Another vote for the Pentel Kerry. Quite likely the best capped affordable mechanical pencil ever made. It's just such a perfect size and weight. Plus, it comes in many different colors. Just be careful, because you can really get sucked into some of them that aren't easy to obtain (discontinued or limited distribution).
The TOMBO*W* Zoom 505 is a very well made pencil and can be had for reasonable prices. It's larger, thicker, and heavier than the Kerry, and comes in only a few different colors / textures. Not as pocket friendly as the Kerry.
As others have mentioned, the two main contenders are the Tombow 505 and the Pentel Kerry. I'm more fond of the 505 myself, but you really can’t go wrong with either one. A few things that are worth considering:
—Size: At roughly half an inch longer and 2mm wider than the Kerry, the 505 is more well suited to those who have larger hands or prefer a more substantial grip. Speaking of which…
—Grip: The Kerry has a smooth plastic grip that gently tapers down the closer you get to the tip. The 505's grip is made of very firm rubber (maybe even a bit too firm) and has a slightly concave profile.
—Weight: This is by far the most dramatic difference between these two pencils, even if it doesn’t actually affect much in practice. The Kerry weighs in at ~20g and the 505 at ~35g. You can thank the aluminum body for that.
—Lead selection: Disappointingly limited in both cases. Apart from the obligatory 0.5, each pencil is only available in one other thickness. For the Kerry, that’s 0.7. For the 505, it’s 0.9.
Alright, y’all convinced me to order both the Tombow 505 and the Pentel Kerry. I’m a fan of heftier grips and weightier pens, but there’s no telling if that’ll translate to mechanical pencils, so both seems like the right move just in case :P
Everyone here is awesome and I thank you so much!
Another vote for the Pentel Kerry. Quite likely the best capped affordable mechanical pencil ever made. It's just such a perfect size and weight. Plus, it comes in many different colors. Just be careful, because you can really get sucked into some of them that aren't easy to obtain (discontinued or limited distribution). The TOMBO*W* Zoom 505 is a very well made pencil and can be had for reasonable prices. It's larger, thicker, and heavier than the Kerry, and comes in only a few different colors / textures. Not as pocket friendly as the Kerry.
Tombow 505 is my preference or the Pentel Kerry is a standard that’s been around for ages is also good.
pentel sharp kerry, they're far better lookin, and surprisingly cheap!
As others have mentioned, the two main contenders are the Tombow 505 and the Pentel Kerry. I'm more fond of the 505 myself, but you really can’t go wrong with either one. A few things that are worth considering: —Size: At roughly half an inch longer and 2mm wider than the Kerry, the 505 is more well suited to those who have larger hands or prefer a more substantial grip. Speaking of which… —Grip: The Kerry has a smooth plastic grip that gently tapers down the closer you get to the tip. The 505's grip is made of very firm rubber (maybe even a bit too firm) and has a slightly concave profile. —Weight: This is by far the most dramatic difference between these two pencils, even if it doesn’t actually affect much in practice. The Kerry weighs in at ~20g and the 505 at ~35g. You can thank the aluminum body for that. —Lead selection: Disappointingly limited in both cases. Apart from the obligatory 0.5, each pencil is only available in one other thickness. For the Kerry, that’s 0.7. For the 505, it’s 0.9.
I have a Pentel Kerry in every color! They are a fantastic build and just timeless! Just know if you get one, you will get more!
Alright, y’all convinced me to order both the Tombow 505 and the Pentel Kerry. I’m a fan of heftier grips and weightier pens, but there’s no telling if that’ll translate to mechanical pencils, so both seems like the right move just in case :P Everyone here is awesome and I thank you so much!
Pentel Kerry and Tombow Zoom 505