Best New Pens and Pencils: 9 Standout Picks for Your Desk

Introduction

The start of the year always brings a wave of fresh stationery releases, and this one delivered a satisfying mix. Some picks are practical upgrades, like a new FriXion ink formula with noticeably richer color. Others are pure fun, like character collaborations and glitter gel pens. A few, such as the LAMY Imporium, sit firmly in the premium tier.

Here are nine recent pens and pencils that caught our attention, grouped by type so you can jump straight to what you use most.

Gel Pens Worth Trying

Pilot has reformulated its beloved FriXion ink, and the result is the Ball Knock Zone. The new ink is 30% more vibrant than the original, answering a long-running request from fans who wanted more saturated color. Pilot also refined the hardware: a special clutch keeps the tip from wiggling while you write, and a cushioning spring makes each click quieter. You can choose from elegant subdued colors or premium wood and marbled resin grip designs.

The other FriXion release is the Kese Lamé Glitter Gel Pen. Like all FriXion ink, it disappears when you rub it, but there is a catch worth knowing: the glitter particles stay behind on the paper. These are limited edition pens, so if the sparkle-and-erase combo appeals to you, it is worth picking one up before they are gone.

Meanwhile, Uni-ball One added seven new colors inspired by the Swedish idea of fika, a cozy midday coffee break shared with friends. What makes these pens special is the ink itself. It is specially formulated to stay on the surface of the paper rather than soaking in, so dark inks look darker and bright inks look brighter. If you enjoy bold, crisp writing, this line deserves a spot in your pen case.

Multi Pens for Collectors and Customizers

Uni’s Jetstream Multi Pens get an adorable treatment with BT21 characters, including RJ, Chimmy, Cooky, and Tata. BT21 is a LINE FRIENDS character brand representing the members of BTS, and the pens carry black, blue, and red super-smooth Jetstream ballpoint ink. A note for completists: Shooky, Mang, and Koya are missing from some designs because they sold out almost immediately, but the Time to Party and Univer Star editions feature all seven characters.

If Sanrio is more your style, the Pentel i+ Multi Pens are built for you. The pen bodies come with refills included: the three-color set pairs black, orange, and red, while the five-color set adds blue and milk blue. Better yet, the i+ platform accepts other compatible refills, including ballpoint ink and even pencil components, so you can tailor the pen to exactly what you carry.

Mechanical Pencils With Clever Engineering

The Pentel Orenz AT pushes mechanical pencil design forward with an automatic extending mechanism. Press the button to extend the lead, then write continuously: every time you lift the tip, the AT pushes out more lead automatically. As you write, the lead pipe slides out to match the lead length, shielding it from snapping under pressure, and it recedes as the lead wears down. A metal and rubber grip keeps the pencil secure in your hand, and the low center of gravity prevents fatigue over long sessions.

For something with more personality, the Tombow Mono Graph Studio Ghibli Edition pencils feature illustrations from Kiki’s Delivery Service and My Neighbor Totoro. The Mono Graph extends lead with a simple shake, and when you are done writing, you lock the shaker mechanism by pushing the clip upward. That lock means the pencil will not accidentally extend lead, even rattling around in a pencil case.

Fountain Pens That Feel Premium

The LAMY Imporium finally joins the lineup, and it is a statement piece. Built with premium materials including gold, platinum, and titanium, it is as durable as it is beautiful. Each pen has a weighty metal barrel with a matte texture and galvanized accents. The Imporium series is available as a mechanical pencil, ballpoint, rollerball, and fountain pen, so you can build a matched set if one is not enough.

LAMY also introduced two special edition AL-Star colors, Petrol and Lilac. Think of the AL-Star as a metal version of the popular Safari: sturdy yet relatively lightweight thanks to its aluminum body, with the same excellent build quality and modern aesthetic its plastic sibling is known for. Between the two editions, Lilac is the softer choice and Petrol reads as a deep, moody blue-green.

Buying Advice

If you want a low-risk daily upgrade, the Uni-ball One Fika Colors or the FriXion Ball Knock Zone are easy picks: both improve the everyday writing experience without a big investment. Character fans should look at the BT21 Jetstream or the Ghibli Mono Graph, which balance charm with genuinely good function. The Pentel Orenz AT is the best choice for students and note-takers who write fast and hate broken lead. If you are ready to spend more on a writing instrument that lasts, the LAMY Imporium or an AL-Star special edition is the satisfying end of the list.

Conclusion

This batch of releases covers a lot of ground: a more vibrant erasable ink, surface-dwelling gel ink, customizable multi pens, smarter mechanical pencils, and two distinct flavors of premium metal pens. Whether your taste runs playful or refined, there is something here worth trying. Pick the one that matches how you actually write, and enjoy the upgrade.