Jetstream Ballpoint Pen, Lite Touch Ink, 0.5 mm

For years, Uni Jetstream ballpoint pens have been the best in their class (they are oil-based ballpoint pens, the most common type in the world.) Unlike other ballpoints, Jetstream refills are smooth and dark, offering the boldness of a rollerball with the quick-drying performance of a ballpoint.

In 2024, Uni announced something huge: a totally reformulated new version of the beloved Jetstream ballpoint ink. It's called Lite Touch Ink, and we think that it will take the place of the previous formula on all the best-pens lists. Essentially, the difference is that Lite Touch has a lower friction coefficient than any previous ballpoint, virtually eliminating the hard starts and inconsistency that other ballpoints are known for.

In fact, when you write with Lite Touch Ink for the first time, you might be surprised it's a ballpoint at all.

Now, how about the outside of the pen? These new Jetstreams are fresh and contemporary, in soft colors and a soft matte finish to match. The bottom third of the pen is seamlessly rubberized for comfort. Unscrew the grip and you can replace the Lite Touch refill with a new 0.5 mm cartridge or switch to the larger 0.7 mm cartridge. (Refills sold separately.)

Made in Japan.

About Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd.:

Founded in the 19th century in Tokyo, Mitsubishi Pencil has been one of the world's leading pen and pencil manufacturers for generations. Well-known around the world for their Uni brand of pens and pencils, Mitsubishi continues to innovate and release new products, like POSCA paint markers and an ever-expanding lineup of writing pens.

Fun fact: "Mitsubishi" means "three diamonds," and the name and three-diamond mark of Mitsubishi Pencil predates the better-known Mitsubishi Group by ten years. Despite sharing the same name and symbol, Mitsubishi Pencil is not related to any of the numerous other Mitsubishi companies in Japan.