Pentel EnerGel Black Colors Collection: Six Shades of Black Worth Writing With

Introduction

Pentel’s EnerGel line has long been known for combining smooth gel ink with impressive drying speed, and the Black Colors Collection takes that formula in a distinctly stylish direction. Released as a limited-edition run to mark the 20th anniversary of EnerGel, this collection is built around a single idea: enjoying black itself. Each of the six pens in the set uses black ink, but every one carries its own subtle undertone, from reddish to bluish to purplish black.

The line is sold individually and as a set, and it is available in both 0.5mm and 0.7mm tip sizes. This set is the 0.7mm version. Individually, each pen costs 330 yen tax included, while the six-pen set runs 1,980 yen tax included. Refills are sold separately at 88 yen each, which is a genuinely welcome detail for a pen you might want to keep using long term.

Unboxing and First Impressions

The set arrives with all six pens held together by their clips in a connected strip, which is a neat touch and makes the presentation feel more considered than a simple bulk pack. For pens in roughly the 330-yen range, the design quality genuinely stands out. There are no unnecessary markings or clutter on the barrels; the look is simple, sharp, and easy to use in any setting, from the office to a notebook at home.

Design and Everyday Handling

Each pen has a rubber grip with fine grooves, which feels secure without any stickiness, and it is easy to pull off and reposition in the hand. Around the center of the barrel sits a ring in each pen’s own image color, though it is deliberately dark, so from a distance the pens all read as black. The clip is sturdy, and the top of each barrel is printed with “0.7” to indicate the tip size.

The balance sits roughly at the center of the pen, leaning just slightly toward the rear, which gives it a calm, controlled feel while writing. Overall dimensions are practical rather than flashy: a total length of 148mm, a weight of 12.7g, and a grip diameter of 10.7mm.

The Six Colors Compared

Writing with each pen in turn, the first thing that stands out is how light and smooth the stroke feels. The EnerGel ink glides consistently across the page with no skipping or resistance, which is exactly what the line is known for.

The lineup consists of Black, Crimson Black, Olive Black, Charcoal Black, Indigo Black, and Bordeaux Black. Crimson Black reads as a black with a red undertone, Olive Black carries a hint of green, Charcoal Black is a deep grey, Indigo Black leans blue, and Bordeaux Black has a purple cast. On paper, side by side, the differences are clearly visible to the eye.

That said, the individual character of each shade is subtle by design. Writing a single line with one pen, it simply looks like black. Seen side by side, the tones separate, and that understated quality is part of the appeal: it is a discreetly stylish choice rather than a loud one.

Things to Consider Before Buying

Fast-drying ink is the collection’s most practical strength. Because EnerGel ink dries so quickly, freshly written text does not smear even if you run your hand over it immediately afterward. If you write quickly, take dense notes, or are left-handed and tired of smudges, this is a meaningful advantage.

The main thing to weigh is the limited-edition nature of the set. Since it was released as a quantity-limited anniversary product, availability may vary, and if you are only curious about one or two shades, buying individual pens at 330 yen each is a sensible alternative. Also keep in mind that at a glance, all six write in black; the color differences are a quiet detail rather than an obvious feature.

Buying Advice

If you enjoy stationery with a bit of personality, the full set is the better value at 1,980 yen for six pens, and the refill price of 88 yen makes it easy to keep your favorite shade going indefinitely. The 0.7mm tip used here suits everyday writing and note-taking comfortably, while the 0.5mm version is available for those who prefer a finer line.

The combination of a chic, simple design, a smooth writing feel, vivid ink, and excellent drying speed makes this an easy recommendation for daily use, and the carefully tuned black inks add a small touch of playfulness to routine writing. If the idea of exploring six shades of black appeals to you, the Black Colors Collection is a satisfying way to do it.

Conclusion

The Pentel EnerGel Black Colors Collection succeeds at something unusual: making black feel like a color worth collecting. With smooth, fast-drying gel ink, refined understated styling, and six subtly distinct shades, it works equally well as a practical everyday pen and as a small luxury for stationery fans. Just be mindful that it is a limited-edition product, so if it catches your eye, it is worth picking up while it is available.