Lead size is one of the most important parts of how a mechanical pencil writes. Thinner leads produce sharp, fine lines, but they’re fragile and can break easily. Wider leads are smooth and break resistant, though they’re not the best for detailed work.

Most mechanical pencils use 0.5 mm or 0.7 mm leads, which offer great balances of precision and break resistance. These lead sizes are very common and also offer the widest selection of lead grades to choose from. Some pencils use leads as fine as 0.2 mm or as broad as 1.3 mm.

Leads that are 2.0 mm or broader are compatible with lead holders, which are especially good for art. You can learn more about them in our guide.

Lead Size Recommended Uses
0.2 mm to 0.4 mm Extra-fine writing, detailed drawings, compact math equations
0.5 mm Everyday writing, math equations, applications that need a variety of lead grades
0.7 mm Everyday writing and drawing, heavy-handed writers, applications that need a variety of lead grades
0.9 mm and up Bold writing and sketching, very heavy-handed writers
Grip Design

A comfortable grip section is essential to a good writing experience. Mechanical pencil grips come in a range of diameters and materials. Your individual preferences will determine what kind of grip will work best for you.

Grip Diameter
Mechanical pencil grips can vary widely in diameter. We compared the Pilot Fure Fure Me (above) and Staedtler 771 (below) in the image.
Mechanical pencil grips can vary widely in diameter. We compared the Pilot Fure Fure Me (above) and Staedtler 771 (below) in the image above.
Mechanical pencil grips can vary widely in diameter. A wider grip is typically more ergonomic and encourages a looser grasp. It’s a good option for those with larger hands, or anyone who suffers from arthritis, repetitive strain injury, and other hand issues. People with smaller hands often find narrower grips to be more comfortable.
Grip Material
The Pilot Fure Fure Me has a plastic grip, while the Staedtler 925 Series has a metal grip. The rubber grip on the Kokuyo Fitcurve is firmer than the silicone grip on the Uni Alpha Gel Kuru Toga.
The Pilot Fure Fure Me has a plastic grip, while the Staedtler 925 Series has a metal grip. The rubber grip on the Kokuyo FitCurve is firmer than the silicone grip on the Uni Alpha Gel Kuru Toga.
Most grips are made from materials like plastic, rubber, silicone, or metal. Plastic grips are the most common. They’re hard and warm quickly to the touch, so they might not be the best fit for writers with sweaty hands. Rubber and silicone grips can be firm and unyielding or super squishy. Metal grips are hard like plastic, but they can remain cool to the touch for longer than plastic can.
Built-In Eraser
Most mechanical pencils include small, built-in erasers. Some are hidden beneath a cap (left, Sun-Star Nicolo) or can be twisted up (right, Tombow Mono Graph Shaker).
Most mechanical pencils include small, built-in erasers. Some are hidden beneath a cap (left, Sun-Star Nicolo) or can be twisted up (right, Tombow Mono Graph Shaker).
Most mechanical pencils include built-in erasers, but they’re usually quite small. It’s best to use them for very small mistakes; otherwise, they’ll be used up quickly. We always recommend carrying a separate eraser because it’s much easier to erase big areas, and it typically performs better than a mechanical pencil’s built-in eraser, too.

If you don’t want to carry an eraser around with you, choose a mechanical pencil with a generously-sized, replaceable eraser. The Kokuyo FitCurve and Pentel Twist-Erase III are both good options.

Advanced Features

Mechanical pencil designers continue to develop innovative new features to make them even better. Here are some useful features to be aware of.

Retractable Tip
The Tombow Mono Graph Shaker doesn’t have a retractable tip, but the Pilot Fure Fure Shaker does.
The Tombow Mono Graph Shaker doesn’t have a retractable tip, but the Pilot Fure Fure Me does.
Mechanical pencils with long lead sleeves can poke holes in pockets and pencil cases. They can also get bent when dropped, which means the entire mechanical pencil will stop working. Because of this, many mechanical pencils feature “pocket-safe,” retractable tips.

