“An animator is an actor with a pencil.”
That quote, from the legendary cartoonist Chuck Jones completely illustrates the significance of a pencil within the hand of a designer or artist. With the correct instruments, they will create something that their creativeness sees of their thoughts and put it on paper. Mr. Jones’ inspiring phrases impressed us to take a better have a look at the finest mechanical pencils for artists and designers in 2021.
With our checklist, you should not have any drawback discovering the correct possibility so you’ll be able to create quite a few drawings and sketches in your downtime and even as a part of your career.
Let’s get began!
Extra High Gear
- Best laptops for designers
- Best computers for designers
- Best printers for designers
- Best monitors for designers
- Best tablets for designers
- Best mouse for designers
- Best earphones for music-lovers
- Best cameras for designers
- Best microphones for designers
- Best office chairs for designers
- Best external hard drives for designers
- Best monitor calibrators for designers
- Best pens for creatives
- Best phones for designers & creatives
- Best powerbanks
- Best laptop bags & backpacks
How you can Decide the Proper Mechanical Pencil
Choosing the proper mechanical pencil ought to be a simple course of proper? Properly, with all the obtainable choices, it may be a bit overwhelming should you aren’t certain what you’re on the lookout for. There are such a lot of varieties on the market. Some are available plastic, or steel, and even in plastic and steel. Ugh, it’s sufficient to present anybody a migraine.
Loosen up. Choosing the proper mechanical pencil typically comes down to a few components:
“Lead” dimension
Whereas graphite is used as an alternative of lead today, the dimensions of the graphite within the pencil is measured in millimeters. Sizes that you’ll generally see embody .5, .7, or .9 mm in diameter. Smaller dimension graphite can produce a sharper, finer level that’s nice for element work whereas bigger diameters are excellent for thicker, bolder strains. The diameter can go all the way in which all the way down to .2 mm and has an extremely advantageous level.
Graphite hardness
Do you bear in mind the yellow #2 pencils that we used on each last examination in highschool? Properly, they had been #2 pencils as a result of the graphite inside them was supposedly the most effective for darkening these maddening reply circles. In spite of everything, they had been softer, permitting you to smudge the graphite and fill within the circle easily with out ripping by way of the paper.
Like #2 pencils, mechanical pencil inserts have a spread of softness and hardness. Whereas a finer level is sweet for particulars, a softer insert may be good for shading and shadows. The hardness of the graphite ranges from 9H to 9B – 9H is the toughest and 9B is the softest. Smack dab in the course of the vary is HB, for Onerous Black which is sweet for particulars and shading.
Pencil materials
Mechanical pencils are available every kind of supplies. From the mass-produced plastic pencils that you could purchase 100 for little or no cash, all the way in which as much as mechanical pencils created from high-quality, sturdy metals that may price a fairly penny. Whereas the all-plastic mechanical pencils are good for elementary faculty college students, for skilled artists and designers, having a pencil that may stand as much as rigorous each day use is necessary.
Greatest Mechanical Pencils for Designers in 2021
Once we checked out all the alternatives that you simply might need when shopping for a mechanical pencil, we needed to just be sure you had been getting a few of the finest merchandise obtainable. As any designer will confess to, having poor instruments solely makes issues more durable.
