Coolest Pens Worth Owning: Metal, Multi-Color and Erasable Picks

The coolest pen you can buy without entering collector territory is the Zebra Pen G-750 Black Brass Retractable Gel Pen: a weighted brass barrel, a smooth 0.7 mm gel refill and a price that stays reasonable. If “cool” to you means a gadget with a trick, the runner-up is the Pilot FriXion Clicker, the erasable gel pen that lets you rub out mistakes with the rubber tip on the end.

“Coolest pens” is a fuzzy search, and it covers several kinds of pen. Some people mean pens that look striking: matte black metal, brass, copper, a satisfying click. Others mean pens that do something unusual: four colors in one barrel, ink that disappears when rubbed, a tactical-style steel body that feels like gear. This guide covers those three flavors, with six real pens you can buy from the store this site draws on, plus a short list of runner-ups. We left out the cheap novelty pens with cartoon toppers, because they are fun but not the kind of pen you keep for years. If you want classic executive pens or a brand-by-brand comparison, other guides on this site cover them.

This guide is research-based. We did not personally use these pens, and we do not give smoothness scores or ink-life numbers that the makers do not publish. Where a spec is missing, we say it is not listed.

Our top picks

Top pickPILOT FriXion Clicker Gel Ink Pens 0.7mm

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Also greatPILOT FriXion Clicker Erasable Pens

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Also greatPILOT FriXion Clicker Gel Ink Pens 0.7mm

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Also greatPILOT FriXion Clicker Gel Ink Pens 0.7mm

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Top Picks at a Glance

• Best Overall: Zebra Pen G-750 Black Brass Retractable Gel Pen
• Best Gadget Pen: Pilot FriXion Clicker Erasable Gel Pen
• Best Multi-Color: BIC 4-Color Original Retractable Ballpoint Pen
• Best Tactical Feel: Zebra Pen STEEL F-701 Retractable Ballpoint Pen
• Best Color Set: Pilot Juice Gel Pen, Metallic Colors set
• Best Budget Metal Pen: Sharpie S-Gel Gel Pen with Copper Metal Body

Comparison Table

1. Zebra Pen G-750 Black Brass Retractable Gel Pen: Best Overall Cool Pen

• Barrel: matte black weighted brass, according to the maker
• Ink: black gel, 0.7 mm, rapid-dry
• Mechanism: retractable click
• Refill: takes Zebra’s JK gel refill; the pen is refillable
• Grip: knurled

Best for: people who want a pen that feels like a small object of quality on the desk or in a jacket pocket. Skip if: you prefer a light plastic pen or you write for hours and dislike weight.

What makes the G-750 cool is the combination of material and manners. A brass barrel has a heft that cheap pens lack, the matte black finish looks clean, and the retractable mechanism means no cap to lose. The gel refill writes a clean 0.7 mm line, which is a common middle ground between fine and bold, and the maker describes the ink as rapid-dry, which is helpful for left-handed writers and for fast note-taking. Because the refill is a standard Zebra gel type, you can replace it when it runs out rather than discarding the pen.

The G-750 is part of Zebra’s STEEL line, but note that its refill is different from the ballpoint refill used in the F-701. If you buy refills, match them to the pen. The weight is the main thing to consider: it feels substantial in the hand, which many people love, but it can feel heavy during a long writing session.

Pros:

• Weighted brass body feels premium
• Smooth gel ink, rapid-dry per the maker
• Refillable and retractable
• Clean matte look

Cons:

• Heavier than plastic pens
• Single ink color per pen

2. Pilot FriXion Clicker Erasable Gel Pen: Best Gadget Pen

• Ink: erasable gel; thermo-sensitive ink that turns colorless with friction heat
• Tip: 0.7 mm fine point (other sizes exist)
• Mechanism: retractable clicker with a rubber eraser tip
• Refill: refillable
• Colors: available in many colors and packs

Best for: planners, students, crossword fans and anyone who likes the idea of writing without commitment. Skip if: you need permanent ink for legal papers, cheques or documents that may sit in heat.

