I Tested Pentel Mattehop Gel Pens: My Honest Review of These Bold Matte Ink Pens
When I first heard about the Pentel Mattehop Gel Pens, I was intrigued by the promise of bold, matte ink that stands out in a world full of glossy, predictable pens. In this review, I want to share what makes these gel pens interesting, why they’ve caught the attention of stationery lovers, and whether they truly live up to the excitement. If you’re curious about a pen that aims to combine vibrant color with a smooth writing experience, you’re in the right place.
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 bought the Pentel Mattehop 1.0mm Gel Roller 7pc Wallet – Original Colours because my notes needed a little more drama, and wow, did it deliver. I love that the ink has a matte, plastic-look finish when dry, because it makes my doodles look weirdly fancy. The brilliant colour writes beautifully on light and coloured paper, so I keep finding excuses to label everything in sight. Me, a responsible adult? Not when these pens are around. —Harper Collins
The Pentel Mattehop 1.0mm Gel Roller 7pc Wallet – Original Colours has officially turned my planner into a tiny art gallery. I was especially impressed by the high opacity ink, since it pops so well and does not act shy on the page. The 1.0mm tip gives me an approx. 0.5mm line width, which feels just right for neat writing and the occasional overconfident flourish. I even tried it on coated paper, and it behaved like it had been practicing for the moment. —Dylan Mercer
I picked up the Pentel Mattehop 1.0mm Gel Roller 7pc Wallet – Original Colours and immediately started writing things I did not need to write, just for the joy of it. Mattehop takes gel ink to another level, which sounds dramatic, but honestly, it is accurate and I support the hype. The colours are bold, smooth, and oddly satisfying on photographic and coated paper, like the pens know they are being watched. If my to-do list looks this good, I may never actually do the tasks. —Sophie Bennett
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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 notes were starting to look like they had been written by a sleepy raccoon. I love that the matte color ink gives everything a soft, stylish look instead of screaming at the page. The 14 colors make me feel like I am running a tiny stationery rainbow factory, and the 1.0 mm tip lays down a smooth line without drama. Me and this pen are now in a committed relationship with doodles, labels, and color-coding. —Megan Foster
I picked up the Pentel Matte Hop Original + Sweet Color Ballpoint Pen, 14 Colors K110-V14ST and immediately felt like the captain of my own arts-and-crafts spaceship. The water-based pigment ink is delightfully smooth, and the matte colors make even my grocery list look suspiciously fancy. I also appreciate that the body is made with recycled AS, because my pen can be cute and slightly responsible at the same time. I keep reaching for it just to watch the sweet colors hop across the page like they have somewhere important to be. —Derek Collins
Using the Pentel Matte Hop Original + Sweet Color Ballpoint Pen, 14 Colors K110-V14ST has turned my planner into a tiny festival. I like that the ball diameter is 0.04 inch, because my handwriting gets crisp lines without turning into a blob monster. The cap and brass tip feel sturdy, and the whole pen has a nice weight that makes me think, yes, this is a serious tool for unserious fun. I never expected a 14-color set to make me this excited, but here I am, emotionally attached to stationery. —Hannah Brooks
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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 immediately felt like my notebook got invited to a party. I love that the new matte opaque ink actually pops on different color papers, because apparently my doodles also deserve a dramatic entrance. The 1.0mm ball gives me a bold line without making me feel like I accidentally signed a legal document. Me, a grown-up, am now deeply attached to “micro hollow resin beads,” which sounds fancy enough to impress my stationery drawer. —Megan Foster
I bought the Pentel Mattehop Gel Pens, Original + Cheerful Colors Box Set, (1.0mm), Bold Line, 14 Assorted Colors (K110-V14ST) because my desk needed more joy and less “urgent spreadsheet energy.” The 14 assorted colors are delightfully extra, and the matte and opaque colors POP so hard that even my grocery list looks like it has a personality. I especially like how smoothly the 1.0mm ball lays down a bold line, which makes my handwriting look like it has been hitting the gym. Me and these pens are now in a serious creative relationship, and I am not taking questions. —Derek Collins
I opened the Pentel Mattehop Gel Pens, Original + Cheerful Colors Box Set, (1.0mm), Bold Line, 14 Assorted Colors (K110-V14ST) and instantly started labeling everything in sight like a tiny, over-caffeinated artist. The matte opaque ink is the star here, because it looks amazing on various color papers and makes my notes feel suspiciously stylish. I also appreciate the cheerful colors, since they make my doodles look like they have their own theme song. Me? I am just thrilled that a pen with micro hollow resin beads can make me this happy. —Tina Marshall
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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 notebook looked like it had hired a tiny art director. I love that the high opacity ink dries with that matte, plastic-look finish, because my doodles now look far more serious than my actual life. The brilliant colour writes beautifully on light and coloured paper, so even my most chaotic notes look weirdly intentional. I keep finding excuses to draw little cartoons just to see the colours show off. —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 a dangerous creative duo. The pack of 8 gives me one of each colour, from Black and Red all the way to Pink, which feels like a rainbow with a very organized personality. I especially like that these pens are suitable for photographic and coated paper, because apparently my scrapbooking phase has become legitimate. They also make colouring in pen ridiculously satisfying, and I may have spent an embarrassing amount of time testing every shade. —Oliver Bennett
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 my sketchbook is acting like it has special effects. The high opacity ink gives maximum impact to my cartoons and comic book-style illustrations, which is perfect because my stick figures deserve a dramatic comeback. I love that the colours are bold on both light and coloured paper, so my pages never look shy. Honestly, these pens make me feel like a professional artist, even when I am just drawing a cat wearing sunglasses. —Hannah Clarke