- Uni Kurutoga Pipe Slide 0.5mm – $10
- Pentel 200 – $10
- Zebra M-701 Stainless Steel – $8
- Pilot Dr. Grip Mechanical Pencil – $9
- Rotring 800 – $39
- Uni Core Keeps Sharp Mechanical – $10
- Pentel GraphGear 1000 Mechanical Pencil – $10
- WSD Sketch Up – $16
- Rotring 600 Black Barrel – $28
- Rite in the Rain All-Weather Durable – $18
- Staedtler 780 C Mars – $10
- Pentel Graphgear 500 Automatic Drafting Pencil – $4
- Tombow Mono Graph Shaker – $6
- Zebra 54012 Stainless Steel Mechanical Pencil – $4
- Aviation Magnetic Control 2.0mm Mechanical Pencil – $14
Greatest Mechanical Pencils In contrast
Greatest Total
Greatest Price range Pleasant
Greatest Luxurious
Greatest For Sketching
Most Snug
Greatest Mechanical Pencils for Designers in 2021
Uni Kurutoga Pipe Slide 0.5mm
The most effective mechanical pencil for drawing total
Weight: 18.1g | Dimensions: 19.2 x 10 x 1.6cm | Lead diameter: 0.5mm
The Uni Kurutoga Pipe Slide is our alternative for the most effective total mechanical pencil for drawing due to its modern design. Whenever you utilizing a standard mechanical pencil, the graphite wears down on one facet, which in flip creates a slanted, wedge-shaped tip and might create variations within the thickness of the road if you draw. With a novel mechanism, the Kurutoga constantly rotates the pencil lead as you write. Each time you elevate the pencil from the paper, a spring-loaded clutch twists the lead a tiny quantity, permitting a uniform sporting of the lead and resulting in a cleaner and extra constant line for you.
Newest Worth on Amazon:
Uni Mechanical Pencil Kurutoga Pipe Slide Model 0.5mm, Blue Body (M54521P.33)
- Mechanical pencil
- Kurutoga Collection
- Lead rotation mechanism
- Core diameter is 0.5mm
- The core is tough to interrupt for pipe slide system
Pentel 200
Greatest fundamental mechanical pencil
Weight: 10g | Dimensions: 0.89 x 14 x 0.89cm | Lead diameter: 0.5mm
There isn’t something that claims a great mechanical pencil must price a ton of cash. Increasingly more, there are nice choices which might be amazingly low cost such because the Pentel 200. The Pentel 200 comes with such an reasonably priced worth that it makes an awesome backup mechanical pencil and even your predominant possibility. You gained’t get upset should you occur to lose it or if somebody occurs to stroll away with it and it’s additionally obtainable in a set of 4, making it much more reasonably priced and handy.
Newest Worth on Amazon:
Pentel 0.3mm P200 Series Mechanical Pencil Lead with Brown Barrel
- The P200 Collection Mechanical Pencil, 0.3mm lead, Brown Barrel
- The Pentel P203 Collection Mechanical pencil is the most effective promoting vary of Mechanical pencils from Pentel.
- It’s expertly engineered for technical drawing, drafting and writing.
Zebra M-701 Stainless Metal
Greatest grip on a mechanical pencil
Weight: 31g | Dimensions: 1 x 3.3 x 8 inches | Lead diameter: 0.7mm
Constructed from stainless-steel, the M-701 from Zebra is a sturdy and rugged pencil that stands out when in comparison with its opponents. Zebra has develop into well-known for producing high-quality writing devices that supply an improve from common merchandise. Constructed from supplies that stand the check of time and gives an eye-pleasing design as properly. With a knurled steel grip on the barrel of the pencil, Zebra’s design will increase the floor space for holding the pencil which additionally advantages the steadiness of the pencil. At an reasonably priced worth, the M-701 from Zebra will supply a premium look and efficiency to you.
Newest Worth on Amazon:
Sale
Zebra M-701 Stainless Steel Mechanical Pencil, 0.7mm Point Size, Standard HB Lead, 1-Count
- 0.7mm commonplace lead level dimension for exact and gratifying writing
- Rugged and durable, this mechanical pencil is made {of professional} grade stainless-steel to stop corrosion
- The straightforward-to-hold knurled steel grip ensures superior writing stability
- Designer steel clip gives a sublime but assured clasp for the chief shirt pocket
- Refillable with Zebra’s Customary 0.7mm HB Lead Refill (99911) and Zebra’s Metal M Pencil Eraser Refills (83211)
Pilot Dr. Grip Mechanical Pencil
Most ergonomically-friendly pencil
Weight: 22g | Dimensions: 2 x 0.2 x 6 inches | Lead diameter: 0.5mm
In the event you spend all day drawing, it may take a heavy toll in your fingers. That includes an ergonomically-friendly design, the Dr. Grip Mechanical Pencil from Piot helps to fight the hand fatigue or arthritis-like signs that will happen when it’s possible you’ll be writing or drawing for lengthy durations. With a shaking mechanism to advance the lead, the Dr. Grip is past snug to jot down with, has a sturdy really feel, and is straightforward to refill. The Arthritis Basis has recommended the Dr. Grip pencil from Pilot for its ease of use so in case your hand feels drained on the finish of a protracted day, give this pencil a attempt.