The FriXion’s trick is the one that earns its place on a “cool pens” list. The ink is thermo-sensitive, so rubbing the rubber tip creates friction heat and makes the writing turn colorless. Pilot’s own materials say the ink becomes invisible above about 60 degrees Celsius (140 F), and that it should not be used on legal documents, exam papers or cheques. That heat sensitivity is also its main caution: a note left on a hot car dashboard or near a heater can fade, and cold can bring the ink back.

The Clicker version has a retractable tip rather than a cap, which makes it quicker to use. There are packs of single colors and assorted colors, so you can color-code a planner. For notes you intend to keep, photograph or copy them, or use a standard gel pen instead. As a fun, practical tool for drafts and planners, nothing else on this list comes close.

Pros:

• Erase and rewrite without correction fluid
• Retractable with built-in eraser
• Many colors and pack sizes
• Refillable

Cons:

• Heat can erase writing by accident
• Not suitable for legal or official documents

3. BIC 4-Color Original Retractable Ballpoint Pen: Best Multi-Color Pen

• Colors: four ink colors in one barrel (black, blue, red and green)
• Tip: 1.0 mm medium ballpoint
• Mechanism: retractable sliders
• Pack: sold in packs of three, twelve and others
• Grip: wide barrel, comfortable grip per the maker

Best for: students, note-takers and planners who want four colors without carrying four pens. Skip if: you prefer a fine line or gel ink.

The BIC 4-Color is a classic, the type of pen that many people remember from school. Its charm is utility: slide the color you need, write, and switch. It is perfect for color-coding notes, marking up documents, or sketching a quick diagram with different colors. The medium 1.0 mm ballpoint line is bolder than a fine gel pen, which makes handwriting look a little heavier, but also very readable.

It is not a premium object. The plastic barrel and slide switches are simple, and you should not expect the feel of a brass pen. Its cool factor is the function: it is a small multi-tool for paper. If you want a more refined version with finer lines, there are 0.7 mm and gel versions from other brands in the Also Consider section.

Pros:

• Four colors in a single pen
• Very low cost
• Widely available in multi-packs

Cons:

• Bolder 1.0 mm line
• Basic plastic build

4. Zebra Pen STEEL F-701 Retractable Ballpoint Pen: Best Tactical-Style Pen

• Barrel: stainless steel with a knurled grip
• Tip: 0.8 mm fine ballpoint, black ink
• Mechanism: retractable plunger (described as silent by the maker)
• Use: marketed for everyday carry, with an extra tactical variant in the same line
• Packs: single, 3-pack and 4-pack options exist

Best for: fans of rugged, no-nonsense gear who want a metal pen that is cheap enough not to worry about losing. Skip if: you want the smoothness of a gel pen.

The F-701 has a reputation as a budget gear pen. It uses a stainless steel body, a knurled grip for traction, and its simple design means little can go wrong. The ballpoint is a more forgiving ink for rough paper, lined pads, carbon copies and cold conditions than many gels, and the retractable action keeps the tip protected in a pocket or bag.

Because it is a ballpoint, expect a slightly drier, less glossy line than a gel pen. In return, you get a pen that resists smearing and can be used in more places. If you want to go further into the tactical look, Zebra also sells a more rugged version of the same line, listed in the store as the Zebra Pen STEEL X-701 Tactical Ballpoint Pen.

Pros:

• Stainless steel body at a low cost
• Knurled grip
• Ballpoint works on rough or cold paper

Cons:

• Less smooth than gel
• Single ink color

5. Pilot Juice Gel Pen, Metallic Colors Set: Best Color Set for Journals

• Tip: 0.5 mm gel ink ballpoint, fine point
• Set: six metallic colors (listed as a metallic color set)
• Mechanism: not listed for this set
• Other sets: Pilot sells black, classic color, muted color and pastel sets of the Juice line
• Barrel: plastic

Best for: bullet journals, cards, scrapbooks and decorative notes. Skip if: you want a single pen for daily work; metallic ink is best used for accents.

Pilot’s Juice line is popular with stationery fans for its range of colors and its fine 0.5 mm tip. The metallic set adds shimmering inks that stand out on dark or light paper, which is why people reach for them when decorating a journal page or writing a card. For a cool look, a set of six metallic pens makes a good gift, too.

The practical note is that metallic gel inks are less common for long notes, and the shimmer is more visible on darker paper. Pair a set like this with a black everyday pen, and you will have both the practical and the decorative covered.

