10 Best Mechanical Pencils in the Philippines 2024 | Uni, Rotring, and More
In this article, we've included a buying guide discussing pointers on choosing a mechanical pencil. We've also compiled a list of the best mechanical pencils you can buy from online sites like Lazada and Shopee. With these sections and so much more, feel free to use this article as a reference when finding the best mechanical pencil for you.
Quick List - Top Mechanical Pencils
Rotring
A High-End Drafting Pencil With Superior Quality and Convenient Features
Katrina is a freelance writer who joined the myBest PH team in January 2021. She is interested in writing about hobbies and anything that falls under entertainment. When not writing on the Internet, you can find her in bookstores and cinemas, or engaged in a conversation about art and media.
Table of Contents
- Why Use a Mechanical Pencil?
- How to Choose a Mechanical Pencil – Buying Guide
- Choose the Mechanism Based on Your Preference1
- Go for the Material That's Easy for You to Use2
- Choose the Lead Size Based on Your Pencil Pressure3
- Choose the Body or Grip Diameter Based on Pencil Pressure4
- Look for Additional Features for More Convenience5
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Mechanical Pencil Good for Drawing?
- Is It Possible to Replace the Eraser in Mechanical Pencil?
- Is Mechanical Pencil Lead Toxic?
- Let Those Creative Juices Flowing and Jot Down Your Ideas
- How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations
Why Use a Mechanical Pencil?
It is better to use a mechanical pencil than an ordinary pencil because you can replace the lead, eliminating the need to sharpen it every time it gets dull—this also means no mess from pencil shavings! Its length stays the same, so the balance is consistent no matter how long you use it.
A mechanical pencil is more comfortable to hold than a wooden pencil because of its ergonomic grip. With a mechanical pencil, the lines are consistent compared to ordinary pencils, which create thin lines when newly sharpened and thick lines as you keep on writing. You can also choose the style and material of your mechanical pencil, depending on your need.
How to Choose a Mechanical Pencil – Buying Guide
Here are some key points to consider:
- Choose the mechanism based on your preference.
- Go for the material that's easy for you to use.
- Choose the lead size based on your pencil pressure.
- Pick the grip diameter based on your pencil pressure.
- Look for additional features for more convenience.
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
Choose the Mechanism Based on Your Preference
There are many methods that are used to advance the lead of mechanical pencils. You can choose which method suits you the most, and this is one of the most important things you need to consider when buying a mechanical pencil.
Click Mechanism Advances the Lead With Just One Click or Twist
Mechanical pencils with a push-button mechanism are the most common in the market. You can control the length of the lead to advance with each click. The button is usually placed on the top of the mechanical pencil.
Another common mechanism aside from the push-button or click one is the twist-click mechanism. To advance the lead, just twist the top part of the pen and it will click forward. In some pens, you can even reverse the lead by twisting the barrel in the opposite direction.
Shaker Mechanism Uses an Internal Weight to Advance the Lead
A mechanical pencil with a shaker mechanism advances the lead using an internal sliding weight. To activate it, flick your wrist, and the lead will descend on its own. If you want to advance the lead without changing your grip, this kind of mechanical pencil would be perfect for you.
This type of mechanism is also ideal for those who need to write continuously without skipping a beat. Examples of instances where this pen can be advantageous are during long lectures where you have to write notes as you listen and anytime you're in a time crunch and want to write without having to push or click anything.
Automatic Mechanical Pencil for Continuous Writing
Using a mechanical pencil with an automatic mechanism allows you to do your work without interruption. You do not have to do anything to advance the lead as it automatically pushes more lead. However, the lead sleeve will drag on the paper, so you need to keep this in mind before making a purchase.
Additionally, an auto-feed mechanical pencil is much harder find compared to other mechanical pencils, but they can be very efficient and can cause less hassle. You might need some time to adjust to its mechanism, but if you want to write without clicking, twisting, or losing your grip, then this type of mechanical pencil is your best bet.
Go for the Material That's Easy for You to Use
The body of a mechanical pencil is made from different materials like plastic, metal, wood, and more. These aren't just for aesthetic purposes, but depending on the material and its weight, the way the pencil fits your hand can change. Read further to know more about these materials commonly used in mechanical pencils.