Newest Worth on Amazon:
Sale
PILOT Dr. Grip Limited Mechanical Pencil, 0.5mm, Barrel Color May Vary, Single Pencil (36174)
- Luxurious painted metallic barrels
- Recommended for ease of use by the Arthritis Basis
- Ergonomic cushion grip alleviates fatigue
- Retractable and refillable with 0.5mm lead and eraser
- POWER TO THE PEN: Pilot makes distinctive writing devices to swimsuit all of your wants. We’ve got fountain, ballpoint, retractable, erasable & gel ink pens, whiteboard markers & extra for each writing…
Rotring 800
The most effective luxurious mechanical pencil
Weight: 90.7g | Dimensions: 5.1 x 15.2 x 0.5cm | Lead diameter: 0.5mm
Whereas you may get an awesome mechanical pencil at an especially reasonably priced worth, that doesn’t imply that some artists won’t wish to splurge the place they will and the Rotring 800 mechanical pencil is an efficient alternative. Infused with high-quality engineering, the pencil is designed to be for severe artists or draughtsmen. The steel physique of the pencil feels good in your hand and the burden of just about 91g provides it a hefty however not obese really feel. The ‘twist and click on’ retractable mechanism is straightforward to make use of and the hexagonal form will maintain it from rolling off your desk. In the event you’re on the lookout for a present, or simply need a pencil that’s good to make use of, take a look at the Rotring 800 and also you gained’t be upset.
Newest Worth on Amazon:
rOtring 800 Retractable Mechanical Pencil, 0.5 mm, Black Barrel (1904447)
- An iconic software meant for a lifetime of use Distinctive “Twist and Click on” mechanism retracts complete lead and sleeve for sturdiness and pocket-safety
- Full steel physique offering ideally suited stability of weight and feeling Hexagonal barrel guaranteeing fatigue-free writing and drawing Formed to stop the software from sliding when laid down on tables Non-slip steel…
- Hexagonal form prevents sliding on tilted tables Design, sample and dimension of metallic grip zone allow working for lengthy hours with out slipping
- Fastened lead steering sleeve prevents breakage and provides a transparent web page view for ruler-based drawing Brass mechanism for precision lead development
- Restricted guarantee: assured for two years from authentic buy date towards defects in supplies or workmanship
Uni Core Retains Sharp Mechanical
An amazing mechanical pencil with a cool design
Weight: 13.6g | Dimensions: 5.7 x 0.4 x 0.5 inches | Lead diameter: 0.5mm
With its glossy design in gunmetal black, the Retains Sharp Mechanical pencil from Uni Core comes with a snug knurled grip that matches properly in your hand and provides you a agency grip with no sticky feeling. The pencil is constructed from steel and plastic and its design permits you to draw longer with out experiencing hand fatigue. Utilizing .5mm lead, a dimension that may be very versatile and might help you draw some very detailed designs. Mixed with the steel clip that allows you to connect it to your jacket or bag simply, the Retains Sharp Mechanical pencil from Uni Core is a good pencil for nearly anybody.
Newest Worth on Amazon:
Sale
Uni Core Keeps Sharp Mechanical Pencil, Gun Metallic (M510171P.43)
- Lead rotating know-how Mechanical pen, Kuru Toga
- Roulette M510171P.43
- For 0.5mm lead
- Gun Metallic physique
Pentel GraphGear 1000 Mechanical Pencil
An in depth second to finest total mechanical pencil
Weight: 40.8g | Dimensions: 0.75 x 2.81 x 7.38 inches | Lead diameter: varied
It was neck and neck for us after we picked the most effective total mechanical pencil. The GraphGear 1000 from Pentel is a good pencil that not solely meets the wants of designers like a dream however can also be nice for draftsmen and designers. The heavy steel feels and total design matches completely with those that like a conventional drafting pencil however need the options of a mechanical one. Obtainable in a wide range of sizes, Pentel has achieved an awesome job of crafting a mechanical pencil that everybody can love. The grip of the pencil, created from chiseled steel, is inlaid with gentle pads to assist in giving you most consolation and a stronghold.
