Believe it or not, mechanical pencils have actually been around for over 4 centuries. Of course, there have been many improvements to these devices over time. But to be fair, we should mention that the first true & modern mechanical pencil is said to have been invented by a man named Tokuji Hayakawa.
A good quality mechanical pencil should be comfortable to use, even after writing for a very long time. There are a ton of mechanical pencils available, but not all of them are made with the quality you need to provide a comfortable writing experience. To help you out, we created a list of the best mechanical pencils you can find. The following mechanical pencils are optimal for writing, drafting, drawing, and more.
The mechanical pencil best suited for your needs will depend on what you are using it for. A mechanical pencil made for drafting and architecture will be different from a pencil designed specifically for writing only. Either way, a mechanical pencil provides a clean writing experience compared to your standard pencil. Read our reviews to learn about what the best mechanical pencils are, what accessories they offer, and more.
The Best Mechanical Pencils
Pentel Graph Gear 1000 Automatic Drafting Pencil
The Pentel Graph Gear 1000 Automatic Drafting Pencil was specially made for architects, artists, drafters, as well as enthusiasts. The sizes available are 0.3mm, 0.5mm, 0.7mm, & 0.9mm sizes. Each size is color coded so you don’t mix up your pencils if you decide to get a few in each size. A Z2-1 eraser is also provided so you can clean up any errors as you go.
A 4mm tip is ideal to use with templates and rulers. The dual-action retractor both extracts and retracts pencil led to prevent breakage and marking while not in use. A lead hardness indicator is built-in so you don’t have to question what type of lead you are using. Each one of these mechanical pencils is pre-filled with “Super Hi-Polymer HB lead” so you never need to sharpen. Every line produced is clear and dark for amazing visibility.
A metallic grip is chiseled and has soft, latex-free pads integrated for a comfortable grip. This innovative design helps to keep your hand from overheating and sweating while you work. Not only is the design of this mechanical pencil extremely functional, it looks great. If you’re an architect or are looking for a pencil for the architect in your life, this is an amazing choice that has a very affordable price.
Pilot Dr. Grip Limited 0.5mm Mechanical Pencil
One of the first notable features of the Pilot Dr. Grip Limited 0.5mm Mechanical Pencil has to be it’s larger size and design. This can be especially useful if you’re someone with larger hands or prefer a bigger writing instrument. The design makes this pencil easier to use in general and has been commended by the Arthitis Foundation as a good choice for people who are dealing with arthritis.
A metallic barrel is stylish and gives this pencil a sleek look. The cushion grip provides users with comfort during use and also helps lessen fatigue while writing or drawing. You can choose whether you would like to shake the led out or pop it out with the top push mechanism to advance your led. A hole at the top of the push top was made for you to insert your led refills, which can be done one by one.
If you’re looking for a mechanical pencil that can give you the most comfort possible, this might just be your pick. It’s big while still having a fair weight. Many people find it easy to balance while writing or drawing. The only drawback about this pencil is that is only comes in a 0.5mm size, which may be inconvenient if you prefer a 0.7mm pencil.
Jimmidda 0.5mm & 0.7mm Mechanical Pencils with Refills
The Jimmiddad Mechanical Pencil is constructed with quality and durability in mind. The tube is drop resistant and difficult to break. You get two different sizes, 0.5mm & 0.7mm, to suit your personal preference. A large barrel is able to hold a lot of lead, meaning you won’t need to refill your pencil often. Included refills are also very convenient.
A metal threaded design is anti-skidding to give you complete control over any task you may be doing, overall improving the quality of your writings & drawings. The design was made to give you a balanced grip so you can write & draw as effectively as possible. With a led advance mounted on the side of the pencil near your thumb, you can advance the led as you need it with ease.
Along with an economical design, the look of this mechanical pencil is elegant, smooth, and bright. Each pack of Jimmidda Mechanical Pencils comes with two pencils of each size, two refills of each size, and a soft eraser. Whether you are going to be writing, sketching, or drafting, these Jimmidda pencils are reliable and resilient and can get the job done.
Rite in the Rain All-Weather Mechanical Pencil 1.1mm
If you need a reliable mechanical pencil to use in the outdoors, then the Rite in the Rain All-Weather Mechanical Pencil is the ultimate solution. You get 7 1.1mm leads and 2 extra erasers with this mechanical pencil. Whether you someone who works on outdoor construction sites or you’re an artist who wants to enjoy sketching in any environment, this Rite in the Rain pencil has many benefits to offer you.
One of the first things you will notice about this mechanical pencil are the bright yellow and pink colors available. These bright colors will help you easily spot this pencil if you so happen to drop it in some grass or other type of earth terrain. The pencil is also available in black if this feature is unnecessary for you. The barrel is made of durable resin to make it through any conditions. An expandable tip prevents lead from breaking, twisting, or falling out during use.
Having a thick, 1.1mm lead size, you can take important notes down without worrying about the legibility later on. Writing and sketching with this pencil is smooth on any paper in any conditions. You’ll never have to worry about dealing with brittle 0.5mm shafts since this one was built to make it. If you want the ultimate experience with this pencil, take it for a spin with a Rite in the Rain Weatherproof Spiral Notebook.
LAMY Multi System Twin Ballpoint Pen and Mechanical Pencil
The LAMY Multi System Twin Ballpoint Pen and Mechanical Pecil offer you two solutions in one instrument. You get both a ballpoint pen and mechanical pencil without needing them as two separate pieces. This is very useful if you deal with different types of documents and paperwork between drawing and writing.
Its design is simple, yet modern and attractive. A matte finish and textured grey slip on grip are what give it a mature personality. This pencil supports a 0.5mm pencil lead size and holds M21 black ink. Having a two in one utensil means that you’ll probably be using this thing more than you’d expect. Whether you’re sketching up something really quick or signing legal documents, you’ll have something to take care of it.
If you’re looking for a tool that you can rely on for practically any of your writing needs, then the LAMY Multi System Pen & Pencil is the one for you. If you’re someone who wants to use a pencil specifically made for drawing, then one of the other pencils on our list may be more suitable for your needs.
rOtring 600 0.5mm Black Barrel Mechanical Pencil (1904443)
For those of you who are serious when it comes to drawing, the rOtring 600 0.5mm Black Barrel Mechanical Pencil is your ultimate drawing tool. This mechanical pencil boasts a lifetime of reliability that will provide the best marks for your graphics. Essentially, this rOtring is meant to optimize the quality of every graphic you draw and sentence you write.
Even if you need this pencil for drafting and architectural purposes, this instrument will provide everything you need. A brass mechanism allows for lead advancement precision. The hexagon shape of this pencil is useful so it does not end up sliding inconveniently on your table. A fixed lead guidance sleeve helps assist ruler-based drawings and prevents lead from breaking. The metallic grip zone makes it possible to work for long periods of time without slips.
The rOtring 600 Mechanical Pencil is meant to be a longtime companion for your technical writing & drawing needs. A 2 year limited warranty is provided for replacements if your pencil ever becomes defective or does not provide you with desired results. This is a classic mechanical pencil that is found is many schools, offices, and studios around the world – simply because it is very reliable.
