Top 12 Best Mechanical Pencils for Writing in 2024

Mechanical pencils have recently replaced standard wooden pencil due to its advanced and features. There are several reasons that mechanical pencils are superior over wooden pencils and pens.

Mechanical pencils are reusable, bring consistent line widths, never need sharpening compared to wooden pencils. It also is erasable and doesn’t leak compared to ink pens.

Normally, mechanical pencils have a standard lead refill size of about 0.5mm or 0.7mm. Therefore, it works perfectly for anyone to require quick, neat writing as well as is suitable for technical drawing and fine-art drawing.

However, not all available mechanical pencils on the market are high-quality products. Overall, the good mechanical pencils are lightweight, easy to grasp and give smooth, precious lines. Lead width and hardness are also additional criteria required a high-quality mechanical pencil.

Therefore, we are here to help you find out your best mechanical pencils.

What Are The Best Mechanical Pencils for Writing?

Still confusing which one you should pick from the comparison table? Here are some highlights for specific advanced of some mechanical pencils in the chart that you can consider.

• Best Overall: Pentel Graph Gear 1000 Automatic Drafting Pencil
  “Well-design products with variety of options from color and lead size, versatile use, high-quality of extra support.”
• Best Inexpensive Mechanical Pencil: Zebra M-701 Mechanical Pencil
  “Affordable, eco-friendly, perfectly size for pocket, great non-slip grip.”
• Best Mechanical Pencil for Drawing: Uni Kuru Toga Pipe Slide Mechanical Pencil
  “Hi-tech Japan product, outstanding rotating lead mechanism, lightweight, clear-plastic grip.”
• Best Luxury Mechanical Pencil: Cross Century Chrome Pencil
  “Luxury design with unique gift box, slim silhouette, smart twist-action propel/repel features.”
• Best Effortless Mechanical Pencil: Rotring 600 Black Barrel Mechanical Pencil
  “Modern German design, smart ergonomic, fixed lead guidance sleeve, lifetime use.”
• Best Grip Mechanical Pencil: Pilot Dr. Grip Mechanical Pencil
  “Special ergonomic cushion grip, Arthritis Foundation approved, lightweight, sustainable.”
• Best Value-Pack Mechanical Pencil: MozArt Supplies Essential Mechanical Pencil
  “Excellent value-pack, high-quality secure clip and grip, extra re-loaded lead and erasers.”
• Best Capped Mechanical Pencil: Pentel Sharp Kerry Mechanical Pencil
  “Unique removable cap, high standard lead, perfect size for carrying.”
• Best Thick Lead Mechanical Pencil: Aviation Aluminum Mechanical pencil
  “Sturdy construction with stylish design, aesthetic magnetic ring, sustainable material.”

Mechanical Pencil Comparison Chart 2023

I have collected all must-known information about top 12 best mechanical pencils for your convenience.

Scolded down for more detailed!

Top 12 Best Mechanical Pencil for Writing Reviews in 2023

There is a wide range of mechanical pencils in terms of features, purposes, and price so I acknowledged that it might confuse you. Therefore, I have compiled this list to help you compare and decide which one works best for you.

Keep reading for more detailed information!

1. Pentel Graph Gear 1000 Automatic Drafting Pencil

(Best Overall)

Pental is undoubtedly one of trustful brand of mechanical pencils. This high-end pencil features with dual action retractor ensuring flexibility yet retract pencil tip. Pentel Graph Gear 1000 also comes with a lead hardness indicator which assists you to find out the type of lead inside the pencil.

With four available line sizes and colors, this mechanical pencil is a sleek, solid design bringing heavy metal feel with sturdy construction. It perfectly combined with pentel super hi-polymer, which never need to be sharpening and produces an advanced dark line.

Overall, this is a must for every kind of draftsman, architect, designer, student searching for high-end mechanical pencils.

