Brush Pens Showdown: Tombow vs. Pentel
When it comes to brush pens, two brands stand out among artists: Tombow and Pentel. Both manufacturers offer exceptional products that appeal to a wide range of artistic styles, from calligraphy to illustration. This comparison will help you navigate the features, pros, and cons of each brand’s best brush pens, making it easier to choose the right tools for your creative projects.
Why This Comparison Matters
Brush pens are essential for artists who want to achieve fluid lines and bold strokes without the fuss of brushes and ink. With so many options available, it’s crucial to understand how different products perform in terms of quality, usability, and price. This article aims to provide a comprehensive comparison between Tombow and Pentel brush pens, ensuring you make an informed purchase for your artistic needs.
Looking for Tombow Dual Brush Pen?
Quick Comparison Table
| Product | Type | Price (USD) | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tombow Dual Brush Pen | Dual-tip | $2.99 | Versatile, vibrant colors, water-based | Tip can fray with heavy use | Calligraphy and illustration |
| Pentel Fude Touch Brush Pen | Brush tip | $2.50 | Soft brush tip, rich ink flow | Limited color range | General sketching and writing |
| Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pen | Hard and soft tip | $2.70 | Great for fine details, dual tips | Not ideal for large fills | Fine lettering and details |
| Pentel Pocket Brush Pen | Refillable | $12.99 | Refillable, flexible tip | Higher price point | Professional artists |
| Tombow ABT Pro Brush Pen | Professional | $3.99 | Alcohol-based, vibrant colors | Not water-soluble | Mixed media and illustrations |
Detailed Reviews of Each Product
Tombow Dual Brush Pen
The Tombow Dual Brush Pen is a fan favorite thanks to its dual tips—one fine tip for detail and a flexible brush tip for broader strokes. With over 100 vibrant colors, you’ll find a shade for any project.
Looking for Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pen?
Looking for Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pen?
- Pros: Versatile usage, high-quality water-based ink, and easy blending.
- Cons: The brush tip can fray if used on rough paper or with excessive pressure.
Ideal for: Artists who need versatility for both calligraphy and illustration.
Pentel Fude Touch Brush Pen
The Pentel Fude Touch Brush Pen features a soft brush tip that allows for smooth lines and rich ink flow. It’s perfect for sketching and general writing, though the color range is limited to a few shades.
- Pros: Soft tip provides a unique feel, and the ink flows easily.
- Cons: Limited color selection compared to Tombow.
Suited for: General sketching and writing.
Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pen
The Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pen comes with two different tips—hard and soft—allowing for precision in lettering and detailed work. It’s particularly popular among calligraphers.
Looking for Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pen?
- Pros: Two tips for different styles, excellent for fine details.
- Cons: Not ideal for filling in larger areas.
Recommended for: Fine lettering and detailed work.
Pentel Pocket Brush Pen
The Pentel Pocket Brush Pen is a professional-grade tool that’s refillable and features a flexible tip. It’s ideal for artists who want to achieve expressive lines.
- Pros: Refillable, flexible tip allows for varied line width.
- Cons: Higher price point than other options.
Best for: Professional artists looking for high-quality tools.
Tombow ABT Pro Brush Pen
The Tombow ABT Pro Brush Pen is an alcohol-based pen that delivers vibrant colors and is perfect for mixed media projects. However, it is not water-soluble, meaning it cannot be blended with water. Alcohol-based blenders are required for blending.
- Pros: Alcohol-based for rich color; great for mixed media.
- Cons: Not water-soluble, which can be a drawback for some artists.
Best for: Artists working with mixed media and illustrations.
Head-to-Head Comparisons
When comparing Tombow and Pentel products, several factors come into play, including versatility, price, and usability:
- Versatility: Tombow’s products, especially the Dual Brush Pen, offer a wider variety of colors and dual tips, making them suitable for multiple applications. Pentel’s Fude Touch is excellent for sketching but lacks color options.
- Price: Pentel’s Fude Touch is generally priced lower than most Tombow offerings. Tombow’s offerings range from $2.70 to $3.99, depending on the specific pen and retailer.
- Usability: For detailed work, Tombow’s Fudenosuke and Pentel’s Pocket Brush Pen both shine, but Tombow provides more options for different styles due to its dual-tip designs.
Our Recommendations
For beginners and casual artists, the Tombow Dual Brush Pen is highly recommended due to its versatility and color range. If you are focused on calligraphy, the Tombow Fudenosuke is an excellent choice for its precise tips.
Looking for Tombow Dual Brush Pen?
If you’re a professional artist, consider investing in the Pentel Pocket Brush Pen for its refillable quality and flexibility. For those looking for something unique in mixed media, the Tombow ABT Pro Brush Pen will not disappoint.
FAQ Section
1. Which brand is better for beginners?
Tombow is often recommended for beginners due to its versatile range of products and color options.
2. Can I use these brush pens on all types of paper?
Both brands work best on smooth paper, though Tombow pens may fray on rough surfaces.
3. Are these brush pens refillable?
Only the Pentel Pocket Brush Pen is refillable; the others are not.
4. How do I store brush pens to prolong their life?
Store them horizontally and keep the caps on to prevent the tips from drying out.
5. Can I blend colors with these pens?
Yes, especially with Tombow’s water-based inks, blending is easy using a water brush.