Newest Worth on Amazon:
Sale
Pentel Graph Gear 1000 Mechanical Drafting Pencil 0.7mm Blue (PG1017)
- Mechanical Pencil, graph gear 1000
- For Draft
- 0.7mm
- Package deal Weight: 0.045 kilograms
WSD Sketch Up
Greatest mechanical pencil for sketching
Weight: 40g | Dimensions: 0.55 x 0.55 x 4.06 inches | Lead diameter: 5.6mm
Many artists and designers might sketch of their downtime to get their concepts out and see the place they may lead. These aren’t usually very detailed pictures so a fine-point mechanical pencil isn’t mandatory. The Sketch Up pencil from WSD, a clutch pencil, is an ideal alternative. The 5.6mm lead permits an artist to sketch freely and with out hesitation. A clutch pencil is just like a mechanical pencil with a couple of variations. As an alternative of pushing the lead out with a button, a clutch permits you to modify how a lot lead is getting used. That is excellent for an artist or designer who’s sketching or shading. Due to the bigger lead, the lid comes with a built-in sharpener.
Newest Worth on Amazon:
WSD Sketch Up 5.6mm Mechanical Pencil Mechanical Clutch with Built Sharpener (Black)
- Settle for 5.6mmX90mm leads and charcoals and WSD disc ideas.
- Press the pencil cap to regulate pencil lead’s size.
- The cap is a built-in sharpener that may screw and unscrews from the holder simply.
- Product of brass and aluminum alloy, it’s precision machined and feels very snug.
- Best for writing, sketching, and technical drawing, and many others.
Rotring 600 Black Barrel
An amazing premium mechanical pencil
Weight: 22g | Dimensions: 6.69 x 1.1 x 6.1 inches | Lead diameter: 0.7mm
The all-black with a purple trim design of the Rotring 600 provides off an air of being a premium pencil and for artists, the design and options verify all the correct packing containers. With a hexagonal form that can maintain it from rolling away, the all-metal physique is as robust and strong as they arrive with out being too heavy. The Rotring 600 is designed in such a method that it reduces fatigue and will increase consolation whereas utilizing it. Obtainable in 0.35, 0.5, or 0.7 mm leads which let you select the correct pencil for the scenario. Whereas we’re specializing in how good the Rotring 600 is for drawing and sketching, it is usually an awesome possibility for tracing and writing, including to its versatility.
Newest Worth on Amazon:
Sale
rOtring 600 0.5mm Black Barrel Mechanical Pencil (1904443)
- An iconic software meant for a lifetime of use; The Full steel physique gives ideally suited weight stability for fatigue Free writing and drawing
- Brass mechanism permits Precision lead development; Lead hardness grade indicator for speedy identification when working
- Hexagonal form avoids sliding on drawing tables; Design, sample and dimension of metallic grip zone allow working for lengthy hours with out slipping
- The mounted lead steering sleeve prevents breakage and provides you a transparent web page view for exact ruler primarily based drawing
- Restricted Guarantee: Assured for two years from authentic buy date towards defects in Supplies or workmanship
Ceremony within the Rain All-Climate Sturdy
The proper mechanical pencil for tough climate
Weight: 22g | Dimensions: 5.75 x 0.38 x 0.5 inches | Lead diameter: 1.1mm
Not each artist works at a desk in a snug atmosphere. For these artists who get out into nature and get their fingers soiled, the Ceremony within the Rain All-Climate Sturdy mechanical pencil is a good alternative for tough sketches. Obtainable in numerous colours, together with brilliant yellow, which implies it gained’t get misplaced simply. The 1.1mm lead makes the pencil fairly the multitasker with it being an awesome possibility for sketching or writing and might meet all the calls for that you simply ask of it. The thicker lead is what units it aside from different mechanical pencils. Crafted for many who have suffered from damaged leads, the Ceremony within the Rain All-Climate Sturdy mechanical pencil will assist these pointless breaks develop into a factor of the previous.
