We’re often asked which mechanical pencil we would pick:
the Uni Kuru Toga or the Zebra DelGuard?
Let’s pit these two iconic pencils against each other in our first Pencil vs Pencil
to settle the question once and for all.
Here are the features we’ll be looking at:
This is what we found.
Model Variations.
The Kuru Toga is available in 7 different models.
The Zebra DelGuard is available in three models.
We’ll explain the distinctions throughout the video.
The Kuru Toga has a spring-loaded clutch that rotates the lead each time you press the pencil
to the paper.
This allows the lead to be evenly worn down into a conical shape for fine, consistent lines.
One downside to this mechanism is a slight springy feeling.
We don’t find that this affects our writing experience, but it may be bothersome for precise
sketching or graphing.
The Kuru Toga Advance and the Pipe Slide models have a sliding lead sleeve that offers additional
lead protection, and will automatically retract as the lead is worn down.
The DelGuard has a mechanism that prevents lead breakage by using a two-part system.
Vertical pressure is absorbed by a spring, retracting the lead back into the tip.
Sideways pressure extends a protective lead sleeve.
This is different from Kuru Toga’s sliding lead sleeve -- in the Kuru Toga models, the
lead sleeve is already extended and slides back as the lead wears down.
Tip Size.
Both pencils are available in three tip sizes: 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7 millimeters.
Here are the models available in each size.
Tip Style
The Kuru Toga has a needle tip, while the DelGuard has a narrow conical tip.
A needle tip is better suited for precision.
You can see more of the area surrounding the tip and it is easier to use with stencils
and rulers.
A conical tip is less likely to be damaged if dropped.
Grip.
The Standard models of both pencils have a plastic grip, with ridges to support your
fingers and improve precision.
The clear plastic shows the mechanisms at work inside.
The Kuru Toga Advance and the Pipe Slide have a plastic grip similar to the Standard model.
The Kuru Toga Rubber Grip and ther DelGuard Type-ER provide a comfortable, slip-free writing experience
with their rubber grips.
The Kuru Toga High Grade & Roulette, and DelGuard Type-Lx have a metal grip for a solid feel
and professional look.
The Kuru Toga Roulette grip is also knurled, for a more secure hold.
The soft gel grip of the Alpha Gel Kuru Toga is ultra comfortable, perfect for those with
a death grip.
Both pencils have small capped erasers with standard erasing ability.
The DelGuard Type-ER is unique--instead of a standard capped eraser, this eraser automatically
extends from the body when the pencil is turned upside down.
The Kuru Toga and DelGuard are both great options!
It’s hard to choose, but it depends on your personal preferences.
If you’re looking for even lines when writing or sketching, the Kuru Toga was designed with
you in mind.
The Kuru Toga is also better suited for graphing or drafting due to its needle tip.
However, if you write in cursive or rarely lift your pencil from the paper,
you may prefer the DelGuard.
For the heavy-handed and others who struggle with lead breakage, the DelGuard’s lead
protection mechanism is the perfect solution.
We hope this video helped you choose a mechanical pencil!
Which products should we compare next?
See the Kuru Toga and DelGuard pencils at JetPens.com.
Thanks for watching!