What is the most underrated stationery brand on the market? There are many contenders, but my vote is going to Tombow - at least for today!
They have great name recognition, and one of the best logos in the business, so what’s the first stationery item you think of when you think Tombow? Markers, probably, including their excellent brush pens. Pencils and erasers, maybe, with the classic Mono 100 wooden pencil leading the pack, and their classic Mono eraser. But what about standard pens, such as ballpoint, rollerball, and gel? Not so much, but I’m here to tell you that you are missing out.
Tombow MONO Graph Lite Gel Pen is the latest to cross my desk (thanks Jacob!) and completes the trifecta of standards I’ve reviewed in their “Lite” series.
As best as I can tell, the Lite series is designed to be their entry level pen and pencil in several categories, each with a price point of $3.00. While Tombow sells more expensive rollerball pens, it’s only been in the last few years that they have leaned into this market - and have done a great job.
The refill is compatible with many uniball, Pentel, and Zebra pens.
This 0.5 mm Black gel flows exceptionally well, and leaves a rich, dark line. Compared to some of the sharper tips in the category - the uniball Signo DX and Zebra Sarasa Clip, for example - the line is wider, rounder, and smoother. My preference lies with the pointy ends, but I’m impressed with the line consistency, flow, and ink darkness of this pen.
Wonderfully consistent writing from start to finish.
The barrel design keeps with the Lite moniker. It’s almost airy, which can be a pro or con depending on your preference. The barrel and knock feel strong, but the clip feels less so. The grip is the standout, with alternating ridges and flat areas vertically around. It’s also rubberized, and very comfortable.
It’s tough to tell in this image, but the same size uniball UM-151 refill has a thinner line.
How does Tombow’s gel pen entry rate versus a completely stacked category? It's outside of my top three of uniball, Pentel, and Zebra, but I’d say it can hang with what Pilot, Sharpie, and others are doing on the store shelves. Until it gets more ink color options outside of Black, Blue, and Red, it is going to have a hard time moving up the charts, but it is excellent for what it currently is.
Impressive ink performance.
Now I just need to try the 0.38 mm gel ink model so I can see how it lines up within the micro gel category.
(Thank you to Fudefan for sending me this pen!)
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