Newest Worth on Amazon:
Rite in the Rain All-Weather Mechanical Pencil, Yellow Barrel, 1.1mm Black Lead (No. YE99)
- INCLUDED WITH PENCIL: Every All-Climate Mechanical Pencil comes with 7 leads and a pair of additional erasers.
- MECHANICAL PENCIL: Patented tip expands so lead will not break, wobble, twist, or fall out when taking discipline notes.
- STRONG BARREL: Sturdy resin barrel survives by way of the hardest circumstances.
- LEAD: 1.1mm thick lead for easy, daring marking whereas writing down necessary notes in any climate situation.
- REFILLS AVAILABLE: Ceremony within the Rain has eraser (99ER) and lead (99BR & 99RR) packs obtainable.
Staedtler 780 C Mars
Greatest mechanical pencil for nearly everybody
Weight: 18.1g | Dimensions: 0.5 x 1.9 x 8.9 inches | Lead diameter: 2mm
Main the way in which with its distinctive stationery for years, Staedtler is most definitely a well known identify and the 780 C Mars comes with all the options you’d count on from the notorious German firm. What makes the 780 C Mars stand out is the built-in lead sharpener that, with the push of a button, the lead can be sharp and on level for a fragile, skinny line. A retractable tip makes it an awesome transportable possibility with out having to fret concerning the lead breaking. Whereas the colour is refreshing and the crosshatch grip retains the pencil snug in your hand, evidently Staedtler has one other winner on its fingers.
Newest Worth on Amazon:
Sale
Staedtler Mars 780 Technical Mechanical Pencil, 2mm. 780BK
- Technical mechanical pencil, 2mm #2 lead.
- For writing, sketching, drawing
- Steel clip, push button advance
- Built-in lead pointer in push button
- Made in Germany
Pentel Graphgear 500 Computerized Drafting Pencil
The most effective mechanical pencil for technical drawing
Weight: 22.7g | Dimensions: 0.9 x 14.7 x 0.9cm | Lead diameter: 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 or 0.9mm
With a 4mm mounted sleeve that’s nice for template work in addition to technical drawings, the GraphGear 500 from Pentel is a superb alternative for drawing, technical or in any other case. A metallic-mesh grip makes utilizing the pencil very snug whereas a weighted barrel is designed that can assist you create exact strains and keep in full management. A built-in hardness indicator helps you establish your lead sort so there isn’t a guesswork concerning the lead within the pencil. At an reasonably priced worth, the GraphGear 500 is the most effective mechanical pencil for precision work, drafting, and even simply on a regular basis drawing.
Newest Worth on Amazon:
Sale
Pentel GraphGear 500 Automatic Drafting Pencil Black (PG525A)
- 4mm tip size makes it ideally suited to be used with rulers and templates
- Metallic mesh grip on a slim, beveled barrel promotes management when writing
- Weighted at your fingertips for exact drafting and template work
- Pre-loaded with Pentel Tremendous Hello-Polymer HB lead; by no means wants sharpening, is tremendous robust and produces a transparent darkish line
- 0.3mm, 0.5mm, 0.7mm & 0.9mm sizes obtainable; colour coded sizes for quick & simple dimension lead dimension identification
Tombow Mono Graph Shaker
An amazing, high-quality mechanical pencil
Weight: 9.97g | Dimensions: 6.2 x 0.6 x 1.3 inches | Lead diameter: 0.5mm
Famend within the artwork world, Tombow manufactures a few of the finest mechanical pencils obtainable. The Mono Graph Shaker follows swimsuit. Designed to be a shaker mechanical pencil, a small weight contained in the barrel advances the lead ahead if you shake it. A clip is used to unlock the mechanism plus appearing as a wall to advance the lead historically. This may be particularly useful to an artist who would relatively not should cease, advance the lead, after which maintain going. With its modern design and offering artists with a software that they don’t should sacrifice productiveness to make use of, the Mono Graph Shaker from Tombow is a good mechanical pencil to personal.
