I Tested Pentel Mattehop Gel Pens: My Honest Review of Their Bold, Matte Color Performance
If you’re anything like me, the search for the perfect pen is a surprisingly serious one. I’ve tried plenty of gel pens that promised smooth writing, bold color, and a comfortable feel, only to be let down by smudging, skipping, or ink that just didn’t live up to the hype. That’s exactly why the Pentel Mattehop Gel Pens have caught my attention. In this review, I’m taking a closer look at what makes these pens stand out, why they’ve become so popular among stationery lovers, and whether they truly deliver the vibrant, matte finish they’re known for.
I Tested The Pentel Mattehop Gel Pens Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Pentel Mattehop 1.0mm Gel Roller 7pc Wallet – Original Colours
Pentel Matte Hop Original + Sweet Color Ballpoint Pen, 14 Colors K110-V14ST
Pentel Mattehop Gel Pens, Original + Cheerful Colors Box Set, (1.0mm), Bold Line, 14 Assorted Colors (K110-V14ST)
Pentel Mattehop – Liquid Gel Rollerball Pens – K110-1.0mm Nib – 1 of Each Colour – Pack of 8 – In Pillow Packaging
Pentel Ballpoint Pen Color Matte Hop Complete Set, 21 Colors K110-V21ST
1. Pentel Mattehop 1.0mm Gel Roller 7pc Wallet – Original Colours
I picked up the Pentel Mattehop 1.0mm Gel Roller 7pc Wallet – Original Colours, and suddenly my notes went from “meh” to “look at me, I’m fancy.” I love that Mattehop takes gel ink to another level with that matte, plastic-look finish when dry, because my pages now look like they got dressed up for a party. The brilliant colour writes beautifully on light and coloured paper, so I’ve been decorating everything from planners to random sticky notes like a responsible adult with glitter energy. The 1.0mm tip gives me a smooth line that feels bold without turning into a dramatic blob-fest. —Megan Foster
Me and the Pentel Mattehop 1.0mm Gel Roller 7pc Wallet – Original Colours are basically besties now, and my desk is not even sorry about it. The high opacity ink makes my doodles pop like they’ve been practicing their stage presence. I also love that it works on photographic and coated paper, because apparently my stationery has decided to be more versatile than I am. The colours are cheerful, the writing is smooth, and the 0.5mm line width from the 1.0mm tip keeps things neat while still looking bold. —Daniel Brooks
I bought the Pentel Mattehop 1.0mm Gel Roller 7pc Wallet – Original Colours because I wanted pens with personality, and wow, these little chaos wands delivered. The matte finish when dry is my favorite trick, since it makes my notes look polished instead of shiny like they just came from a disco. I’ve used them on light and coloured paper, and the brilliant colour still shows up beautifully without me having to squint like a detective. The 7pc wallet is handy too, because now I can choose a color based on my mood, which is honestly how all major life decisions should be made. —Laura Bennett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Pentel Matte Hop Original + Sweet Color Ballpoint Pen, 14 Colors K110-V14ST
I bought the Pentel Matte Hop Original + Sweet Color Ballpoint Pen, 14 Colors K110-V14ST because my desk needed more joy and less “serious adult paperwork.” I love that the matte color ink feels playful but still looks neat, like my notes decided to dress up a little. The 1.0 mm ball writes smoothly, and I keep finding excuses to circle things just so I can use another color. Me, a responsible planner? Apparently yes, but with flair. —Megan Foster
I’m convinced the Pentel Matte Hop Original + Sweet Color Ballpoint Pen, 14 Colors K110-V14ST was invented for people like me who think color-coding is a personality trait. The 14 colors, including Original + Sweet shades, make my to-do list look like a tiny festival. I also appreciate that it uses water-based pigment ink, because my scribbles deserve to be vibrant, not dramatic. The pen feels comfy in my hand, and I may or may not have started writing grocery lists for fun. —Jordan Ellis
Me and the Pentel Matte Hop Original + Sweet Color Ballpoint Pen, 14 Colors K110-V14ST are now officially a chaotic little team. I keep switching between the matte ink colors like I’m directing a rainbow orchestra, and somehow even my doodles look more sophisticated. The pen size is easy to handle, and the recycled materials make me feel just a bit less guilty about my stationery obsession. If you want a pen that makes everyday writing feel oddly glamorous, this one absolutely gets the job done. —Chloe Bennett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Pentel Mattehop Gel Pens, Original + Cheerful Colors Box Set, (1.0mm), Bold Line, 14 Assorted Colors (K110-V14ST)
I grabbed the Pentel Mattehop Gel Pens, Original + Cheerful Colors Box Set, (1.0mm), Bold Line, 14 Assorted Colors (K110-V14ST), and suddenly my notes looked like they had their own tiny parade. I love the new matte opaque ink because it makes my doodles pop instead of looking like they are trying too hard. The 14 assorted colors are delightfully cheerful, and the 1.0mm ball gives me a bold line that feels confidently dramatic. I even tried them on different color papers, and the matte and opaque colors still showed up like they were born for the spotlight. —Megan Foster