Retractable tips come in a variety of styles, but the most common type works by holding down the pencil’s push button, pressing your finger against the end of the lead sleeve, then releasing the push button once the lead sleeve is fully seated in the nose cone. The lead sleeve will pop out the next time you extend the lead.

Lead Protection
Some mechanical pencils like the Zebra DelGuard have mechanisms to protect leads from breakage when too much pressure is applied.
Some mechanical pencils like the Zebra DelGuard have mechanisms to protect leads from breakage when too much pressure is applied.
Breaking lead is frustrating and messes with your focus, so mechanical pencil designers have come up with several ways to protect leads from breakage.

The most common form of lead protection is a sliding lead sleeve. Typical fixed lead sleeves do a great job of protecting leads, but they can only protect what they cover. A sliding lead sleeve retracts as the lead wears down, so only the very tip of the lead is exposed. This means that the rest of the lead is protected by the sleeve.

Some mechanical pencils offer other forms of lead protection:

  • The Pilot Mogulair has a built-in spring that cushions the tip of the pencil, absorbing excess writing pressure. If you prefer a more industrial look, the Rotring Rapid Pro also has this feature.
  • The Zebra DelGuard has a similar cushioning spring, as well as a specially designed lead sleeve that extends to protect the lead when too much sideways pressure is applied.
Automatic Lead Rotation
The Uni Kuru Toga has an automatic lead rotation mechanism that keeps lead consistent.
A feature currently unique to the Uni Kuru Toga Mechanical Pencil, automatic lead rotation keeps the lead consistent. With other mechanical pencils, the lead wears down over time in the same spot, creating a chisel shape. Your writing looks broader until you rotate the pencil in your hand and begin using a different part of the lead.

The Kuru Toga mechanism uses a ratchet to rotate the lead every time it’s pressed against the paper. That way, the lead is evenly worn on all sides, creating a subtle, conical lead shape that stays consistent.

One potential downside to the Kuru Toga is that it feels “squishy” when the lead first touches the paper. Our JetPens team members didn’t notice this sensation after a short period of time. However, if you need a mechanical pencil with a perfectly rigid tip, the Kuru Toga might not be for you.

To learn more about the Kuru Toga, check out our guide.

Mechanical Pencil Recommendations
The Most Comfortable Mechanical Pencil: Uni Alpha Gel Kuru Toga Mechanical Pencil
The Uni Alpha Gel Kuru Toga is the most comfortable mechanical pencil we’ve ever used.
The Uni Alpha Gel Kuru Toga is the most comfortable mechanical pencil we’ve ever used.

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The Uni Alpha Gel Kuru Toga is the most comfortable mechanical pencil we’ve ever used. Its grip is made from a delightfully squishy silicone. Even if you grasp your pencils tightly, the Alpha Gel grip cushions your fingers and reduces strain.

This pencil also uses the Kuru Toga mechanism, which rotates the lead as you write. That way, the lead wears down evenly on all sides, and your writing stays consistent.

If the Alpha Gel Kuru Toga’s grip is a little too squishy for your taste, try the Pilot Dr. Grip Mechanical Pencil. Its rubber grip section is made with a firm outer layer and a soft inner layer that’s perfectly balanced in feel.

The Best Ergonomic Mechanical Pencil: Staedtler 771 Mechanical Pencil
The Staedtler 771 was designed to be one of the most ergonomic mechanical pencils.
The Staedtler 771 was designed to be one of the most ergonomic mechanical pencils.

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The Staedtler 771 was carefully designed to be one of the best ergonomic mechanical pencils out there. Its grip section has a wide, triangular shape that encourages a relaxed grasp. Its thick, 1.3 mm lead and cushioned tip prevents breakage, even if you press down hard.

If 1.3 mm lead is too chunky for everyday writing, consider trying the 0.5 mm Uni Alpha Gel Shaka Shaker. It’s similar to our pick for the most comfortable mechanical pencil and is very ergonomic, but it doesn’t have the lead-rotating Kuru Toga mechanism.