Key Features:

• Available four-point sizes: 0.3mm, 0.5mm, 0.7mm, 0.9mm
• Materials: metallic mesh
• Available Eraser cap, chiseled metallic grip with latex-free pads, and rotating window

Specification:

• Manufacturer: Pentel
• Count: 1

Wondering why I choose this mechanical pencil best overall, here closer look for you:

2. Zebra M-701 Mechanical Pencil, 0.7mm

(Best Inexpensive Mechanical Pencil)

This mechanical pencil would be a perfect choice if you search for a great quality pencil yet budget-friendly thanks to durable steel material. It also designed with a metal grip for extra steadiness.

The rugged steel body is sturdy, durable, and sleek. Purchasing with the price of $1, Zebra M-701 is definitely an upgrade version with several benefits.

Furthermore, this one-time investment pencil is eco-friendly, easy to transport with refillable for both eraser and lead. Therefore, it is perfect choice for students.

Key Features:

• Point size: 0.7mm
• Material: stainless steel
• Available nonslip grip

Specification:

• Manufacturer: ZEBRA
• Count: 2

If you are doubting how this extremely affordable pencil is truly high-quality, click this link!

3. Uni Kuru Toga Pipe Slide Mechanical Pencil

(Best Mechanical Pencil for Drawing)

Made from Japan, this pencil is hi-tech products with outstanding gunmetal body design. The most innovative part of this pencil is the rotating lead mechanism, which keeps the lead always sharp without breakage. This means that every time you lifted off this pencil from the pages, the lead inside would automatically rotate.

The writing with Kuru Toga is also safe and consistent due to clear-plastic grip and retractable tip. The metal grip designed as a center of gravity enabling comfortable and balance when holding.

This is a perfect pick-up mechanical pencil for anyone need a very accurate and precious detailing pencil.

Overall, this is a must-try pencil with advanced rotating self-sharpening points for anyone look for the break-resistant mechanical pencil.

Key Features:

• Point size: 0.5mm
• Material: plastic
• Lead rotating technology
• Available retractable tip, guide pipe, and eraser

Specification:

• Manufacturer: Uni-ball
• Count: 1

Want to compare other Uni Kuru Toga pencils, this video features three different types for you:

4. Cross Century Chrome Pencil

(Best Luxury Mechanical Pencil)

If you want a luxury pencil as a gifted, this pencil would be a unique choice. Coming from classic century collection of Cross with a spirit of entrepreneurship in mind, Cross Century Chrome Pencil features shine chrome-plated cover bringing with premium gift box.

Plus, it features with a twists-action propel and works well even for people with small hand. With signature looks, this mechanical pencil is an excellent gift not only for your friends but also for yourself.

Key Features:

• Point size: 0.7mm
• Material: metal
• Features with twist-action propel/repel features
• Includes three pencil leads and one eraser

Specification:

• Manufacturer: Cross
• Count: 1

Hesitate to buy it as a gift for your friend, checked this link then decide!

5. Rotring 600 Black Barrel Mechanical Pencil

(Best Effortless Mechanical Pencil)

This modern design of German mechanical pencil is specialized for professional use. The most noticeable part is an ergonomic design that prevents any fatigue on your fingers. Combining with the hexagonal barrel, you will enjoy the right balance without any slipping or sliding for several working hours.

Designing in hexagonal shape, this pencil prevents sliding when placed on a flat surface. Plus, it has a knurled metal grip for comfortable handling.

The precision lead indicator is fitted, which enabling exact and quicker what grade of lead users identify. It also comes with high-quality spare Rapid B Erasers.

Key Features:

• Point size: 0.7mm and 0.5mm
• Have a fixed lead guidance sleeve and lead hardness indicator
• Extra ergonomic metal barrel
• Have two available colors: black and silver

Specification:

• Manufacturer: Rotring
• Count: 1

Want to have detailed perspective from other people, click this link below:

6. Pilot Dr. Grip Mechanical Pencil

(Best Grip Mechanical Pencil)

This amazing mechanical pencil is recognized by the Arthritis Foundation because of its special grip. The ergonomic cushion grip features with moderately soft-grip design. Combining with the lightweight in construction, this pencil is an ideal choice for people who have arthritis.

The most unique parts of this pencil are shaker mechanism that you just need to gently shake the pencil to advance the lead.

There is a wide range of color and barrel options for you to choose from.