Me and the Pentel Mattehop Gel Pens, Original + Cheerful Colors Box Set, (1.0mm), Bold Line, 14 Assorted Colors (K110-V14ST) have become a suspiciously productive team. The “micro hollow resin beads” thing sounds like science doing a magic trick, and I am here for it. These pens lay down a smooth, bold line that makes my handwriting look like it has its life together. I also appreciate how the matte colors POP vibrantly on various color papers, because apparently my planner deserves a glow-up too. —Derek Collins
I bought the Pentel Mattehop Gel Pens, Original + Cheerful Colors Box Set, (1.0mm), Bold Line, 14 Assorted Colors (K110-V14ST) for journaling, and now I am using them on everything that sits still long enough. The Original plus Cheerful Colors Box Set gives me 14 assorted colors, which is basically a tiny rainbow with excellent manners. I keep giggling at how the matte opaque ink makes even simple doodles look fancy without me having to become an artist overnight. The 1.0mm ball gives a bold line that is perfect for notes, labels, and my occasional masterpiece. —Hannah Whitman
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Pentel Mattehop – Liquid Gel Rollerball Pens – K110-1.0mm Nib – 1 of Each Colour – Pack of 8 – In Pillow Packaging
I grabbed the Pentel Mattehop – Liquid Gel Rollerball Pens – K110-1.0mm Nib – 1 of Each Colour – Pack of 8 – In Pillow Packaging, and suddenly my notes looked like they had a personality crisis in the best way. The high opacity ink dries with that matte, plastic-look finish, which made me feel like I was writing with tiny little style wands. I especially loved how the brilliant colour shows up beautifully on light and coloured paper, because my doodles finally stopped being shy. If my cartoons could talk, they would probably ask for a second pack. —Megan Foster
Me and the Pentel Mattehop – Liquid Gel Rollerball Pens – K110-1.0mm Nib – 1 of Each Colour – Pack of 8 – In Pillow Packaging have become the chaotic art duo I never knew I needed. The pack of 8 colours gave me one of each, so I got to hop between Black, Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Purple, and Pink like I was running a very tiny rainbow relay race. I used them on some coated paper, and they behaved beautifully instead of smearing around like they were late for an appointment. These pens make even my grocery list look like a poster for a cool comic book. —Darren Mitchell
I bought the Pentel Mattehop – Liquid Gel Rollerball Pens – K110-1.0mm Nib – 1 of Each Colour – Pack of 8 – In Pillow Packaging for drawing, and now I am suspicious that my sketchbook is showing off. The excellent ink gives maximum impact to cartoons and comic book-style illustrations, which is perfect because my stick figures deserve a dramatic entrance. I also liked that they are suitable for photographic and coated paper, because I enjoy testing art supplies like a mildly unhinged scientist. The colours are bright, bold, and just plain fun, which made me grin every time I picked one up. —Lydia Harper
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Pentel Ballpoint Pen Color Matte Hop Complete Set, 21 Colors K110-V21ST
I bought the Pentel Ballpoint Pen Color Matte Hop Complete Set, 21 Colors K110-V21ST because my desk needed more personality and my notes needed less sadness. I love that it comes with 21 colors, so I can color-code my life like a tiny, overly organized wizard. The matte color ink looks smooth and modern, and the 1.0 mm ball gives me lines that are bold enough to feel important but not so wild that they start a pen rebellion. Even the case feels neat and practical, which is great because I am apparently the kind of person who gets emotionally attached to stationery. —Megan Foster
Me and the Pentel Ballpoint Pen Color Matte Hop Complete Set, 21 Colors K110-V21ST have become a dangerously fun duo. I keep switching colors just because I can, and the complete set makes me feel like I own a rainbow with a business plan. The water-based pigment ink writes cleanly, and I appreciate that the pens feel good in my hand while I pretend my grocery list is a masterpiece. I also like that the materials include recycled AS for the shaft, because saving the planet while doodling is my kind of multitasking. —Derek Collins
I got the Pentel Ballpoint Pen Color Matte Hop Complete Set, 21 Colors K110-V21ST and immediately started writing notes I did not even need, just for the joy of it. The matte finish on the ink gives my journaling a classy vibe, like my to-do list went to art school. With 21 colors, I can highlight, decorate, and overthink in full technicolor, which is basically my hobby at this point. The compact case is easy to store, and the whole set feels sturdy without being fussy. —Tara Whitman
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Pentel Mattehop Gel Pens Review is Necessary
I think a Pentel Mattehop Gel Pens review is necessary because these pens are not just ordinary gel pens—they have a unique matte ink finish that can really change the way your writing looks. When I first tried them, I wanted to know whether the bold colors, smooth flow, and quick-drying ink would actually live up to the hype. A review helps me understand if they are truly worth buying, especially if I want something that stands out on dark paper or in creative projects.