Plastic Mechanical Pencils Are Lightweight and Affordable
Plastic is the most common material used for mechanical pencils. It is lightweight and more affordable than pencils made from other materials. Since they are lighter, they also allow you to write fast. However, you will need to apply a bit of pressure when controlling it, which could be a bit tiring and harder to control than a heavy one.
Meanwhile, when it comes to durability, mechanical pencils with a plastic body are not recommended for long time use. Those who have sweaty hands may also want to avoid this because plastic-bodied mechanical pencils can get slippery. Still, a plastic mechanical pencil is still the best option if you think faster than you write and need a light pencil to quickly jot down your ideas.
Metal Mechanical Pencils Are Heavy but Durable
A lot of drafting mechanical pencils or expensive brands use metal for its body. Despite it being on the heavier side, it is very durable, which means you can use it for a long time. It may take you years and years before you need to replace it, so it is worth investing in a mechanical pencil with a metal body.
Since they have a metal body, metal mechanical pencils tend to feel heavy. An advantage of this is that you won’t need to put much pressure when writing. It is easier to control, so you can draw stable lines or write letters perfectly. One thing to note is that you may need a little bit of strength in holding it; which is something that you can get used to eventually.
Wood for a Chic and Unique Style
If you are looking for a classic aesthetic with mechanical precision, a wooden mechanical pencil is a clear choice. This type of mechanical pencil is made of a material with a chic texture and may weigh a little heavy. However, an advantage of this material compared to plastic and metal is that it won't slip even if your hands get a little sweaty.
On the other hand, the disadvantage is that you cannot find many variations of this type, so you might have a hard time looking for it. Also, since the body is made of wood, it can cause calluses if you have a strong grip. Still, wooden mechanical pencils are a great addition to your stationery collection, especially if you're into chic and minimalist designs.
Choose the Lead Size Based on Your Pencil Pressure
On the other hand, a thin lead is perfect for making little details, especially in drafting. Keep in mind that thin lead breaks easily, so it is suited for those with weak pencil pressure. Ask yourself, “Is my pencil pressure high or low?” and choose the product that matches your preference.
Choose the Body or Grip Diameter Based on Pencil Pressure
The body or grip diameter is a very important factor as it can affect how it fits your hand. Check for its comfort level when you grip the pencil and see if you get tired or not while using it. This differs from one person to another, so choose the thickness that matches your hand.
Wide Body for High Pencil Pressure
Thin mechanical pencils are difficult to grip tightly, especially if you have big hands, so using those with a wider body allows you to grip it naturally. You can also put less strain on your hands if you use a mechanical pencil that fits your hands well.
This type is recommended for those people who tend to write with a lot of pressure. It is not tiring to use, and it will also help you hold your pen the correct way.
Thin Body for Low Pencil Pressure
It needs less power to control a thinner pen, so mechanical pencils with a thin body are recommended for those who write with a light hand. This type is also good when drawing details, so this is suitable for people working as architects and engineers and students in the field of art.
If you do not want to exert much pressure on your grip and need as many details on your work, this one is for you. You probably won't miss any details when you use this kind of mechanical pencil!
Look for Additional Features for More Convenience
When purchasing a mechanical pencil, try to take note of its additional features, such as built-in erasers and clips. Most mechanical pencils have erasers attached to them for emergency use, so you can quickly erase something. You can easily replace the eraser when it runs out.
If you need to use your mechanical pencil most of the time, you can choose one with a clip. You can securely place your mechanical pencil on your shirt or pocket, so you can easily reach it when needed. This also prevents your mechanical pencil from rolling around on your workstation.