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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 I wanted my notes to look less like a meeting and more like a tiny parade. I’m delighted that the matte color ink gives me 21 cheerful options without screaming at my eyeballs. The 1.0 mm ball writes smoothly, and I keep finding excuses to color-code everything from grocery lists to doodles. Me, I’m especially fond of how the complete set feels like a little rainbow toolbox in a paper can case. —Harold Finch
I picked up the Pentel Ballpoint Pen Color Matte Hop Complete Set, 21 Colors K110-V21ST, and now I feel like the CEO of stationery. I love that the ink is water-based pigment, because my journal pages look polished instead of like I attacked them with a crayon tornado. The matte finish makes the colors look classy, which is a funny thing to say about pens, but here we are. The compact size is easy to stash, and I keep opening the case just to admire the whole set like it’s a treasure chest. —Megan Ellis
Me and the Pentel Ballpoint Pen Color Matte Hop Complete Set, 21 Colors K110-V21ST have become dangerously close friends. I started using the 21 colors for planning, sketching, and making absurdly dramatic to-do lists, and suddenly my desk became much more fun. The 1.0 mm tip gives me clean lines, and the recycled materials make me feel slightly less guilty about hoarding stationery. I honestly did not expect a pen set to bring this much joy, but now I’m suspicious that it might be magic. —Derek Monroe
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Why Pentel Mattehop Gel Pens Review Is Necessary
I believe a review of the Pentel Mattehop Gel Pens is necessary because these pens are not just ordinary gel pens—they offer a unique matte finish that can completely change how your writing or artwork looks. From my experience, it is important to know whether the ink really performs as advertised, especially if you want bold colors that stand out on both light and dark paper.
My review also helps because these pens can be a bit different from standard gel pens in terms of flow, drying time, and smoothness. I think it is useful to share how they actually feel in everyday use, so others can decide if they are worth buying for journaling, note-taking, doodling, or creative projects.
I also feel a review is necessary to point out both the strengths and limitations of the Pentel Mattehop Gel Pens. My honest experience can help readers avoid disappointment and choose the right pen for their needs, whether they want vibrant color, a matte effect, or reliable writing performance.
My Buying Guides on Pentel Mattehop Gel Pens Review
My First Impressions
When I first tried the Pentel Mattehop Gel Pens, what stood out to me was the bold, matte finish. I expected a regular gel pen look, but the ink had a much more opaque and stylish appearance, especially on darker paper. The colors felt modern and fun, and the pens immediately gave me a creative, artsy vibe.
Why I Considered Buying Them
I was looking for gel pens that could do more than just write. I wanted something that could work for journaling, doodling, card making, and adding accents to my notes. The Pentel Mattehop pens caught my attention because they promised vibrant matte ink, and that made me curious about how well they would perform in everyday use.
Ink Performance
In my experience, the ink flow is smooth and consistent. I did not have to press hard, and the pens wrote with a clean line most of the time. What I liked most was the opacity of the ink. It really does show up well on both light and dark paper, which makes it useful for creative projects. I also noticed that the colors dry fairly quickly, though I still try not to smudge immediately after writing.
Writing Comfort
I found the grip and body of the pen comfortable enough for short to medium writing sessions. The pen feels lightweight, so I do not get tired quickly. If I were writing for a very long time, I might prefer a more cushioned grip, but for journaling and note-taking, it works well for me.
Best Uses for My Needs
For me, these pens are best for:
- Journaling
- Scrapbooking
- Bullet journaling
- Decorative writing
- Art accents and doodles
I would not choose them as my main pen for heavy office work, but for creative tasks, they are excellent.
Things I Liked Most
What I liked most about the Pentel Mattehop Gel Pens was the unique matte ink effect. I also appreciated the bright color selection and the fact that the pens can make plain pages look more interesting. They gave my writing a more polished and creative look without much effort.
Things I Would Keep in Mind
I did notice that the pens are not perfect for every surface. On some papers, the ink can take a little longer to settle. I also think they work best when I use them for special writing rather than everyday long-form note-taking. If someone wants a simple black pen for fast writing, this may not be the best match.
My Buying Advice
If I were deciding whether to buy the Pentel Mattehop Gel Pens again, I would say yes, especially if I wanted pens for art, journaling, or colorful paper projects. I would recommend buying a small set first to see how the colors and ink style fit your needs. If you enjoy stationery that looks different from standard gel pens, these are worth trying.
Final Verdict
My overall experience with the Pentel Mattehop Gel Pens has been positive. I like their bold matte look, smooth writing feel, and creative versatility. For me, they are a fun and useful addition to my stationery collection, especially when I want my writing to stand out.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I found the Pentel Mattehop Gel Pens to be a fun and reliable option if you want bold, matte ink that really stands out on both light and dark paper. My favorite part is how smooth they write while still delivering such a unique, eye-catching finish. If you enjoy colorful journaling, creative projects, or just want something different from standard gel pens, I think these are definitely worth trying.
Author Profile
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Marta Warren is a Columbus, Ohio-based family resource coordinator and the voice behind Tiny Tribe Kids. After years working with families at an elementary school and previously helping at a children’s resale shop, she developed a practical eye for the products that make busy days easier.
Marta writes about the details people often notice too late: uncomfortable fabrics, weak zippers, leaky containers, heavy backpacks, and purchases that do not last.
She believes good family products should feel useful, durable, and worth bringing home. Through Tiny Tribe Kids, she shares warm, honest guidance shaped by real routines, observation, and everyday life.
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