Pros:

• Six metallic shades
• Fine 0.5 mm line
• Many alternative color sets in the same line

Cons:

• Best for accents, not long writing
• Plastic barrels

6. Sharpie S-Gel Gel Pen with Copper Metal Body: Best Budget Metal Look

• Body: copper-colored metal, per the listing
• Tip: 0.7 mm medium point
• Ink: black gel
• Included: one pen and one additional ink refill
• Mechanism: not listed in the title we reviewed

Best for: a simple gift, a desk pen, or anyone who wants a metal-bodied gel pen without paying for brass. Skip if: you want multiple colors in one pen.

The Sharpie S-Gel is a mainstream gel pen, and the copper metal version dresses it up. You get a smooth 0.7 mm black gel line, a pen that looks a little more distinctive on a desk, and a spare refill in the pack. It is the kind of pen you can hand to a visitor or tuck into a notebook as a small present.

Check the listing before ordering, as the pen is sold in several body colors and pack sizes, and this particular version is the copper metal body with a refill. For a more premium feel, step up to the Zebra G-750; for the lowest price, a plain S-Gel pack is available too.

Pros:

• Metal body at a small price
• Spare refill included
• Smooth gel writing

Cons:

• Single color
• Simpler design than the brass pen

Also Consider

uniball Zento Gel Pens

A retractable gel pen in a 0.7 mm medium point with black ink, sold in packs of four per the listing. A clean, modern alternative to the Sharpie S-Gel.

Paper Mate InkJoy Quatro Retractable Ballpoint Pens

A four-color ballpoint with a medium 1.0 mm point, sold in a three-pack. A direct rival to the BIC 4-Color.

Four Candies Multicolor 4-in-1 Gel Pens

A six-pack of retractable 0.5 mm multicolor gel pens (18 colors across the pack, per the listing), a finer and smoother take on the multi-color pen.

Pilot G2 Limited Matte Black Gel Pen

A refillable, retractable gel pen with a 0.7 mm fine point in a matte black limited edition. A natural choice if you already like the standard Pilot G2.

How We Chose

This guide is research-based. We searched the store’s catalog for pens that fit the idea of a “cool” pen in three ways: striking materials (brass, steel, copper), clever features (erasable ink, four colors) and fun color sets. We checked maker pages and listing details for specs such as tip size, body material and refill type. We did not personally use these pens, and we do not publish ink-life figures or smoothness ratings that cannot be verified.

We kept a maximum of two products per brand in the main list and excluded cartoon-topper novelty pens, which are better described in a gift guide. Where the exact spec was not listed, we say so.

Buying Guide: How to Pick a Pen That Is Cool and Useful

Choose the ink type first

Gel inks look vivid and write smoothly, ballpoints resist smearing and work on more surfaces, and erasable inks add flexibility but come with heat caveats. If you write a lot, pick gel for comfort and ballpoint for reliability. For official forms, choose a standard, non-erasable ink.

Tip size

0.5 mm is fine and good for small handwriting, 0.7 mm is the middle ground and 1.0 mm is bold. If you press hard or write fast, a medium tip glides more easily; if your handwriting is tiny, a fine tip keeps letters clear.

Body material and weight

Brass and steel add weight and durability, while plastic is light and comfortable for long sessions. Consider how you will use the pen. A heavy pen is great for signing and short notes, but may tire your hand during exams or long journaling.

Refills and longevity

A refillable pen lasts longer and produces less waste. Match the refill to the pen model, as even pens from the same brand can use different cartridges, as the Zebra G-750 and F-701 do.

Gifting

For a gift, a set (such as the Pilot Juice metallic set) or a boxed metal pen (such as the Zebra G-750) feels more thoughtful than a single plastic pen. Check the recipient’s handwriting preferences first: some people dislike gel, others dislike heavy pens.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Buying an erasable pen for documents that must stay permanent
• Choosing a heavy metal pen for hours of writing without trying one
• Ignoring refill compatibility
• Judging ink by color alone, without checking tip size
• Leaving erasable ink notes in a hot car

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the coolest pens to buy?

The Zebra G-750 brass gel pen, the Pilot FriXion Clicker erasable pen and the BIC 4-Color are the standout picks, each cool in a different way: material, trick and utility.

