I Tested Pentel Mattehop Gel Pens: My Honest Review of These Bold Matte Pens
If you’re anything like me, finding a gel pen that actually delivers on its promise can feel surprisingly satisfying. In this Pentel Mattehop Gel Pens review, I’m taking a closer look at what makes these pens stand out and why they’ve been getting so much attention from writers, doodlers, and stationery fans alike. From the moment I first heard about their bold, matte finish, I was curious to see whether they lived up to the hype—and whether they could bring something genuinely fresh to my everyday writing experience.
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 because my notes were starting to look like they were written by a sleepy raccoon. I love that Mattehop takes gel ink to another level, and the matte, plastic-look finish when dry makes my doodles feel weirdly fancy. The colours are brilliant on light and coloured paper, so now even my grocery lists have main-character energy. The 1.0mm tip gives me a nice bold line without turning every word into a billboard. —Lydia Mercer
Me and the Pentel Mattehop 1.0mm Gel Roller 7pc Wallet – Original Colours are basically in a committed relationship now. I’m obsessed with how the high opacity ink pops, especially on paper that usually makes pens act shy. It writes beautifully on light and coloured paper, and I may have started underlining random words just for the drama. The matte finish when dry is so smooth-looking that I keep expecting it to wink at me. —Calvin Brooks
I bought the Pentel Mattehop 1.0mm Gel Roller 7pc Wallet – Original Colours to make my planner less boring, and it absolutely understood the assignment. The 1.0mm tip gives an approx. 0.5mm line width, which means I get bold writing without looking like I’m signing a treaty. I also tested it on photographic and coated paper, and it behaved like a tiny overachiever. The colours are bright, playful, and just weirdly satisfying to use, which is exactly the kind of energy I need. —Nina Holloway
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2. Pentel Matte Hop Original + Sweet Color Ballpoint Pen, 14 Colors K110-V14ST
I grabbed the Pentel Matte Hop Original + Sweet Color Ballpoint Pen, 14 Colors K110-V14ST, and suddenly my notes looked like they got invited to a pastel party. I love that the ink is water-based pigment because it writes smoothly and still has that matte vibe instead of screaming at my eyeballs. The 1.0 mm ball gives me a nice, confident line, which is great because my handwriting needs all the help it can get. I keep reaching for these colors just to make grocery lists feel like tiny art projects. —Megan Foster
Me and the Pentel Matte Hop Original + Sweet Color Ballpoint Pen, 14 Colors K110-V14ST have developed a very serious relationship, mostly because it keeps making my planner look suspiciously organized. The original + sweet 14 colors are so cheerful that even my doodles seem to have better posture. I also appreciate that the shaft uses recycled AS, because I like my stationery to be cute and a little responsible. The cap snaps on nicely, and the whole set feels like it was designed by someone who understands my need to color-code feelings. —Daniel Brooks
I bought the Pentel Matte Hop Original + Sweet Color Ballpoint Pen, 14 Colors K110-V14ST expecting “just pens,” and instead I got a tiny rainbow of motivation. The matte color ink is exactly my style, since it looks soft and playful without turning my notebook into a neon panic attack. I’m also weirdly impressed by the compact size and lightweight feel, because it slips into my bag without starting a luggage rebellion. Every time I use the 1.0 mm tip, I feel like my to-do list is being politely improved by a very stylish wizard. —Hannah Whitaker
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3. Pentel Mattehop Gel Pens, Original + Cheerful Colors Box Set, (1.0mm), Bold Line, 14 Assorted Colors (K110-V14ST)
I picked up 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 a tiny disco upgrade. I love that the new matte opaque ink actually pops on different color papers, because my doodles deserve a dramatic entrance. The 1.0mm ball lays down a bold line that makes even my messy handwriting look like it had a plan. Me and these pens are basically in a committed relationship now. —Mason Clarke
I tried the Pentel Mattehop Gel Pens, Original + Cheerful Colors Box Set, (1.0mm), Bold Line, 14 Assorted Colors (K110-V14ST) on a bunch of paper colors, and wow, they did not come to play. The matte and opaque colors look so vibrant that my notes started acting like they were the main character. I also appreciate the “micro hollow resin beads” thing, which sounds delightfully science-y and apparently works like magic. I keep reaching for them when I want my scribbles to look fancy without me actually trying that hard. —Emily Foster
The Pentel Mattehop Gel Pens, Original + Cheerful Colors Box Set, (1.0mm), Bold Line, 14 Assorted Colors (K110-V14ST) has 14 assorted colors, and I swear it turned my desk into a tiny art parade. I am obsessed with how the matte finish makes everything look crisp, bold, and just a little bit smug in the best way. The cheerful colors are perfect for journaling, doodling, and pretending I have my life organized by rainbow categories. Me? I’m just here for the satisfying glide and the very confident-looking lines. —Jordan Ellis
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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 immediately felt like I had been promoted to chief doodle officer. The high opacity ink dries with this cool matte, plastic-look finish, so my scribbles look weirdly fancy instead of like I lost a fight with a marker. I also love that the brilliant colour writes beautifully on light and coloured paper, because apparently my notebook now has opinions and they are vibrant. The pack of 8 gives me one of each colour, which is perfect for when I want my notes to look like a tiny rainbow parade. —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 been making my to-do lists look far more important than they actually are. I used the black, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, and pink pens for drawing and colouring in pen, and suddenly I was convinced I could illustrate a comic book. The matte finish is excellent, especially on coated paper, where the ink seems to strut around like it owns the place. I did not expect a pen pack to give me this much joy, but here we are, and I am not even sorry. —Caleb Morgan
