When capped, the Kerry is just under five inches long. Posting the cap on the back of the barrel extends the pencil to a nice length that feels comfortable to hold, even during long writing sessions. Buttons on the back of the barrel and cap let you extend the lead even if the cap is posted. Removing the cap button reveals a small eraser, and removing the barrel button provides access to the lead storage tube.

Most mechanical pencils use 0.5 mm or 0.7 mm leads, which offer great balances of precision and break resistance. These lead sizes are very common and also offer the widest selection of lead grades to choose from. Some pencils use leads as fine as 0.2 mm or as broad as 1.3 mm.

If you don’t want to carry an eraser around with you, choose a mechanical pencil with a generously-sized, replaceable eraser. The Kokuyo FitCurve and Pentel Twist-Erase III are both good options.

This pencil also uses the Kuru Toga mechanism, which rotates the lead as you write. That way, the lead wears down evenly on all sides, and your writing stays consistent.

If the Alpha Gel Kuru Toga’s grip is a little too squishy for your taste, try the Pilot Dr. Grip Mechanical Pencil. Its rubber grip section is made with a firm outer layer and a soft inner layer that’s perfectly balanced in feel.

If 1.3 mm lead is too chunky for everyday writing, consider trying the 0.5 mm Uni Alpha Gel Shaka Shaker. It’s similar to our pick for the most comfortable mechanical pencil and is very ergonomic, but it doesn’t have the lead-rotating Kuru Toga mechanism.

The edge of the lead sleeve is rounded, so it doesn’t feel like it’s scratching or catching on the paper as you write. However, some writers may find the sensation of the lead sleeve on the paper bothersome.

The Kaweco Sport Mechanical Pencil is only about half an inch longer than the Techo TS-3, but its larger diameter means it’s much easier to use for everyday writing.

You can always build your own multi mechanical pencil, too! Check out our guide to see which customizable multi pens can be filled with mechanical pencil components.

All Kuru Toga mechanical pencils have this mechanism, but we want to shine a spotlight on the Advance Upgrade. Its “W Speed Engine” rotates the lead twice as fast, so it’s better suited for scripts that use fewer and longer strokes (such as the Latin alphabet).

Speaking of erasers, the Mono Graph Shaker has a generous twist eraser that can be replaced once it’s used up.

The DelGuard is available in a variety of different body styles. The JetPens team likes the Type GR for its ergonomic grip section, while the Type-Lx has a sleek body with a metal grip.

The Fure Fure Me is a shaker pencil that has a surprisingly quiet mechanism, though we still recommend using the clicker to extend lead when you’re in a library so you don’t bother those around you.

If the Tactile Turn’s price tag is a little too high for you, don’t worry: you don’t have to spend a lot to get something durable. The Zebra M-701 is a budget-friendly mechanical pencil that’s made from stainless steel.

Be aware that the Special can only hold one or two pieces of lead at a time, so those who write a lot may have to refill the pencil often.

The Staedtler 925 Series uses 2 mm leads that can create detailed strokes or fill in large areas of shadow quickly. Leads of this size are much longer than 0.5 mm and 0.7 mm mechanical pencil leads, and they last longer, too. Be sure to pick up a compatible lead pointer to sharpen the lead so it can create fine marks.

We like that the Color Eno matches the body to the lead color, but you can pick up Color Eno Neox Lead and put it in any 0.7 mm mechanical pencil of your choice. One warning: the leads aren’t lightfast, so they’re best for temporary applications like underdrawings or sketchbooks that you’ll keep out of the sun.

Students who are constantly taking multiple choice tests should pick up the Morning Glory Sketch 1000. Its rectangular lead makes it easy to fill in answer bubbles quickly.

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