If you’ve been looking at purchasing a multi colour pen but your eyes are glazing over with all the options, I’ve put together this simple overview to help you choose.
In this list are the Zebra Prefill/Sarasa Select, Pentel Sliccies, Mitsubishi Uni Style Fit and the Pilot Hi-Tec-C Colleto.
Zebra Prefill/Sarasa Select
Available in 3 or 5 colour pen holders. Collaborations are commonly 5 colour pen holders.
23 gel ink colours in 0.3mm, 0.4mm and 0.5mm pen thickness (Sarasa select)
8 emulsion ink colours in 03mm, 0.4mm and 0.5mm (Surari prefill emulsion)
4 oil based ink colours in 0.7mm (Jim-Knock oil)
5 metallic colours in 0.5mm (Sarasa select shine)
Mechanical pencil refills in 0.3mm, 0.4mm and 0.5mm lead thicknesses
Previous collaborations include Mister Donut, Peanuts, Baskin Robbins and Sanrio
The Sarasa clip line of pens from Zebra are one of my favourites for everyday use and the prefill/select line of multi colour pens just as good. The collaborations are always adorable and colourful, like the Mister Donut collaboration pictured above.
Besides the pen holder, each collaboration collection usually includes 5 ink colours with the collaboration design printed on the refill.
Overall, a good everyday multi colour pen, 23 colours means it’s perfect for sketching and the pen holder also includes a place for you to hook onto a lanyard or hang a charm from.
Pentel Sliccies
Available in 3 or 5 colour pen holders
15 gel ink colours in 0.3mm, 0.4mm and 0.5mm thicknesses (Sliccies)
3 oil based colours in 0.5mm only (Vicuna)
3 gel ink colours in 0.5mm only (Energel).
Mechnical pencil refill in 0.3mm and 0.5mm lead thicknesses
Previous collaborations include Kanahei and Liz Lisa.
Even though I like the Sarasa line, the Pentel Sliccies multi colour pen is the pen I use with my bullet journal. The designs tend to be more muted and suited to a neutral palette.
The pink pen holder pictured above has been discontinued unfortunately but the new holder is improved, even featuring a slot on the top for you to attach an earphone jack accessory.
Mitsubishi Pen Uni Style Fit
Available in single, 3, 4 or 5 colour pen holders
16 gel ink colours in 0.28mm, 0.38mm and 0.5mm pen thicknesses
3 oil based ink colours in 0.7mm and 1.0mm pen thicknesses
Mechanical pencil refill in 0.5mm lead thickness
All pen holders are push down type except the 3 colour, which also comes in a twist version
Previous collaborations include Sanrio, Sesame street and Disney
The Uni Style Fit and the Hi-Tec-C Coletto (below) are probably the more popular multi colour pen systems. The uni style fit is unique in that the pen tip thicknesses can’t be found in other systems, but this might not suit everyone.
The Uni Style Fit releases mainstream collaborations regularly so if you’re looking for a limited edition design, this might the system for you.
Pilot Hi-Tec-C Coletto
Available in 2, 3, 4 or 5 colours pen bodies
15 gel ink colours in 0.3mm, 0.4mm and 0.5mm thicknesses.
Mechanical pencil in 0.3mm and 0.5mm lead thickness),
Eraser refill
Handheld game console touchscreen pen refill
Previous collaborations include Mary Quant, Peanuts, Sailor Moon and Music Earth Ecology
The Pilot Hi-Tec-C Colleto tends to lean towards a fashion inspired vibe. Each collaboration release has a few penholders as well as 10 inks in a hardcase printed with the collaboration design.
This system places an emphasis on customisation. Each refill carries it’s own push down button and every collaboration comes with it’s own special button design (for example, the button on the Mary Quant collaboration featured in the picture uses the brand’s signature flower as a button), you can combine different refills to create a pen unique to you.
I hope you found the guide useful! Let us know what else we can add to guide!
Note: The limited edition designs featured above may not be available anymore. However, new designs/collections are being released all the time, please visit the corresponding brand websites for more information.
