uni-ball ZENTO | Ink that makes the moment of "writing" comfortable

I bought two ballpoint pens. The signature model and the flow model of the uni-ball ZENTO 3-color pen.
I had originally given up on getting them, assuming they would be in short supply and unavailable, but unexpectedly, I ended up getting both right after they were released (the story of how that happened is at the end of the article).
Since I have them, I thought I would write down an introduction and my impressions of the pens.

※This article contains Amazon and Rakuten affiliate links.

Mitsubishi Pencil uni-ball ZENTO

The name "ZENTO" for this pen seems to embody several wonderful concepts. "Zen" (然) for being my true self. "Zen" (善) for looking at the value for myself. And "ZEN" for living in the present with a calm heart.

The wish that through the moments of "writing," daily life will become more comfortable. This is a water-based ballpoint pen that Mitsubishi Pencil has poured its heart into, releasing it to the world after a long development period.

A pen with a smooth writing feel

For my work notebook, I mainly use the KOKUYO WP Finewriter and the uni-ball ZENTO signature model.

The writing feel of a fountain pen and the ease of use of a ballpoint pen. Although the Finewriter and ZENTO have completely different pen structures, both are characterized by a smooth writing feel. That light writing sensation gives the feeling that the pen tip runs faster than my thoughts, and I can feel its benefits in various situations, from taking notes during meetings when I want to write quickly to organizing my thoughts.

Not only the properties of the ink but also the "thickness of the characters" are contrasting. The Finewriter has a somewhat thick and rich line like a felt-tip pen, and a unique writing feel where the slight flex of the tip adds inflection to the line thickness, stops, flicks, and sweeps.
On the other hand, the ZENTO, with its 0.38mm and 0.50mm ultra-fine ball, is a very fine writer with a crisp, well-defined outline.
I try to use these two pens with different characters depending on my mood when I open my notebook and the density of the information I want to write down.

For example, I use the Finewriter, which allows me to write smoothly with bold lines, for situations where I am standing and writing in the field, or for brainstorming and organizing thoughts, and the ZENTO when I am in a meeting or want to write down fine details. Both are pens that are comfortable to write with.

Multi-color model for uni-ball ZENTO

Information that a 3-color pen would finally be appearing for the uni-ball ZENTO started circulating around the beginning of June.
The design announced on the website inherited the design of the single-color model and was finished very smartly.

The flow model is made of aluminum with an alumite finish, and the two-tone color scheme that separates the body parts is very elegant, resulting in a smart finish that doesn't look like a multi-color pen.

The signature model follows the design of the single-color version, adopts a rotating mechanism with a knurled grip incorporated into the center of the body, and has a simple, high-quality finish worthy of a luxury pen.

What is the actual writing feel of the uni-ball ZENTO 3-color pen?

This 3-color pen, as already written in several review articles, has a very wonderful finish.
Although it is a multi-color pen, it is finished very smartly, has a sense of luxury, and is a design that goes well with any item. There is no rattling of the pen tip, and it is a very practical finish that maintains the writing feel of the single-color type.

The Signature model, which now has a design I prefer, has replaced my Fine Writer as my main pen for notebooks and is now kept in my pen sleeve.

The uni-ball ZENTO is extremely easy to write with, and once you use it, you won't want to let it go. The versatility of being able to use the same refill in everything from the affordable standard model to the high-end signature model is also wonderful. The standard model is available at a low price, so if you haven't used it yet, this is one pen I want you to try for its writing feel.

▶Purchase link
*There are many colors available, so please check the link.

Single-color pen

3-color pen
*Currently in short supply and unavailable on Amazon. I will post a link when sales resume.
*Available for purchase on Rakuten

Afterword ~Purchase Story~

To tell the truth, I didn't really have any plans to get the 3-color uni-ball ZENTO right away. That's because I had given up, thinking I wouldn't be able to get it anytime soon anyway.

When the single-color model was released, the high-end model I was aiming for disappeared from everywhere as soon as it went on sale. It wasn't until half a year later, when the world had gotten used to the existence of that pen, that I finally got my hands on it. So I thought it would be the same this time, and on the release date, I was scheduled to go on a business trip to a rural area where there were no stationery stores to be found. "If it's meant to be, it will happen eventually." I quietly put a lid on my desire to buy things and decided to forget about it.

However, the relationship between people and things is always fickle.
The weekend after the release date, I was in the small stationery corner of a neighborhood store to buy a notebook for my child. There, I found a single Flow model left all alone in the corner of the shelf. Something I had given up on suddenly appeared right in front of me.
"If it comes to me, I have no choice." Making that excuse, I picked up the first one.

The continuation happened two days later. In Osaka, where I was on a business trip, I was drawn into a stationery store during the short time I was waiting for the Shinkansen home. The moment I peeked at the shelf, I made eye contact with the only remaining Signature model. If it's there, I have to buy it. My right hand grabbed the product without hesitation.

Actually, it was also at this store that I found the KOKUYO Fine Writer I currently love, back when it was also in short supply. It seems that there is a somewhat mysterious magnetic field between me and this place that attracts my favorite writing instruments.

Moving my plans forward significantly, I now have two ZENTOs on my desk.
A total of just under 8,000 yen. It was an unexpected expense, but as I look at the two smart pens lined up, I am quietly convinced that this was a very correct choice.

Thank you for reading to the end. I hope you too have a wonderful encounter with your favorite tools that allow you to spend your time with peace of mind.

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