The Best Fine-Tip Mechanical Pencil: Pentel Orenz Mechanical Pencil
The Pentel Orenz is the only mechanical pencil available in tip sizes as small as 0.2 mm.
The Pentel Orenz is the only mechanical pencil available in tip sizes as small as 0.2 mm.

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When it comes to a fine tip, the Pentel Orenz has no peer—literally. There aren’t any other 0.2 mm mechanical pencils! Normally, lead sizes like 0.2 mm and 0.3 mm are so delicate that only the gentlest writers can use them. But thanks to the Orenz’s long sliding lead sleeve, broken leads are a thing of the past. The lead sleeve covers all but the very tip of the lead, completely reinforcing it. As you write, the lead sleeve gently touches the paper. It retracts back into the pencil as the lead wears down, exposing just enough lead to continue writing.

The edge of the lead sleeve is rounded, so it doesn’t feel like it’s scratching or catching on the paper as you write. However, some writers may find the sensation of the lead sleeve on the paper bothersome.

Read our guide to learn more about fine-tip mechanical pencils.

The Best Mini Mechanical Pencil: Zebra Techo TS-3 Mini Mechanical Pencil
The Zebra Techo TS-3 is one of the smallest mechanical pencils around.
The Zebra Techo TS-3 is one of the smallest mechanical pencils around.

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The Zebra Techo TS-3 is one of the smallest mechanical pencils around. At just under four inches in length, it slides into pants pockets and planner pen loops. It’s great for jotting down quick notes in a pocket notebook, but it won’t be comfortable for long writing sessions.

The Kaweco Sport Mechanical Pencil is only about half an inch longer than the Techo TS-3, but its larger diameter means it’s much easier to use for everyday writing.

The Best Multi Mechanical Pencil: Sun-Star Nicolo Multi Mechanical Pencil
The Sun-Star Nicolo is our favorite pre-filled multi mechanical pencil.
The Sun-Star Nicolo is our favorite pre-filled multi mechanical pencil.

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The Sun-Star Nicolo is our favorite pre-filled multi mechanical pencil. Just twist the top of the pencil to switch between 0.3 mm and 0.5 mm lead sizes! Its chunky body is a necessity to hold both mechanical pencil components, but its wide grip section also makes it comfortable in the hand. The Nicolo has a replaceable eraser under the end cap. However, it’s not very big, so it’ll disappear quickly if used for big mistakes.

You can always build your own multi mechanical pencil, too! Check out our guide to see which customizable multi pens can be filled with mechanical pencil components.

The Most Precise Mechanical Pencil: Uni Kuru Toga Advance Upgrade Mechanical Pencil
The Uni Kuru Toga Advance Upgrade rotates the lead and keeps your writing consistent.
The Uni Kuru Toga Advance Upgrade rotates the lead and keeps your writing consistent.

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The Uni Kuru Toga wins the title of the most precise mechanical pencil by solving a problem you may never have thought of. With a typical mechanical pencil, the lead wears down into a wedge shape that creates different line widths, making your writing look inconsistent. The Kuru Toga solves this problem with a built-in mechanism that rotates the lead slightly every time you lift the tip from the paper. This means the lead wears down into a consistent, conical point.

All Kuru Toga mechanical pencils have this mechanism, but we want to shine a spotlight on the Advance Upgrade. Its “W Speed Engine” rotates the lead twice as fast, so it’s better suited for scripts that use fewer and longer strokes (such as the Latin alphabet).

Its sleek, high quality body features a metal grip section that gives the pencil a low center of gravity, which makes it more comfortable to hold. The Advance Upgrade also has a sliding lead sleeve that protects the lead while you write.

If the Advance Upgrade’s looks are a little too modern for your taste, read our comprehensive guide to learn more about other Kuru Toga models.