Key Features:

• Point size: 0.5mm
• Color: painted metallic barrels
• Has an ergonomic cushion grip
• Stainless steel barrel

Specification:

• Manufacturer: Pillot
• Count: 1

You want to acknowledge about how this mechanical pencil works, this video will help you:

7. Rite in the Rain All-Weather Mechanical Pencil

This mechanical pencil barrel is made of polymeric resin which is perfect for outdoor working conditions. Moreover, the tip is featured with Flex technology preventing the lead from falling out or breaking while you are working.

Different from most of the mechanical pencils on market, Rite in the Rain All-Weather Mechanical Pencil has a 1.1mm lead giving bold line size with a package of seven leads and two extra erasers.

With sturdy construction, this pencil is surprisingly affordable and easily to find replacement lead.

Key Features:

• Point size: 1.1mm
• Resin barrels
• Available 7 leads and 2 erasers
• Extra pocket clip and twist lead

Specification:

• Manufacturer: Rite in the rain
• Count: 1

Don’t believe me that this affordable works well in tough conditions, click this link!

8. Staedtler Mars 780 Mechanical Pencils

The most unique feature of this pencil is that it provides a push-button sharpener. This allows you to maintain precise and consistent lines for a prolonged time when you are writing. It also comes with a knurled metal finger grip which increases balance for holding and prevents any fatigue.

You don’t have to worry about uneven writing and drawing while other mechanical pencil point frequently gets less and less sharp. This mechanical pencil also has a retractable tip and pocket trip for extra comfort.

Key Features:

• Point size: 2mm
• Metal and plastic barrel
• HB lead with metal pocket clip
• Available integrated lead sharpener, a retractable tip

Specification:

• Manufacturer: Staedtler
• Count: 1

This is short tutorial about this amazing pencil:

9. Parker Jotter Mechanical Pencil

This Jotter iconic mechanical pencil brings a sophisticated look with shine stainless steel body accents. It would be a perfect gift for your lover thanks to its elegant silver color, stylish gifted box, and highly polished trims.

The lead is made of strong HB graphite offering precision lines and markings. This mechanical pencil also comes with an arrowhead clip.

Key Features:

• Point size: 0.5mm
• HB graphic lead
• Stainless steel with chrome trim body

Specification:

• Manufacturer: Parker
• Count: 1

Here is unboxing video for closer perspective about this sleek mechanical pencil:

10. MozArt Supplies Essential Mechanical Pencil

(Best Value-Pack Mechanical Pencil)

If you don’t know what lead is the best suitable for you, this essential set of mechanical pencils will not let you down. Including four range of refillable leads from 0.3mm to 0.9mm, this pack is designed for everyday uses with multiple activities that working versatility on all types of papers.

Mozart also features 30 x 4 pieces of HB lead for each lead size as well as four eraser refills, which extremely valuable. Besides that, you would be satisfied with non-slip grips with ergonomic comfort.

Key Features:

• 4 tips size: 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, and 0.9mm
• 30 x 4 pieces click HB lead and 4 eraser refills
• Non-slip grip
• Material: plastic
• Plastic pouch

Specification

• Manufacturer: Mozart
• Count: 4

Want to know artist’s opinion about value-set mechanical pencils, click this link:

11. Pentel Sharp Kerry Mechanical Pencil

(Best Capped Mechanical Pencil)

This Kerry mechanical pencil is impressive at the first glance with a unique removable cap, which enables proper balance, prevents breakage. Pre-loaded Pental Super Hi-polymer HB lead produces clear, dark lines and is scannable. Therefore, it works best for students or professors with standardized tests.

This is the only capped pencil in the USA and has specialized with ultimate pocket and purse protection. The size of this mechanical pencil is accurate for you to fit in your purse or pockets.

Key Features:

• Point size: 0.5mm or 0.7mm
• Handcrafted with watch markers tools
• Comes with clear plastic box, Pentel replaceable Z23-1, and eraser refill
• Removable cap
• Material: resin barrel

Specification:

• Manufacturer: Pental
• Count: 1

12. Aviation Aluminum Mechanical pencil

(Best Thick Lead Mechanical Pencil)

This aesthetic look pencil comes with special magnetic ring control that allows you to twist and slide on the exterior in order to advance the lead. This provides perfectly smooth advancing lead action and saves time.