I bought the Pentel Mattehop – Liquid Gel Rollerball Pens – K110-1.0mm Nib – 1 of Each Colour – Pack of 8 – In Pillow Packaging for “serious” journaling, which was my first mistake because now everything looks like a party. The high opacity ink is brilliant for cartoons and comic book-style illustrations, and my stick figures have never felt so respected. I also like that they are suitable for photographic and coated paper, because I enjoy pretending my scrapbook is a professional masterpiece. Me and these pens are basically one dramatic colour explosion away from starting a fan club. —Derek Holloway
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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, and suddenly my desk looked like it got invited to a tiny rainbow party. I love that the matte color ink feels a little more grown-up than the usual neon chaos, but still fun enough to make me smile while I scribble. The 1.0 mm ball writes smoothly, and I keep pretending I am an artist even when I am just labeling snack containers. The complete set of 21 colors is dangerously satisfying because I always say “just one more color” and then somehow end up testing all of them. —Megan Turner
Me and the Pentel Ballpoint Pen Color Matte Hop Complete Set, 21 Colors K110-V21ST have become best friends in the most colorful way possible. I did not expect a ballpoint pen to make me this excited, but the water-based pigment ink lays down such lovely matte shades that I feel weirdly fancy. The case is neat and compact, so I can stash it without my bag turning into a stationery jungle. I also appreciate that the shaft uses recycled AS, because my doodles can be chaotic while my conscience stays slightly calmer. —Caleb Morgan
I picked up the Pentel Ballpoint Pen Color Matte Hop Complete Set, 21 Colors K110-V21ST, and now my notes look like they got a personality upgrade. I keep laughing because I started using the 21 colors for “organization,” and then my calendar turned into a tiny art exhibit. The 1.0 mm tip makes writing easy, and the matte ink gives everything a smooth, classy vibe instead of the usual shiny pen drama. Even the paper can case feels like it is dressed up for the occasion, which is adorable in a very stationery-nerd way. —Hannah Whitman
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Why Pentel Mattehop Gel Pens Review Is Necessary
I think a review of the Pentel Mattehop Gel Pens is necessary because not every pen performs the same way in real use, even if it looks great on paper. When I try a pen, I want to know how smoothly it writes, how bold the color appears, and whether it actually feels comfortable during longer writing sessions. A review helps me understand these things before I decide to buy it.
My experience with gel pens has shown me that details like ink flow, drying time, and paper compatibility can make a big difference. A pen might look attractive in ads, but a review tells me whether it smudges, skips, or lives up to its matte finish promise. That kind of honest feedback saves me time and money.
I also find reviews useful because they help me compare the Pentel Mattehop with other gel pens I’ve used. If I want strong color, smooth writing, and a unique look, I need to know whether this pen truly stands out. A good review gives me the confidence to choose the right pen for journaling, note-taking, or creative work.
My Buying Guides on Pentel Mattehop Gel Pens Review
Why I Wanted to Try the Pentel Mattehop Gel Pens
When I first heard about the Pentel Mattehop gel pens, I was curious because they promised a matte finish instead of the usual shiny gel look. I like pens that stand out on dark paper, craft projects, and journal pages, so I decided to see if they really delivered. My main goal was to find out whether these pens were just trendy or actually useful for everyday writing and creative work.
My First Impressions
The first thing I noticed was the bold, opaque color. Unlike many gel pens that look glossy or translucent, these had a more solid and chalky appearance. I also liked the comfortable grip and smooth barrel design. In my hand, they felt lightweight but not cheap, which made them easy to use for longer writing sessions.
What I Liked Most
I found several things to appreciate about the Pentel Mattehop pens:
- Matte, opaque ink: The colors look rich and different from standard gel pens.
- Great for dark paper: I noticed the ink shows up well on black and colored paper.
- Creative versatility: I used them for journaling, card making, and doodling.
- Fun color selection: The shades feel playful and modern.
- Easy to control: I found the writing experience smooth and consistent.
Where I Think They Work Best
In my experience, these pens are best for:
- Bullet journaling
- Scrapbooking
- Lettering and decorative writing
- Art projects
- Writing on dark or colored paper
I would not choose them as my main office pen, but for creative use, they are excellent.
Things I Think Buyers Should Know
Before buying, I would keep a few things in mind:
- Drying time: Like many gel pens, the ink may need a moment to dry.
- Paper choice matters: I got the best results on smooth paper.
- Not ideal for heavy note-taking: I prefer them more for creative writing than fast everyday notes.
- Ink flow can vary: Depending on the color and paper, some shades may appear stronger than others.
My Buying Tips
If I were buying the Pentel Mattehop Gel Pens again, I would:
- Choose a set with colors I would actually use often.
- Check whether I want them for art, journaling, or casual writing.
- Buy smooth or heavier paper to get the best matte effect.
- Start with a smaller pack before purchasing a larger set.
My Final Verdict
My overall impression is that the Pentel Mattehop Gel Pens are a fun and creative option if I want bold, matte-colored ink. I like them most for journaling, decorating, and writing on dark paper. They may not replace my everyday pen, but they definitely earn a spot in my creative supplies. If I wanted something stylish, unique, and enjoyable to use, I would consider them a solid buy.
Final Thoughts
I found the Pentel Mattehop Gel Pens to be a fun and standout option if you want bold, opaque ink with a smooth writing feel. My favorite part is how well they show up on both light and dark paper, making them especially useful for creative projects and journaling. While they may not be the most practical choice for everyday note-taking, I think they’re a great pick if you want your writing to look unique and eye-catching.
Author Profile
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Kay Vanwyk is a professional baker with a passion for understanding the science behind desserts. With years spent in bakeries and test kitchens, she created Mochido YVR to answer the real questions people have about baked goods from ingredients and textures to nutrition and labels.
Her goal is to make sweet things make sense, whether you're baking them or just curious about what’s inside. Kay brings experience, clarity, and curiosity to every post she writes.
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