The Best Shaker Mechanical Pencil: Tombow Mono Graph Shaker Mechanical Pencil
The Tombow Mono Graph Shaker is a classic and effective shaker mechanical pencil.
The Tombow Mono Graph Shaker is a classic and effective shaker mechanical pencil.

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The Tombow Mono Graph Shaker is a classic and effective shaker mechanical pencil. It has one of the quietest shaker mechanisms we’ve ever tried at JetPens. Of course, you can always press down on the clip to extend the lead so you don’t bother your neighbors during a test. Pushing the clip up towards the eraser activates a locking mechanism that turns off the shaker mechanism, preventing the lead from extending in a pocket or pencil case.

Speaking of erasers, the Mono Graph Shaker has a generous twist eraser that can be replaced once it’s used up.

The Best Unbreakable Mechanical Pencil: Zebra DelGuard Mechanical Pencil
The Zebra DelGuard uses an ingenious lead guarding mechanism that makes it the best unbreakable mechanical pencil.
The Zebra DelGuard uses an ingenious lead guarding mechanism that makes it the best unbreakable mechanical pencil.

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The Zebra DelGuard uses an ingenious lead guarding mechanism that makes it the best unbreakable mechanical pencil. Its two-part system protects lead from both vertical and horizontal pressure. A spring in the barrel allows the lead to retract into the pencil tip if you press down too hard. A second spring in the pencil tip extends a pipe when there’s too much sideways force. When you’re writing with a DelGuard, you may never have to worry about broken lead again!

The DelGuard is available in a variety of different body styles. The JetPens team likes the Type GR for its ergonomic grip section, while the Type-Lx has a sleek body with a metal grip.

Be sure to check out our guide for other lead guard mechanical pencils. The list includes the Pilot Mogulair, which has a cushioning spring that protects the lead from vertical pressure, similar to that of the Zebra DelGuard.

The Coolest Mechanical Pencil: Rotring 600 Drafting Pencil
The Rotring 600 is one cool mechanical pencil.
The Rotring 600 is one cool mechanical pencil.

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The Rotring 600 is technically a drafting pencil, but it’s so cool that our JetPens team can’t help but recommend it here. Its brass body is durable and feels comfortably weighty in the hand. Like other drafting pencils, it has a knurled grip section that gives it an industrial look and helps your fingers grasp the pencil. Its fixed lead sleeve is long, so you get a clear view of where you’re writing. A lead grade indicator near the eraser makes it easy to remember exactly what lead is inside.
The Cutest Mechanical Pencil: Pilot Fure Fure Me Shaker Mechanical Pencil
The Pilot Fure Fure Me is a mechanical pencil that’s so cute, it’ll bring a smile to your face.
The Pilot Fure Fure Me is a mechanical pencil that’s so cute, it’ll bring a smile to your face.

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The Pilot Fure Fure Me is a mechanical pencil that’s so cute, it’s sure to bring a smile to your face—even when you’ve been studying for hours. This slim pencil is available in a variety of different color combinations, from pastel hues to darker, more sophisticated shades. It even has a hole in the clip for a keychain for you to customize your pencil and make it uniquely yours.

The Fure Fure Me is a shaker pencil that has a surprisingly quiet mechanism, though we still recommend using the clicker to extend lead when you’re in a library so you don’t bother those around you.

The Most Durable Mechanical Pencil: Tactile Turn Mechanical Pencil
If you need a writing instrument that’s practically indestructible, the durable Tactile Turn Mechanical Pencil is the pick for you.
If you need a writing instrument that’s practically indestructible, the durable Tactile Turn Mechanical Pencil is the pick for you.

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If you need a writing instrument that’s practically indestructible, the durable Tactile Turn Mechanical Pencil is the pick for you. It’s machined by hand out of real metals like copper, bronze, or titanium. Enthusiasts who want the best of the best can even get a pencil made of real zirconium, a metal rarely found in writing instruments that has excellent corrosion resistance. Shallow grooves are engraved in the body of the pencil, which gives it a nicely grippy texture and hides any seams. We especially appreciate that the pencil comes with a clean-out rod so you can quickly clear lead jams if they happen.