Made of Aviation Aluminum, this pencil provides soft touching and features the ability to change the color of refillable leads.

Furthermore, if you search for heavy-duty sketching and drawing, this 2mm lead creates a smooth thick line that equates to a 2B.

Key Features:

• Point size: 2.0mm
• Magnetic ring control
• Material: aluminum

Specification:

• Manufacturer: WSD
• Count: 1

If you are curious about how different this magnetic ring’s pencil works from another outer wheels:

Buying Guide

It is not difficult to buy mechanical pencils. However, finding the perfect match mechanical pencils might not easy task for you. There are a variety of different brands to choose with different options of material, lead lines, costs, functions.

Don’t worry, here are some tips for you!

Purposes

Defining why you need a mechanical pencil will lead to other decisions to buy your pencil. For everyday use and general writing, you should consider for graphite size and hardness due to you are heavy-handed or not. Soft, intense black generally works well to write

For drawing and sketching, you might need to more carefully research specific requirements depending on your desire: shading, technical drawing, sketching. Overall, a half-soft lead pencil produces great works for drawing and sketching.

Lead Size

The second step is deciding the lead size. The most common size is 0.5mm and 0.7mm. Smaller size produces a sharper, concise lines while larger in diameter provide thicker, bolder lines.

Some pencils feature point size up to 2mm, allowing you to make incredibly fine points for heavy-duty sketching.

Lead Hardness

There are three common categories of lead hardness: H (hard), B (black), and HB (hard black) with a wide range from 9B to 9H. The softer the lead is, the darker the line will be. HB will be a safe choice if you don’t know which lead works best for you.

Mechanisms

Generally, most mechanical pencils on the market feature in three common ways of extending the lead: push button, shaker, and twist. You can easily find the push-button at a top of the end or on the side of almost all mechanical pencils.

If you don’t prefer the “click” sound and want to save time, shaker pencil and auto-feed pencil are more reliable and convenient options for you.

Pencil Construction

These criteria would define ideal hand balance, how comfortable for holding up a pencil after long working hours, and the durable of the pencils. There might have layers material with different in outer casing and inner mechanism.

Overall, sustainable materials are bronze, titanium, stainless steel, and copper.

Addition Options

To find the best mechanical pencils, you might want to compare all available erasers, clip, grip, box gift options and decide what most important options for you.

Choose The Best Mechanical Pencil Leads?

Perhaps the most important part after buying the right mechanical pencil is that finds the perfect mechanical pencil leads. In other words, the right lead size and grade will determine how a pencil writes.

Some of mechanical pencil provides a pre-loaded lead for you. If not, just pick the one that matches your pencil then this part becomes easier. If you are looking for more information for specific requirements, you should know the different outcomes of the different lead sizes.

0.5mm and 0.7mm leads are the most popular, which is a safe choice for the beginning. 0.2mm to 0.4mm lead are designed for extra-fine, detailed writing and writing or compact math equations. From 0.9mm to 2mm leads are normally designed for bold writing and sketching.

Lead hardness is another important part to consider when buying mechanical pencils. The most standard grade of lead pencil is HB, which is equivalent to No.2 pencil. Mechanical pencils are made of a mixture of graphite and clay. If the lead is more graphite, the outcome will be softer, smoother, and darker.

While B or 2B lead is especially smooth and dark, H or F lead is slightly firmer and less smudge prone.

In conclusion, depending on lead size and hardness, your mechanical pencil’s line will be smoothness, darkness, break resistance, longevity, erasability, and smudge resistance or not.

FAQs

Our Top Pick

Our top pick is Pentel Graph Gear 1000 Automatic Drafting Pencil. This mechanical pencil features versatile features with latex-free grip, and dual-action retractor for extra comfortable, consistent lines, and excellent ergonomics.

It also comes with a flexed retractable tip, a high-quality eraser, super hi-polymer HB lead combing with a rotating window which indicates the lead-style as your desire.

Available with four colors and lead sizes, you will be satisfied even though you are beginners or professors in the process of choosing your best mechanical pencil.