The Most Popular Mechanical Pencil, Ranked

Choose the mechanical pencil you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 26, 2024 06:43
In a classroom filled with the soft scribbling sounds of mechanical pencils, one student struggles to find a pencil that won't jam or break under pressure. Having a reliable tool can transform note-taking from a frustrating activity into a seamless flow of ideas. Thus, understanding which mechanical pencils are most favored can save not just time, but also ensure a quality experience for users in various settings. On this site, your votes help us identify which mechanical pencils stand above the rest. By participating, you contribute to a community-driven guide that highlights the top choices among diverse users. Whether you're an artist, a student, or a professional, your input is crucial in crafting a list that truly reflects the best in class, making your decision-making process smoother and more informed.

What Is the Most Popular Mechanical Pencil?

  1. 1
    54
    votes

    Pentel GraphGear 1000

    Pentel Co., Ltd.
    This is a popular mechanical pencil because of its sturdy build and comfortable grip. It also has a retractable tip to protect the lead from breaking.
    The Pentel GraphGear 1000 is a high-quality mechanical pencil known for its durability and precision. It is designed for professional and technical drawing, as well as everyday writing tasks. The pencil has a sleek and ergonomic design, making it comfortable to hold and use for extended periods. It is a retractable pencil, allowing the lead to be protected when not in use. The GraphGear 1000 also features a built-in lead hardness indicator, making it easy to identify the type of lead being used. The creator of this mechanical pencil is the Japanese company Pentel Co., Ltd., known for their innovative writing instruments.
    • Lead size: 0.5mm or 0.7mm
    • Lead advance: Auto
    • Weight: Approximately 0.5 oz (14 g)
    • Grip material: Metal
    • Barrel material: Plastic
  2. 2
    34
    votes

    Uni Kuru Toga

    Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd.
    This pencil has a unique rotating lead mechanism that keeps the lead sharp and reduces breakage. It also has a comfortable grip and sleek design.
    The Uni Kuru Toga is a popular mechanical pencil known for its unique rotating lead mechanism. It is designed to continuously rotate the lead as it is used, resulting in a consistently sharp point and reducing the likelihood of breaks. The pencil also features a comfortable grip and a sleek, modern design.
    • Lead Rotation: 0.5mm per 40 strokes
    • Lead Size: Available in 0.5mm and 0.7mm
    • Lead Advance Mechanism: Knock mechanism
    • Eraser: Built-in, replaceable
    • Grip Material: Rubber
  3. 3
    16
    votes

    Zebra M-701

    Zebra Pen Corporation
    This pencil has a durable stainless steel barrel and a knurled grip for a comfortable hold. It also has a convenient eraser under the push button.
    The Zebra M-701 is a highly popular mechanical pencil known for its durability and sleek design. It is designed for extensive writing and drawing tasks, making it a favorite among professionals and students alike.
    • Material: Stainless Steel
    • Lead Size: 0.7 mm
    • Grip Type: Knurled Metal
    • Clip Type: Removable
    • Eraser: Yes
  4. 4
    17
    votes

    Rotring 600

    Rotring
    This pencil has a classic look and feel with a full metal body and knurled grip. It also has a fixed lead guidance sleeve for precise work.
    The Rotring 600 is a renowned mechanical pencil cherished by many for its exceptional build quality and precision. It is a true icon in the world of drafting and design.
    • Design: Classic hexagonal shape with a knurled grip
    • Build Material: Full metal body (brass)
    • Lead Size: 0.5mm or 0.7mm
    • Lead Advancement: Knock mechanism
    • Lead Hardness Indicator: Rotating lead indicator
  5. 5
    18
    votes

    Staedtler 925-25

    Staedtler
    This pencil has a comfortable grip and a metal barrel for durability. It also has a fixed lead guidance sleeve and a retractable tip.
    The Staedtler 925-25 is a highly acclaimed mechanical pencil that is widely recognized for its exceptional quality and performance. It is a perfect tool for writing, drawing, and sketching, making it a popular choice among professionals, students, and artists.
    • Lead Size: 0.5mm or 0.7mm
    • Lead Hardness: HB, B, or F
    • Body Material: Premium metal
    • Grip Material: Knurled metal or rubber
    • Mechanism: Push-button
  6. 6
    13
    votes
    This pencil has a comfortable grip and a clear barrel to monitor lead supply. It also has a convenient twist-up eraser.
  7. 7
    7
    votes