10 Best Mechanical Pencils to Buy Online
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Uni Kuru Toga Roulette Mechanical Pencil 0.5 mm | | Get Uniform Strokes With an Auto-Rotating Feature | |
2 | Rotring Rapid PRO Mechanical Pencil | | Full-Metal Body Mechanical Pencil for the Pros | |
3 | LAMY Vista Mechanical Pencil | | A High Quality Mechanical Pencil for Everyday Use | |
4 | Rotring 600 Mechanical Pencil 0.5 mm | | A High-End Drafting Pencil With Superior Quality and Convenient Features | |
5 | Pentel Orenz Metal Grip 0.2mm | | Super Thin Lead for Writing Notes and Fine Details | |
6 | Tombow Mono Graph Zero Mechanical Pencil 0.5 mm | | A Mechanical Pencil With Super Fine Twist Eraser | |
7 | Pentel Graph Gear 1000 | | A Durable Pencil for Drafting and Creating Graphs | |
8 | Zebra M-701 Stainless Steel Mechanical Pencil | | A Rugged Pencil That's Easy to Grip | |
9 | Zebra DELGUARD Unbreakable Mechanical Pencil 0.5mm MA85｜MA85 | | Protects the Lead From Breaking | |
10 | Staedtler Mars Micro Mechanical Pencil | | A Versatile Crowd Favorite |
UniKuru Toga Roulette Mechanical Pencil 0.5 mm
Get Uniform Strokes With an Auto-Rotating Feature
Most reviewers say that the rotation mechanism works perfectly, and the knurled grip prevents the mechanical pencil from slipping in their hands. Overall, the unique lead rotation and many other features make this mechanical pencil of high quality and a great recommendation for those who frequently make graphs and drafts or for those who write notes.
Full-Metal Body Mechanical Pencil for the Pros
This mechanical pencil boasts a full-metal body, so you can be sure that it is durable and can last for a long time. This is a tool used for sketching and drawing made for professionals. It also has a cushion lead mechanism that reduces lead breakage while writing, and lastly, the knurled grip makes it comfortable to hold.
It has a metal clip and an eraser that you may find useful - users of this pencil prefer its metal body, which makes it look elegant. You can also get a two-year warranty from the date of purchase against defects in materials. However, this is on the heavy side, so it might take some getting used to.
A High Quality Mechanical Pencil for Everyday Use
This mechanical pencil is made by a leading company in Germany, so you can be sure that it can last for a long time even with everyday use. It is made of ABS plastic, which makes it more durable and sturdy compared to other plastic mechanical pencils. It also has a flexible clip, so you can securely place it in your shirt or pocket.
Its transparent body allows you to see a clear view of its inner workings. Moreover, this pen uses a 0.5 mm lead and has LAMY Z 18 eraser with a cleaning needle underneath its cap. If you are looking for a simple mechanical pencil that is sturdy and can take an everyday beating, this one is for you!
A High-End Drafting Pencil With Superior Quality and Convenient Features
If you use a pencil all the time, purchasing a durable and reliable one will definitely pay off. This mechanical pencil from the brand Rotring has a lot of premium features that make it well worth its price. The highlight of this pencil, however, is its full-metal hexagonal body that provides an excellent grip.
Additionally, this mechanical pencil also has an eraser on top protected by a metal cap. You can choose between a 0.5mm to 0.7mm lead and between a black or silver body. If you want the whole package, you can also opt for a set that includes the mechanical pencil, two packs of mechanical pencil lead, and an extra eraser.
Super Thin Lead for Writing Notes and Fine Details
This mechanical pencil features a 0.2 mm lead that is suitable for making graphs and drawing even the smallest details. With its Orenz mechanism, the lead does not break despite being so thin. It has a low center of gravity because of its metal grip, which provides a stable and comfortable writing experience.
This version has a knurled grip section that provides excellent slip resistance. This is great for people who often need to write notes, solve math problems, and make graphs. It also does not leave smudges because the lead does not break, making your paper clean and free from lead dust all the time!
A Mechanical Pencil With Super Fine Twist Eraser
This mechanical pencil has a sturdy construction and knurled metal grip section for controlled grip and a low center of gravity. Its selling point is its long super fine twist eraser ideal for erasing small details in drawings and graphs, so this is perfect for students, artists, architects, and designers as well.
Users of this mechanical pencil liked how the knurled grip feels nice, and their fingers do not feel sore after using it. The metal clip can be used to secure it in your shirt or pocket, so you won't misplace it. If you are working on drafts and templates with small details and need to continually erase something, this might be what you are looking for.
A Durable Pencil for Drafting and Creating Graphs
With its body made from aluminum, it is guaranteed that this mechanical pencil will last for years! The tip of the mechanical pencil can also be retracted, so it is protected and keeps the lead from breaking when not in use. It is best to use for drawing as well as writing.
