UNI Jetstream 4&1 Gloss Grey Review: A Glossier Take on a Favorite Multi-Pen

Introduction

Uni’s Jetstream line hardly needs an introduction among fans of smooth-writing ballpoints, but the newest additions still give plenty to talk about. The Jetstream 4&1 Gloss Grey in 0.5mm is a new colorway of the brand’s four-color multi-pen with a built-in mechanical pencil, released in March 2025 at 1,430 yen tax included. Alongside it, Uni added a limited-edition Blue Black Light Touch ink refill for both the multi-pen and the single-body Jetstream, sold separately at 132 yen tax included.

The interesting part is that this refresh is mostly about surface and ink rather than mechanism. Yet as any stationery fan knows, a change in coating alone can noticeably change how a pen feels in hand.

First Impressions: The New Gloss Coating

The headline change on the Gloss Grey is right there in the name. Where the earlier Steel Blue version of the Light Touch Jetstream 4&1 wore an all-matte finish, this one is glossy. Out of the box it looks quite different, and honestly, the shine reads a bit less premium up close than expected.

In practice, though, the coating earns its place. The glossy surface has a slightly suction-like feel against the fingers, so grip is noticeably better than on the matte version. That matters if your hands tend to be dry, and it gives the Light Touch ink’s very low writing resistance something to push against. The new color lineup includes Gloss Beige, Gloss Grey, Misty Purple, and Soft Latte Cotton, with the last two being limited editions that swap the green ink for Blue Black. The Gloss Grey reviewed here is a regular color and ships with black, red, blue, and green.

Specifications and Build

The Jetstream 4&1 measures 140mm in total length with a 13.5mm shaft diameter and weighs 16.5g, which is on the lighter side for a 4&1 multi-pen. The new coating did not change the weight at all. The low center of gravity and the thicker shaft give it a planted, comfortable feel.

The barrel carries a simple label on the underside with no engraving, and the only branding is the logo on the clip. It uses a slide lever mechanism that operates smoothly with light pressure, and the color indicators on the knock parts are kept minimal, which makes replacement easy. The mechanical pencil component is knocked like a regular pencil, with a slightly firm knock feel, and the cap includes a small eraser.

One small note: tip wobble varies slightly between units. The Gloss Grey sample showed a touch more than the Steel Blue one, though both sit firmly on the low side of the scale, so it is nothing to worry about. The supplied refill is the SRL8005 Light Touch ink in 0.5mm.

Writing Experience

On paper, the Light Touch ink lives up to its name. It glides with less resistance than a standard Jetstream, to the point where the smoothness can feel slightly less stable. That is where the glossy barrel becomes an asset: because the shaft is so easy to hold securely, the overall writing experience feels more controlled than a typical Light Touch pen.

The balance is good, the pen is light and easy to handle, and it holds up well over long writing sessions. The mechanical pencil component is also pleasant to sketch and write with. And no, despite what people sometimes say, the ink does not lean green.

The Limited Blue Black Light Touch Refill

The Blue Black Light Touch refill is a limited production item, sold both as a multi-pen refill and as a cartridge for the single-body Jetstream in 0.5mm and 0.7mm. Written out, the color is more blue-leaning than expected. It is a lovely shade, but it reads as a dark blue rather than something you could pass off as black.

There is some context worth knowing here. Blue black ink from various makers has been selling slowly lately, so availability across the industry has been shrinking. A Blue Black Jetstream refill carries real attention for that reason, and if it sells well, there is a chance it could become a regular item. Since it is limited, anyone interested should pick it up sooner rather than later. Some limited color bodies are already sold out at certain shops.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The main gripe is the slide lever. The barrel gained grip from the glossy coating, but the lever area remains a slick, smooth material. With dry hands, it can slip and occasionally refuse to knock. A glossy finish on the knock section too would have been welcome.

Beyond that, the verdict is positive: good writing feel, good balance, light and easy to carry, improved grip for stable writing, and well suited to long sessions.

Buying Advice

If you like a pen with some presence in the hand but dislike heavy writing tools, the Gloss Grey 4&1 hits a nice middle point, and the grippy coating makes the ultra-smooth Light Touch ink easier to control. If Blue Black is your color, grab the limited refill while it is still in stock, since stock is already thin in places. It is a nice reminder of how much a simple coating change can alter a pen you thought you already knew.

Conclusion

The Jetstream 4&1 Gloss Grey does not reinvent anything mechanically, but the glossier, higher-grip finish genuinely improves how the Light Touch version writes and feels. Paired with the limited Blue Black refill, it makes a compelling little update for Jetstream fans. Just do not wait too long on the limited items.