    Pilot Dr. Grip

    Pilot Corporation
    This pencil has a comfortable grip and a wide barrel for easy writing. It also has a refillable eraser and retractable tip.
    The Pilot Dr. Grip is a highly regarded mechanical pencil that is well-known for its ergonomic design and comfortable writing experience. It features a cushioned grip that reduces writing fatigue and provides a secure hold. The pencil is popular amongst professionals, artists, and students alike.
    • Lead Size: 0.5mm or 0.7mm
    • Grip Type: Cushioned, ergonomic
    • Lead Type: HB
    • Barrel Material: Plastic
    • Refillable: Yes
  8. 8
    2
    votes
    This pencil has a comfortable grip and a retractable tip to protect the lead from breaking. It also has a convenient eraser under the push button.
    The BIC Velocity is a popular mechanical pencil known for its sleek design and smooth writing experience. It offers a comfortable grip and excellent durability, making it a favorite among students and professionals alike.
    • Lead Size: 0.7mm
    • Barrel Material: Plastic
    • Grip Material: Rubber
    • Refillable: Yes
    • Eraser: Yes
  9. 9
    8
    votes
    This pencil has a simple, minimalist design with a hexagonal barrel for a comfortable grip. It also has a lead indicator on the end.
    The Muji Hexagonal is a highly popular mechanical pencil known for its minimalist design and exceptional performance. It is a product of the Japanese brand Muji, renowned for its focus on simplicity and functionality.
    • Design: Hexagonal barrel for a comfortable grip and prevents rolling.
    • Material: Made from sturdy and lightweight aluminum.
    • Lead Size: Accepts 0.5mm lead.
    • Lead Advancement: Equipped with a reliable push-button mechanism for lead advancement.
    • Eraser: Includes a built-in eraser at the top for convenient corrections.
  10. 10
    3
    votes

    Faber-Castell Grip Plus

    Faber-Castell
    This pencil has a comfortable grip and a sliding sleeve to prevent lead breakage. It also has a click eraser on the end.
    The Faber-Castell Grip Plus is a reliable and popular mechanical pencil loved by many for its ergonomic design and comfortable grip. It offers smooth and precise writing experience, making it ideal for both writing and drawing. The pencil features a stylish and durable plastic barrel with a metal clip for easy pocket or notebook storage. The lead is always sharp and ready for use with its fully retractable sleeve, preventing breakage and offering protection. The Faber-Castell Grip Plus is designed for long-lasting performance and is refillable for continued use.
    • Barrel Material: Plastic
    • Grip Type: Ergonomic
    • Lead Size: 0.7mm
    • Lead Advancement: Push-button mechanism
    • Lead Protection: Fully retractable sleeve

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Ranking factors for popular mechanical pencil

  1. Lead quality
    The quality of the lead can impact the durability and smoothness of the writing experience. High-quality leads tend to break less and provide a more consistent line.
  2. Design and ergonomics
    A well-designed mechanical pencil should be comfortable to hold for extended periods and have a balanced weight distribution. Features such as grip material and shape can also influence comfort.
  3. Durability and build quality
    Ideally, the mechanical pencil should be robust and made from high-quality materials to stand up to daily use. Look for strong, sturdy clips and erasers that don't wear down too quickly as well.
  4. Lead advancement mechanism
    The mechanism for advancing the lead should be reliable and easy to use. Common mechanisms include push-button, twist, and shake.
  5. Pencil aesthetics
    While not an essential factor, the overall appearance and style of the mechanical pencil can influence personal preferences.
  6. Brand reputation
    Reputable brands are more likely to produce high-quality and reliable products. Look for reviews or recommendations from other users to gauge the popularity and reliability of a mechanical pencil.
  7. Price and affordability
    The cost of the mechanical pencil should be reasonable and provide good value for money. However, don't sacrifice quality for a lower price.
  8. Eraser quality
    A good quality eraser should be long-lasting, easy to replace, and leave minimal residue on the paper.
  9. Additional features
    Some mechanical pencils may offer extra features such as a retractable tip, lead hardness indicator, or built-in lead sharpener that could enhance the overall user experience.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular mechanical pencil. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Pencil is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1176 views
  • 172 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Pencil once every 24 hours. The rank of each Pencil is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular mechanical pencil

Mechanical pencils have been a popular writing tool for centuries, providing a more efficient and reliable way to write than traditional wooden pencils. These pencils are designed with a lead that can be extended or retracted with a click of a button, eliminating the need for sharpening and reducing waste. Today, there are countless varieties of mechanical pencils available on the market, each with unique features and designs. From the classic Pentel P205 to the innovative Uni Kuru Toga, there is a mechanical pencil for every writing style and preference. But which mechanical pencil reigns supreme as the most popular among consumers? At StrawPoll, we've gathered data from thousands of voters to bring you the answer. Keep reading to find out which mechanical pencil takes the top spot in our poll.

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