Are erasable pens reliable?

They are reliable for drafts and planners, but the ink can fade with heat, and Pilot warns against using it on legal documents, exam papers or cheques. Use permanent ink for anything official.

Are metal pens better than plastic?

Metal pens feel more durable and substantial, but they are heavier. The best choice depends on how long you write and how much you like the feel of weight.

What is the best cheap cool pen?

The BIC 4-Color and the Zebra STEEL F-701 are low-cost options with a lot of character, and the Sharpie S-Gel Copper is a budget metal-bodied gel pen.

Do these pens have refills?

Many do. The Zebra G-750 and the Pilot FriXion Clicker are refillable, and the Sharpie copper pen comes with an extra refill. Check the exact refill model before buying.

What tip size should I choose?

Choose 0.5 mm for fine writing, 0.7 mm for general use and 1.0 mm for bold lines. Try different sizes if you are unsure.

Are novelty pens worth buying?

Novelty pens with toppers or jokes are fun for gifts and parties, but they usually trade writing comfort for looks. For everyday use, choose a pen from the main list.

Three Ways to Build a Small Pen Collection

The desk set

Start with one pen that feels good to hold, then add a color set for accents. A brass gel pen such as the Zebra G-750 handles signatures and daily notes, while a Pilot Juice set covers headings, calendars and cards. This pairing gives you one serious pen and one playful pen for a modest spend, and it keeps the number of refills you have to manage small.

The student bag

For a bag that gets thrown around, choose pens that are cheap enough to lose and robust enough to survive. A BIC 4-Color covers underlining and annotation, a FriXion Clicker handles homework drafts, and a Zebra STEEL F-701 sits in the front pocket as the reliable backup. Remember that erasable ink should not be used on exams or official forms, and follow your school’s rules on pens.

The everyday carry pocket

If you carry a pen all day, think about how it rides in a pocket or bag. A retractable pen protects its tip, a steel body shrugs off knocks, and a ballpoint works when you need to write on a receipt, a shipping label or a cold clipboard. The F-701 suits that role, and the Sharpie S-Gel Copper is a lighter, friendlier second choice.

Caring for the pens you buy

Store pens flat or tip down so ink stays near the point, keep caps and clickers clean, and wipe metal barrels with a dry cloth to keep the finish tidy. Replace refills as soon as the line starts to skip, because forcing a dry refill can scratch the paper and wear the ball. If you own a brass or copper pen, expect the finish to change slightly with handling over time, which many owners consider part of the charm. Keep erasable pens away from heat sources, and keep a note of which refill belongs to which pen so replacements are quick and cheap.

A note on handwriting comfort

The coolest pen is the one you actually reach for. If a pen is too heavy, too thin or too bold for your hand, it will end up in a drawer. Hold the pen if you can, or look for a similar barrel diameter to a pen you already like. A wider grip suits people with tired hands, while a slim metal barrel suits people with small hands and a light touch. Left-handed writers should favor rapid-dry gel or ballpoint inks to avoid smudging, which is why the maker’s rapid-dry note on the G-750 is worth attention.

Why we skipped the joke pens

The store also lists many novelty pens: sarcastic office-gift sets, cartoon toppers, glitter barrels and plush-haired clickers. They are entertaining and cheap, and they make good stocking stuffers or classroom prizes. We left them out of the main picks because their specs are thin and their value is the joke rather than the writing. If a gag gift is what you are after, buy a set for the laugh, but buy one of the pens above for the days you actually have something to write.

Which One Should You Buy?

If you want one cool pen for yourself, buy the Zebra G-750. If you want the pen with a trick, choose the Pilot FriXion Clicker. If you want four colors, the BIC 4-Color is the simple answer. For rugged metal at a low cost, pick the Zebra STEEL F-701, for decorating your journal choose the Pilot Juice metallic set, and for an inexpensive gift the Sharpie S-Gel Copper is an easy pick.

Sources

• Zebra Pen manufacturer news and product pages (G-750, STEEL line)
• Pilot Pen manufacturer pages (FriXion, Juice)
• BIC manufacturer product pages (4-Color)
• Sharpie manufacturer product pages (S-Gel)
• JetPens guides to erasable pens

Last updated: October 2026