Newest Worth on Amazon:
Tombow Mono Graph Shaker Mechanical Pencil 0.5mm, Pattern Body (SH-MG)
- Mechanical Pencil + holder eraser “Tombow mono”
- Core diameter is 0.5mm.
- Core seem if you shake vertically pen “fure Knock” Deployment.
- Eraser out by turning the black RING on the prime.
- Eraser refill is manufacturer-mg
Zebra 54012 Stainless Metal Mechanical Pencil
Greatest budget-friendly mechanical pencil
Weight: 22.6g | Dimensions: 7.5 x 2.2 x 0.5 inches | Lead diameter: 0.5mm
One other nice pencil from Zebra, the 54012 is actually one in every of their finest releases. Constructed from the best high quality metals to extend its sturdiness and the longevity of the product. At such an reasonably priced worth, the one method you’ll cease utilizing this pencil is that if they stopped making lead for it. The general design gives the pencil with a classy look and with it smaller than common pencils, it may simply be put inside your pocket. The eraser behind the pencil may be changed if it runs out and with the pencil utilizing a regular lead, you should not have any drawback refilling this pencil and utilizing it for years to return.
Newest Worth on Amazon:
Sale
Zebra 54012 Stainless Steel Mechanical Pencil, 0.5mm Point Size, Standard HB Lead, Black Grip,…
- 0.5mm commonplace lead level dimension for exact and gratifying writing
- Includes a light-weight, sturdy stainless-steel barrel with a black non-slip grip for elevated writing consolation and stability
- Shorter size works properly in shirt pockets and the safe steel clip ensures your mechanical pencil can be there if you want it
- Offers a major improve from on a regular basis plastic mechanical pencils by combining fashion, power, and worth
- Refillable with Zebra’s Customary 0.5mm HB Lead Refill (99511) and Zebra’s Metal M Pencil Eraser Refills (83211)
Aviation Magnetic Management 2.0mm Mechanical Pencil
The mechanical pencil for minimalists
Weight: 15.9g | Dimensions:5.81 x 0.35 x 0.35 inches | Lead diameter: 2.0mm
The Magnetic Management mechanical pencil from Aviation comes with a really distinctive design and an attention-grabbing mechanism as properly. Advancing the two.0mm lead is finished by loosening the tip finish and transferring the magnetic ring down the shaft. The magnetic ring additionally permits you to stick it to steel surfaces as a method to retailer it on the finish of the day. With its lead thickness, a pencil is an efficient possibility for sketching and drawing because it has provides the person a really feel of utilizing a conventional pencil. Whereas it’s not the most effective mechanical pencil on the market, the Magnetic Management mechanical pencil does have a novel design and an awesome worth for one thing a bit completely different.
Newest Worth on Amazon:
WSD Mechanical Pencils, Magnetic Control Pencil, CNC Machined, Universal 2.0mm Pencil Refill, Black
- Mechanical Pencil DiameterSize：9.0mm,size: 147.5mm,weight: 17.2g
- Frequent market frequent diameter 2.0mm black pencil refills and different colours pencil refills
- Magnetic control–it’s featured by the magnetic ring to manage the lenghth by sliding the ring
- Smooth touching supplied by Aviation Aluminium,Simplified and trendy design contributes to your modern work
- Delicate look with lightsome feeling，simple to hold. Colours elective:Gold,black,silver and rose
Greatest mechanical pencils for designers in 2021
The most effective instruments assist a creator craft superb items of labor and having the correct mechanical pencil may be step one in creating the following masterpiece. With our checklist of the most effective mechanical pencils for artists and designers in 2021, we hope that we’ve given you an inventory of appropriate choices that you should utilize to make your creativeness come to life.
The publish Best Mechanical Pencils for Artists & Designers in 2021 first appeared on JUST™ Creative.