The center of gravity for this pen is located a little above the grip, so it may feel quite heavy on the hands. However, many reviewers of this mechanical pencil say that they love using this pen for drawing and general writing.
A Rugged Pencil That's Easy to Grip
An uncomfortable and unstable grip can greatly affect the way you write. If you wish to avoid this, then a mechanical pencil with an easy-to-hold knurled grip such as this one is worth considering. This, plus the sturdy stainless steel metal body, makes this pencil a reliable writing instrument for any task.
Another fantastic feature of its design is the metal clip that is both elegant and functional. It also has a capped eraser that is easy to replace. Since it uses the standard 0.7mm lead, this pencil is perfect for writing anything. While in terms of accessibility, Zebra mechanical pencil lead refills are available in almost every major school supply store.
Zebra DELGUARD Unbreakable Mechanical Pencil 0.5mm MA85 ｜ MA85
Protects the Lead From Breaking
Looking for a mechanical pencil with many variations? If yes, then this one is for you! From the brand Zebra, these 0.5mm pencils come in various colors, including Black, Blue, White, Pink, Green, Gray, Pink, and Violet. Aside from their colorful design, they also have a unique spring mechanism that protects the lead while you write.
Since the material of these mechanical pencils is plastic, they are extremely lightweight, weighing only 10g. This allows you to write much faster, but it also requires more control which can be straining, especially if you're writing for long periods.
A Versatile Crowd Favorite
If you are looking for a go-to writing instrument, you can buy this other "Made in Germany" mechanical pencil. You can use this as a test pencil or a drafting pencil. You can also be sure that this will not slip in your hand because of its rubber grip.
It also has a retractable lead sleeve, so you can ensure that it will not bend when you put it in your pocket. This mechanical pencil is designed to reduce lead breakage for uninterrupted drawing and writing. If you are looking to buy your first mechanical pencil, you can never go wrong with this brand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
Is Mechanical Pencil Good for Drawing?
Mechanical pencils are good for drawing because they have a consistently sharpened tip that can draw fine and precise lines. Aside from that, they don't need to be sharpened, and it can take days before your next refill, so you can work continuously without having to sharpen your pencil every few minutes.
They are not great, though, when it comes to shading. For this, a traditional pencil is better as it can create beautiful tones by laying down varying shade levels. Still, mechanical pencils are great for sketching and drafting as they have less graphite and, therefore, a lighter shade when used on paper.
Is It Possible to Replace the Eraser in Mechanical Pencil?
Some mechanical pencils come with a built-in eraser. Like the lead, the eraser is usually refillable, so you can easily replace it once it runs out. If you can't find anything compatible with your pencil, however, the best thing to do is to get another eraser.
The downside of erasers in mechanical pencils is that they are usually too small, which can be annoying when you're erasing large writing or drawings. Depending on the brand, they also tend to be of low quality, so they might scratch the paper and ruin your work. To address this, many suggest having a separate eraser that you can use aside from the one that came with the pencil.
Is Mechanical Pencil Lead Toxic?
Like any wooden pencil, mechanical pencil lead is usually non-toxic. Graphite is a carbon-based substance that does not contain any lead. Mechanical pencils are minimally-toxic and are not likely to cause any harm if swallowed or drawn onto the skin.
If you're wondering why, this is because pencil "lead" is very small, and while eating, it might give your tongue and mouth a different color, it will definitely not hurt you in any way. Unless you deliberately consume a large amount of lead, you will not run into any problems.
Let Those Creative Juices Flowing and Jot Down Your Ideas
Although it is very convenient to just take down your notes using your smartphone, writing it down using a pen and paper still has different feel to it, especially when you want to be productive! Check out the links down below for some more of our product recommendations.
How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
Top 5 Mechanical Pencils
No. 1: Uni｜Kuru Toga Roulette Mechanical Pencil 0.5 mm
No. 2: Rotring｜Rapid PRO Mechanical Pencil
No. 3: LAMY｜Vista Mechanical Pencil
No. 4: Rotring｜600 Mechanical Pencil 0.5 mm
No. 5: Pentel｜Orenz Metal Grip 0.2mm
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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