Affordable Retractable Fountain Pen: What You Get for Under $15
If you’re a fountain pen user, you probably expect a few things from your writing tools: smooth ink flow, a comfortable grip, and a design that doesn’t feel like it came from a toy store. This retractable fountain pen (available on Amazon here) isn’t going to win any design awards or replace your favorite Lamy or TWSBI, but honestly, it’s better than I expected.
For under $15, you get a click-action fountain pen, five cartridges, and something that writes smoothly right out of the gate (well, after about two minutes).
✍️ What I Liked About This Pen
The biggest surprise was how smoothly it writes. I expected hard starts, scratchy strokes, or inconsistent ink flow. But once the ink reached the nib, it performed better than many entry-level pens I’ve tried. Honestly, better than some $100+ fountain pens I’ve tried. I wouldn’t use it for long-form journaling or detailed calligraphy because of the long-term comfort level, but for quick notes, planning, or casual writing, it holds up.
It’s also really convenient. The click-to-retract mechanism means no caps to fumble with or lose. This is great for keeping on your desk, clipped to a notebook, or tossed into a backpack. It may not be robust, but it’s convenient. It’s also pretty fun to use.
💡 What Could Be Better
Of course, this isn’t a perfect pen. It’s made of cheap-feeling plastic, and the design is a little kid-like. The pen feels light, almost toyish, and the mechanism isn’t what I’d call sturdy. But that’s the trade-off at this price.
The ink quality is also mediocre. It starts off as a deep, saturated blue but dries lighter, which is something to keep in mind if you’re picky about color or permanence. That said, for basic use, it’s acceptable. The good news is that the cartridges appear to be a fairly standard size, so you could replace them with higher-quality ink if you want. (At the risk of sounding snooty, I’ve never used cartridges before, opting instead for cartridge converter or piston fountain pens with bottled ink. I like what I like).
⚖️ Final Verdict: Should You Try It?
If you’re a fountain pen enthusiast looking for a new daily carry, this pen probably isn’t for you. But, if you:
- Want a budget retractable fountain pen that actually works
- Don’t mind a cheaper build if it writes smoothly
- Need something for notes, planners, or casual lists
- Appreciate convenience over luxury
…then this is a fun little pen worth trying. I actually like it enough that I’d buy another one with black ink, just to see how it performs. It’s also fun to click.
✅ Pros:
- Smooth writing (once ink reaches nib)
- Retractable mechanism = no lost caps
- Comes with 5 ink cartridges
- Inexpensive and replaceable
❌ Cons:
- Feels cheap
- Loud, bright design
- Ink dries lighter than it goes on
🛠️ Best Use Case:
A casual, no-pressure pen to keep at your desk, hand to a coworker, or use for everyday jotting. It won’t replace your higher-end tools, but it punches above its weight for the price.
Find it on Amazon.
If you’re interested in some great .38mm disposable gel pens, see my review of this 12-pack.
Disclosure: I received this product for free from the Amazon Vine program in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. I was not paid to write this post, and all opinions are my own.
