I’m always on the lookout for new fineliners, especially ones that offer something different, so you can bet I was looking forward to trying out the retractable Writech Clictek Liner Pen.
Retractable fineliners aren’t normally a thing, with the last one I can remember reviewing being the Sharpie Pen RT all the way back in 2009. I’m sure there have been other models that have hit the shelves in the interim, but nothing that has broken through into the mainstream of fineliner usage.
Why aren’t retractable fineliners more of a thing? I have no definitive answer, but my guess is that the tip does not seal as well, or for as long, as with a traditional cap. These tips are more prone to drying out than a ballpoint or gel ink, and need good closure.
The second issue is likely the added requirements of the mechanism. That bit of complexity isn’t necessary for a product that doesn’t need to be quickly deployed. Fineliners are more of a sit and draw product, not run and write. One good thing is that the click mechanism does allow the pen to be refilled, which is not a normal option for these types of pens (the tip often fails before a new refill is needed.)
From a sealing perspective, the Writech Clictek uses a trap door system, as seen in retractable fountain pens like the Pilot Vanishing Point or Platinum Curidas. Notice I didn’t say the Writech Clictek Fountain Pen, because that design in an abomination. Luckily, Writech keeps it internal on this one.
The knock is rock-solid, with a loud click when deploying the tip, which is a classic needle fineliner tip. This is the 03 model - which has an 0.35 mm line - and uses Black ink, which is the only option. The cylindrical barrel is a nice overall diameter at 10.2 mm, compared to the classic Sakura Pigma Micron, which is 10.4 mm in the barrel, dropping to 8.1 mm in the grip.
L to R: Writech Clictek Liner Pen 03, Tombow Mono Drawing Pen 02, Sakura Pigma Micron 03.
Comparison, as far as the writing experience, is where the Clictek Liner Pen falls short.
It is difficult to see in the image, but I switched pens each three lines in this order: Writech Clictek, Tombow Mono, Sakura Pigma Micron. The Clictek is more of a Grey tone when compared to the other two. It’s also a drier writer. The blocks on the left show the difference well.
From the first click, I could tell the Black ink wasn’t as black as most other fineliners. This is a pen type I use almost daily, so it was noticeable to me from the jump. On it’s own it may seem fine, but side-by-side with my other two testing pens - the Sakura Pigma Micron 03 and the Tombow Mono Drawing Pen 02 - the Clictek has a Grey/Brown tint. On top of that, it is drier than the other two. So it’s lighter in color, and more difficult to put that color down on the page. That type of performance isn’t going to cut it.
As I mentioned earlier, the one saving grace of the Clictek Liner Pen is that it is refillable. But $1.65 for a sponge-filled ink stick for a $2.45 pen is not compelling. That does not include a tip replacement, which, again, is the larger durability issue for fineliners.
For the price, it was worth the test, but there is no reason to use it over any other name brand Black ink fineliner on the market.
(JetPens provided this product at no charge to The Pen Addict for review purposes.)
Enjoy reading The Pen Addict? Then consider becoming a member to receive additional weekly content, giveaways, and discounts in The Pen Addict shop. Plus, you support me and the site directly, for which I am very grateful.
Membership starts at just $5/month, with a discounted annual option available. To find out more about membership click here and join us!