If the Tactile Turn’s price tag is a little too high for you, don’t worry: you don’t have to spend a lot to get something durable. The Zebra M-701 is a budget-friendly mechanical pencil that’s made from stainless steel.

The Best Luxury Mechanical Pencil: Kaweco Special Mechanical Pencil
The Kaweco Special has an elegant mix of modern and classic styling that makes it a luxurious pick.
The Kaweco Special has an elegant mix of modern and classic styling that makes it a luxurious pick.

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The Kaweco Special has an elegant mix of modern and classic styling that makes it a luxurious pick. It features the same octagonal body found on many other Kaweco pens and pencils. The Special is available in two materials: hefty, eye-catching brass or sleek, lightweight aluminum. The brass mechanical pencil will patina and darken with use, but you can always polish it to a like-new finish. The all-black aluminum pencil is also available in a mini version that’s suitable for pocket carry. These metals aren’t just durable, they also have classic looks that are fit for any professional.

Be aware that the Special can only hold one or two pieces of lead at a time, so those who write a lot may have to refill the pencil often.

The Most Unique Mechanical Pencil: Retro 51 Tornado Mechanical Pencil
The Retro 51 Tornado comes in a bunch of fun, unique designs.
The Retro 51 Tornado comes in a bunch of fun, unique designs.

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The Retro 51 Tornado comes in a bunch of fun, unique designs. You can show off your love for crossword puzzles, or pick up a glow-in-the-dark skeleton in honor of Dr. Henry Gray. Inspired by the look and feel of vintage mechanical pencils, the Tornado has a twist mechanism that extends its 1.15 mm lead by turning the knurled piece below the eraser. Its large eraser is replaceable, too.
The Best Mechanical Pencil for Artists: Staedtler 925 Series Lead Holder
A good mechanical pencil is a must-have tool for many artists, and we want to recommend the Staedtler 925 Series.
A good mechanical pencil is a must-have tool for many artists, and we want to recommend the Staedtler 925 Series.

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A good mechanical pencil is a must-have tool for many artists, and we want to recommend the Staedtler 925 Series. Although it’s technically a lead holder, its incremental advance clutch works just like that of a mechanical pencil. It has an aluminum body that’s sturdy without being too heavy, and its knurled grip reduces slipping. Its guide pipe provides a clear view of the paper, and a built-in lead grade indicator on the clicker lets you keep track of what lead is installed in the pencil.

The Staedtler 925 Series uses 2 mm leads that can create detailed strokes or fill in large areas of shadow quickly. Leads of this size are much longer than 0.5 mm and 0.7 mm mechanical pencil leads, and they last longer, too. Be sure to pick up a compatible lead pointer to sharpen the lead so it can create fine marks.

If your art style demands finer lines, you may want to look into the Pentel Graph Gear 1000. In our guide on The Best Pencils, we recommend this drafting pencil for designers, drafters, and architects, all of whom require precise tools.

The Best Mechanical Colored Pencil for Artists: Pilot Color Eno Mechanical Pencil
The Pilot Color Eno is sure to become a favorite mechanical colored pencil for any artist.
The Pilot Color Eno is sure to become a favorite mechanical colored pencil for any artist.

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Whether underdrawing is a key part of your process or you just want to add pops of color to your sketches, the Pilot Color Eno is sure to become a favorite mechanical colored pencil for any artist. Its colored lead creates vivid lines that won’t show through ink, beautifully complements watercolor washes, and erases with ease. The soft blue lead can even be digitally removed from scanned ink drawings.

We like that the Color Eno matches the body to the lead color, but you can pick up Color Eno Neox Lead and put it in any 0.7 mm mechanical pencil of your choice. One warning: the leads aren’t lightfast, so they’re best for temporary applications like underdrawings or sketchbooks that you’ll keep out of the sun.