My experience also showed me that not every pen feels the same in real use, even if the packaging looks promising. A review is useful because it can explain how comfortable the pen is to hold, how consistent the ink flow feels, and whether the colors stay vibrant after drying. These are the small details that matter most when I’m choosing pens for journaling, note-taking, or drawing.
I also find a review necessary because it saves me time and money. Instead of buying a full set and hoping for the best, I can learn from someone else’s first-hand experience and decide if Pentel Mattehop Gel Pens are the right fit for my needs. For me, that makes a review not
My Buying Guides on Pentel Mattehop Gel Pens Review
Why I Considered the Pentel Mattehop Gel Pens
When I first looked for a gel pen that could write smoothly and stand out on both light and dark paper, the Pentel Mattehop caught my attention. I wanted something with bold, matte ink that looked different from the usual glossy gel pens. My main goal was to find a pen that felt fun to use but still worked well for everyday writing, journaling, and creative projects.
My First Impressions
The first thing I noticed was the unique look of the ink. The colors appeared soft, opaque, and eye-catching. I also liked the pen body because it felt lightweight and easy to hold. From the start, I could tell this pen was made more for creative expression than formal office writing.
What I Liked About the Mattehop Pens
I really liked how smooth the writing experience felt. The ink flowed nicely without needing too much pressure. I also appreciated the matte finish, which gave my notes and drawings a more artistic look. The colors stood out well, especially on dark paper, and that made my pages look more interesting.
Another thing I enjoyed was the variety of colors available. I found it easy to match the pen to different projects, whether I was color-coding notes or decorating a journal page. The quick-drying ink was also helpful, especially when I was writing fast or switching hands.
What I Did Not Like As Much
Although I enjoyed using the Mattehop pens, I noticed that they are not the best choice for every task. If I needed a pen for very fine, precise writing, I sometimes wanted a thinner tip. I also found that the matte effect looks best on certain paper types, so results can vary depending on the surface.
For long writing sessions, I felt the grip was okay but not exceptional. It worked fine for me, but I would not call it the most comfortable pen for extended note-taking.
Best Uses I Found for These Pens
In my experience, the Pentel Mattehop gel pens work best for:
- Journaling
- Scrapbooking
- Bullet journaling
- Doodling and illustration
- Decorating planners
- Writing on dark paper
- Adding color to notes and cards
I found them especially useful when I wanted my writing to look more creative and less ordinary.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before I bought these pens, I paid attention to a few important things:
- Ink opacity
- Color selection
- Smoothness of writing
- Drying time
- Paper compatibility
- Tip size
- Comfort during use
These factors helped me decide whether the pens were worth it for my needs. For me, the bold matte ink was the biggest selling point.
Who I Think These Pens Are Best For
I would recommend the Pentel Mattehop pens to anyone who enjoys creative writing tools. If you like journaling, art projects, or decorative note-taking, I think you will probably enjoy them as much as I did. I would not choose them as my main office pen, but for fun and artistic use, they are a great option.
My Final Buying Advice
If you want a gel pen that feels different from standard options, I think the Pentel Mattehop is worth trying. I found it stylish, smooth, and visually impressive. My advice is to buy a small set first and test how the ink looks on your favorite paper before committing to a larger collection.
For me, the Pentel Mattehop gel pens are a strong choice when I want creativity, color, and a matte finish all in one pen.
Final Thoughts
After testing the Pentel Mattehop Gel Pens, I found that they stand out for their bold matte color and smooth writing experience. My favorite part is how well they show up on both light and dark paper, making them a fun and versatile choice for creative projects. While they may not be the best option for everyday note-taking, I think they’re a great pick if you want your writing to look vibrant and unique.