It’s hard to imagine how any of our favorite pens and pencils can be improved,
but Japanese stationery brands are constantly developing new and innovative ways
to make them better.
In this video, we’ll show you nine cult classic pens and pencils
and their high-tech, enhanced versions.
Ballpoint Pens
Pilot Acroball 3 Ballpoint Multi Pen → Pilot Acroball Spotliter 3 Color Ballpoint Multi Pen + Highlighter
Pilot Acro ink has the flow of a gel ink with the reliability of a ballpoint ink.
The Acroball 3 Multi Pen lets you switch quickly between black, blue, and red refills
without needing to reach for another pen.
The Spotliter takes this convenience to the next level.
When you’re in the middle of a study session,
the last thing you want to do is lose your train of thought by having to find a highlighter.
All you have to do is turn the Spotliter pen over
and remove the clear cap to reveal a highlighter!
Uni Jetstream Ballpoint Pen → Uni Jetstream Edge Ballpoint Pen
We’re big fans of the Jetstream thanks to its extraordinarily smooth ballpoint ink,
and Uni added another excellent pen to the lineup with the Jetstream Edge.
This sleek, futuristic pen comes with a specially designed tip
that tapers towards the end, so you can see exactly where you’re writing.
The Point Tip is also available in a 0.38 mm refill
for those who prefer a slightly bolder line.
Zebra Surari Ballpoint Pen → Zebra bLen Ballpoint Pen
The Zebra Surari’s low-viscosity ink is carefully formulated
to reduce friction while writing.
Like the Surari, the bLen also uses Zebra’s emulsion ink,
but its body has been carefully engineered to prevent any of the annoying rattling
that can plague other pens.
Not only does the tip have a pleasantly cushioned feel,
the wide rubber section reminds you to relax
and hold the pen gently for a comfortable, stress-free writing experience.
Gel Pens
Pilot Juice Gel Pen → Pilot Juice Up Gel Pen
Pilot Juice Gel Pens come in tons of vibrant colors,
including pastel and metallic hues.
These fun colors are also available in the Juice Up,
which uses a smoother version of the Juice’s ink.
But the real innovation lies in the Juice Up’s tip.
The unique synergy tip combines the best of the conical and needle point worlds.
It’s durable like a conical tip and precise like a needlepoint tip!
By the way, if you’re a fan of the FriXion lineup of erasable pens,
Pilot uses the synergy tip in the FriXion Point Knock, too.
Uni-ball Signo Gel Pen → Uni-ball One Gel Pen
The Uni-ball Signo is beloved by stationery fans.
With a wide range of tip sizes and colors,
there’s something in the lineup for everyone.
You would think that it’d be difficult to improve on the Signo,
but we think Uni-ball hit it out of the park with the One.
Its ink is specially formulated with large pigment particles
that stay on the surface of the paper,
which makes your writing crisper and more vibrant.
Zebra Sarasa Clip Gel Pen → Zebra Sarasa R Gel Pen
If you’ve seen these vintage-inspired gel pens,
then you won’t need any introduction to the Zebra Sarasa Clip.
It comes in tons of colors, including a fun marbled version!
The minimalist Sarasa R takes the best qualities of this gel pen
and adds a unique twist.
Rather than the pigment-based ink of the Sarasa Clip,
the Sarasa R uses a dye-based ink that has more color density.
The colors pop on the page, with a darker black ink and brighter colored ink.
Mechanical Pencils
Pentel Orenz Mechanical Pencil → Pentel Orenz Nero Mechanical Pencil
The Pentel Orenz has the impressive ability to use leads as fine as 0.2 mm wide.
Its ingenious mechanism retracts the guide pipe as you write,
so the lead is always protected.
The Nero might just look like a stealthy version of the Orenz,
but it adds one indispensable feature:
the lead automatically advances when you lift the pencil from the page.
Once you get it started, you won’t have to interrupt your writing until the lead runs out.
Uni Alpha Gel Mechanical Pencil → Uni Alpha Gel Switch Mechanical Pencil
If you suffer from hand cramps after long writing sessions,
the Uni Alpha Gel Mechanical Pencil was made for you.
Its squishy silicone grip cushions your fingers
and keeps your hand from holding the pen too tightly.
Why not make this mechanical pencil even better
by adding Uni’s Kuru Toga mechanism?
If you’ve never heard of the Kuru Toga,
it’s a mechanical pencil that rotates the lead as you write.
That way, the lead wears down evenly, so your writing stays consistent.
The Switch also lets you turn off Kuru Toga mode, which keeps the lead still.
Zebra DelGuard Mechanical Pencil → Zebra DelGuard Type-ER Mechanical Pencil
The Zebra DelGuard will make sure that you never break your lead again!
Its two-part system protects the lead from both vertical and sideways pressure.
To make this pencil even better,
Zebra focused on something you might not think about until you need it:
the attached eraser.
While you’re writing, the attached eraser stays hidden inside the clicker.
But when you turn the pencil upside down,
the eraser extends and locks in place so you can use it right away.
Which next-gen feature is your favorite?
Let us know in the comments below.
Don’t forget to like this video and subscribe to our channel
if you want to see more innovative pens and pencils!
Thanks for watching.
Pilot Acroball 3 Ball... point Ball-- Ball--
to the Pilot Acroball Spotliter 3 Color Ballpoint Multi Pen + ...
[Laughs]
...like they're Digivolving... or something? [Laughs]
Why not make this mechanical pencil even better by add Uni's Kuru Toga Mech...
[ERROR-- imitated sounds of sputtering]