Want even more colored leads at your disposal? Check out Uni EMOTT Color Mechanical Pencil sets. Their 0.9 mm leads work best for less precise applications of color (like quick, loose sketches or filling in blank areas), but we appreciate that they come in some unique colors.

The Best Mechanical Pencil for Minimalists: Kokuyo Enpitsu Standard Mechanical Pencil
The Kokuyo Enpitsu gets rid of extra features for a truly minimalist mechanical pencil.
The Kokuyo Enpitsu gets rid of extra features for a truly minimalist mechanical pencil.

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The Kokuyo Enpitsu gets rid of extra features for a truly minimalist mechanical pencil. Named after the Japanese word for a wooden pencil, the Enpitsu even looks like one thanks to its slim, hexagonal body. It doesn’t have an eraser (be sure to pick up a separate one), so you can drop lead right into the pencil without removing an eraser cap. An inner mechanism keeps the lead safely inside; it won’t fall out even if you shake the pencil while it’s upside down!
The Best Mechanical Pencil for Students: Kokuyo FitCurve Mechanical Pencil
The Kokuyo FitCurve is one of our all-time favorite mechanical pencils and a perfect choice for students.
The Kokuyo FitCurve is one of our all-time favorite mechanical pencils and a perfect choice for students.

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The Kokuyo FitCurve is one of our all-time favorite mechanical pencils and a perfect choice for students. Its wide, firm rubber grip will keep hands comfortable during marathon note-taking sessions. It even has a large, replaceable twist eraser. It has a sliding lead sleeve to protect the lead, so your focus won’t be interrupted by broken leads.

Students who are constantly taking multiple choice tests should pick up the Morning Glory Sketch 1000. Its rectangular lead makes it easy to fill in answer bubbles quickly.

Conclusion

With so many mechanical pencils to choose from, there’s sure to be one out there that suits your tastes. Do you have a favorite mechanical pencil? Let us know about it in the comments below.

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The JetPens Mechanical Pencil Sampler includes five mechanical pencils.
The JetPens Mechanical Pencil Sampler includes five mechanical pencils.
Check out the JetPens Mechanical Pencil Sampler to try out some of the top picks recommended in this guide! You’ll get five mechanical pencils ranging from 0.2 mm to 0.7 mm in classic black. Our Mechanical Pencil Lead Samplers let you test a variety of 0.5 mm leads, too.

