Versus
Pilot Metropolitan vs Pilot Kakuno
Same excellent Pilot steel nib, two philosophies: brass professionalism or the smiley-faced hexagon built for young hands.
Option A
Pilot Metropolitan
Pick the Metropolitan for the office and the gift box — the metal body reads grown-up and the included converter starts the bottled-ink habit.
$27.63
Check price on AmazonOption B
Pilot Kakuno
Pick the Kakuno for kids, students, and featherweight comfort — the faceted barrel won’t roll, and the smiley nib sets the angle right.
$12.69
Check price on AmazonThe decision table
| Pilot Metropolitan | Pilot Kakuno | |
|---|---|---|
| Nib | Pilot steel — same writing unit family | Pilot steel — same family, smiley imprint |
| Body | Lacquered brass, 26 g | ABS hexagon, 11 g |
| Clip | Yes | No (roll-stop facets instead) |
| Converter | CON-40 included | Sold separately |
| Vibe | Office-appropriate | Cheerful, classroom-proof |
| Best for | Adults, gifting up | Kids, long sessions, light grips |
The bottom line
The nib — the part that writes — is effectively the same. Pay for brass and a clip, or save and get the friendlier shape. Either way you get Pilot’s absurd quality floor.
Read the full Pilot Metropolitan vs Pilot Kakuno breakdown →
A plain-ink note: some links on this page are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we may earn a commission when you buy through them, and we also earn from other programs such as eBay Partner Network — at no extra cost to you. It never changes the price you pay, and it never changes a verdict.
The specimen press
Original nib & ink art, made to order.
The first pull is on the press.
Ink-swatch charts, nib-anatomy plates, and the “Piston Fill” cutaway are being lettered now. Join the desk letter to hear when they land.