Majohn C4 vs P140 vs V60: Three Affordable Clear Fountain Pens Compared

Introduction

Clear demonstrators have a quiet charm: you can watch the ink slosh around, see exactly how the filling mechanism works, and appreciate the engineering behind a pen that costs far less than its reputation suggests. This comparison brings together three transparent Chinese fountain pens from the same brand, all roughly the same size, each with a very different filling system and nib approach.

None of them is expensive, and none of them is complicated. What makes the comparison interesting is how differently each pen answers the same basic question: what should an affordable large pen feel like?

Three Pens, Three Very Different Ideas

All three are approximately the same length when uncapped, which makes a side-by-side look genuinely useful rather than a comparison of size classes. The differences show up in the details: the filling systems, the nib choices, and the way each section sits in the hand.

If you want huge ink capacity, one of these has a Japanese one-way shut-off valve eyedropper design. If you want a traditional piston filler with an oversized nib, another fits. And if you want a shape you will not see every day, the third is a triangular design with an italic nib. Each earns its place in a collection for a different reason.

Majohn C4: The Big-Capacity Eyedropper

The C4 is a larger pen with a number six medium nib, bought for about $33.87 Canadian on AliExpress. Its standout feature is the filling system: a Japanese-style one-way shut-off valve. You unscrew the section entirely, use an eyedropper, and open the shut-off so ink flows into a secondary chamber. Effectively the whole barrel can be filled, so capacity is enormous.

Mine arrived writing extremely dry, barely putting ink down at all. After opening it up and adjusting the flow, it now writes wet and keeps up nicely, and I genuinely enjoy it. The tapered, slightly flared section is very comfortable, the acrylic is polished beautifully, and the turning knob acts like a little magnifying glass for the ink inside. My main gripe is the tiny clip, which looks oddly disproportionate on such a big pen.

Majohn P140: The Number Eight Nib Pick

The P140 is the most expensive of the three at about $45.50 Canadian, also on AliExpress. It is a traditional piston filler with a brass mechanism that feels very robust, and it carries a number eight nib, a noticeably larger nib that is fun to use. The nib itself has a sun engraving with a small crescent moon in it, a small detail that is genuinely charming.

Out of the box this one writes very dry. Unlike the C4, it does keep writing, but you need light pressure to get a satisfying line. Once tuned wetter, it balances well and becomes a genuinely pleasant writer. The section is comfortable, the threads are not sharp against the fingers, and the whole pen is barely longer than the C4 despite the bigger nib.

Majohn V60: The Triangular Design Pick

The V60 is a reproduction of the famous triangular 360 design, priced in between the others at about $41.79 Canadian. The triangular profile is not for everyone, but many find it very comfortable, and it naturally guides your grip. Mine came with a 1.1 mm italic nib, a welcome change from the usual fine or extra-fine options, and it produces satisfying line variation once properly aligned.

Ink alignment takes a little care because of the triangular section, but with a light touch this is a nice wet writer. If you want a design that stands out from the usual cylindrical demonstrators, this is the one to look at.

Overall Buying Advice

Of the three, one emerges as a clear personal favourite despite needing nib tuning: the P140. The large steel nib is nothing exotic, but the brass piston, the comfortable section, and the balanced feel give it a lot going for it, and once the flow is adjusted it should be a joy to use.

The other two remain strong picks for different reasons. Choose the C4 if a cool filling system and huge ink capacity matter most. Choose the V60 if you want a genuinely distinctive design and are curious about an italic nib. All three are fairly affordable, and none is likely to disappoint.

Conclusion

These three Majohn demonstrators make a compelling case that interesting pen design does not require a big budget. Whether you value ink capacity, an oversized nib with a robust piston, or an unusual triangular silhouette, there is a clear, well-built option here that earns its spot on the desk.