Add Items to Cart

Recommendation Product Lead Size Add to Cart
Top Choice Pentel Sharp Kerry Mechanical Pencil - 0.7 mm - Black Body Pentel Sharp Kerry Mechanical Pencils 0.5 mm, 0.7 mm Add Items to Cart
The Most Comfortable Mechanical Pencil Pilot Dr. Grip Ace Shaker Mechanical Pencil - 0.5 mm - Black Pilot Dr. Grip Mechanical Pencils 0.3 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.9 mm Add Items to Cart
Uni Alpha Gel Kuru Toga Mechanical Pencil - 0.5 mm - Lavender Purple Body Uni Alpha Gel Kuru Toga Mechanical Pencils 0.5 mm Add Items to Cart
The Best Ergonomic Mechanical Pencil Staedtler 771 Mechanical Pencil - 1.3 mm - Yellow Staedtler 771 Mechanical Pencils 1.3 mm Add Items to Cart
Uni Alpha Gel Shaka Shaker Mechanical Pencil - 0.5 mm - Soft Grip - White Uni Alpha Gel Shaka Shaker Mechanical Pencils 0.5 mm Add Items to Cart
The Best Fine-Tip Mechanical Pencil Pentel Orenz Nero Mechanical Pencil - 0.5 mm Pentel Orenz Mechanical Pencils 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.5 mm Add Items to Cart
The Best Mini Mechanical Pencil Kaweco Classic Sport Mechanical Pencil - 0.7 mm - Green Body Kaweco Sport Mechanical Pencils 0.7 mm Add Items to Cart
Zebra Techo TS-3 Mini Mechanical Pencil - 0.5 mm Zebra Techo TS-3 Mini Mechanical Pencil 0.5 mm Add to Cart
The Best Multi Mechanical Pencil Sun-Star Nicolo Multi Mechanical Pencil - 0.3 mm / 0.5 mm - Lavender Mist Sun-Star Nicolo Multi Mechanical Pencils 0.3 mm / 0.5 mm Add Items to Cart
The Best Precise Mechanical Pencil Uni Kuru Toga Advance Upgrade Model Mechanical Pencil - 0.5 mm - Gun Metallic Uni Kuru Toga Advance Upgrade Model Mechanical Pencils 0.5 mm Add Items to Cart
The Best Shaker Mechanical Pencil Tombow Mono Graph Shaker Mechanical Pencil - 0.5 mm - Black Tombow Mono Graph Shaker Mechanical Pencils 0.3 mm, 0.5 mm Add Items to Cart
The Best Unbreakable Mechanical Pencil Pilot Mogulair Mechanical Pencil - 0.5 mm - White Pilot Mogulair Mechanical Pencils 0.3 mm, 0.5 mm Add Items to Cart
Zebra DelGuard Mechanical Pencil - 0.5 mm - Black Zebra DelGuard Mechanical Pencils 0.3 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.7 mm Add Items to Cart
The Coolest Mechanical Pencil Rotring 600 Drafting Pencil - 0.5 mm - Black Rotring 600 Drafting Pencils 0.5 mm, 0.7 mm Add Items to Cart
The Cutest Mechanical Pencil Pilot Fure Fure Me Shaker Mechanical Pencil - 0.5 mm - White Pilot Fure Fure Me Shaker Mechanical Pencils 0.3 mm, 0.5 mm Add Items to Cart
The Best Durable Mechanical Pencil Tactile Turn Slim Mechanical Pencil - 0.5 mm - Titanium Tactile Turn Mechanical Pencils 0.5 mm Add Items to Cart
Zebra M-701 Stainless Steel Mechanical Pencil - 0.7 mm Zebra M-701 Stainless Steel Mechanical Pencil 0.7 mm Add to Cart
The Best Luxury Mechanical Pencil Kaweco Special Mechanical Pencil - 0.5 mm - Black Body Kaweco Special Mechanical Pencils 0.3 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.9 mm Add Items to Cart
The Most Unique Mechanical Pencil Retro 51 Tornado Dr. Gray Mechanical Pencil - 1.15 mm Retro 51 Tornado Mechanical Pencils 1.15 mm Add Items to Cart
The Best Mechanical Pencil for Artists Pentel GraphGear 1000 Drafting Pencil - 0.5 mm Pentel GraphGear 1000 Drafting Pencils 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.9 mm Add Items to Cart
Staedtler 925-35 All Black Lead Holder - 2 mm Staedtler 925 Series Lead Holders 2 mm Add Items to Cart
The Best Mechanical Colored Pencil for Artists Pilot Color Eno Erasable Mechanical Pencil - 0.7 mm - Soft Blue Body - Soft Blue Lead Pilot Color Eno Mechanical Pencils 0.7 mm Add Items to Cart
Uni EMOTT Color Mechanical Pencil - 0.9 mm - 4 Color Set - No. 3 Nostalgic Uni EMOTT Color Mechanical Pencils 0.9 mm Add Items to Cart
The Best Mechanical Pencil for Minimalists Kokuyo Enpitsu Sharp Mechanical Pencil - 1.3 mm - Red Lead Kokuyo Enpitsu Standard Mechanical Pencils 0.3 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.9 mm, 1.3 mm Add Items to Cart
The Best Mechanical Pencil for Students Kokuyo FitCurve Mechanical Pencil - 0.5 mm - Blue Kokuyo FitCurve Mechanical Pencil 0.5 mm Add to Cart
Morning Glory Sketch 1000 Pencil - 1.8 mm Flat Morning Glory Sketch 1000 Pencil 1.8 mm Add to Cart