Several days ago, I found my cross century ballpoint.
I got this pen from my former boss but have not used for a long time.
Because I'm not satisfied with the writing performance of this ballpoint.
I was thinking to reuse this pen in any way....
Then, I just got a gadget to convert ballpoint to pencil!
This converter is innovative product, which you can convert ballpoint pen to pencil.
Very good idea!
The video below shows how it works.
Actual package.
It comes with 3 leads inside and two extra eraser.
I think that the eraser on top is not workable, just imitation.
Pencil lead is 0.7 mm.
It looks like regular ballpoint refill however it has a unique pencil mechanism on it.
Installing Switch-it refill is pretty easy.
(1) Take ballpoint refill out from your pen.
(2) Install Switch-it refill into your pen. See above video for details.
Pen point.
Switch-it is twist mechanism, not crick mechanism.
One twist.
Two twist.
For me, one twist is enough length to write.
Let's try writing!
Switch-it twist mechanism is a little unique.
It may not be good for quick action however it works really fine.
The writing is very stable.
I'm not satisfied with ballpoint but very satisfied with this converter.
Below is writing sample.
Overall (9/10)
The idea of Switch-it is very nice.
It is innovative product.
I'm very satisfied with it.
I can reuse my cross century as mechanical pencil.
The writing is very stable and lead width is good for writing.
But it only hold up to 3 leads inside and is not good for quick action.
If you have unused century and need pencil, try it!
I used to use Pilot Frixion but I'm not satisfied with that.
Because ink color was very light for me.
I'm looking for the darker erasable pen.
Today, I just found erasable liquid pencil from Sharpie.
I bought this in local CVS store around 3 bucks.
The pen looks like regular retractable ballpoint pen.
Pen point looks pretty broad but they say this is 0.5 mm.
I just tried to take picture with my loupe.
I tried writing.
Pilot Flixion is gel based however this pen is more ballpoint pen like.
I think ink color is lighter than Flixion.
And writing is not so smooth.
The most disappointing point is that I can not erase even if I use special eraser they provide.
I also tried to erase with regular plastic eraser but it didn't work too.
Overall (1/10)
I probably don't buy this pen any more.
I just quickly finish up this pen.
If you want to use this kind of erasable pen, I would recommend you Pilot Flixion.
Pilot provides wide variety of lines and more color too.
My Vac 700 is nice clear body, which I can enjoy the color of my ink.
I have recently filled it with Noodler's X-Feather.
There is really nice logo on the top of cap.
The length is around 13.5 cm without cap, which is nice for me.
But if I put cap on the end, it's slightly long for me and gravity point is changed, which is not good for me.
Vac 700 has stainless steel nib.
Mine is M nib.
Writing is usually very smooth but sometimes skipping.
As you can see in pic, M nib is a little broader than rollerballs.
Vac 700 has a vacuum filler mechanism and hold more ink than cartridge or converter systems.
Don't forget to unscrew the back screw.
Otherwise ink doesn't flow to the nib.
I always loosen this screw so I don't need to care about this issue.
And I don't have any problems by doing so.
Overall (7/10)
Ink flow usually good.
Sometimes skipping.
But I like this pen and good for daily use.
- Unique liquid ink formula
- Advanced Ink Feed System for smooth writing
- Visible, long-lasting ink supply
- Available in assorted ink colors with EF and F points
Appearance (5/10)
Appearance is not so luxury.
The pen is around 14 cm long.
Very very light, but it's too light for me.
You probably don't feel tired when you write with this pen for a long time.
Writing (10/10)
It has very unique and fine tip.
Ink flow is very good.
Writing is very smooth and stable.
You can write very fine line with no scratching and feathering without strong pressure.
But I'm just wondering the nib is going to be crushed if you use for a long time or to put strong pressure.
Price (5/10)
I got five color pack at around $10.
$2 each is not so cheap for this kind of disposal pen.
If it's $1 or $1.5, it would be great.
Overall (8/10)
If you don't mind luxury appearance, these are very good pens.
Especially, very smooth writing.
I would love this pen for daily use.
Once you finish ink, you might be able to refill with your favorite fountain pen ink.
(2) Insert Rollerball Replacement Tip
Be sure to insert to the end. Noodler's rollerball tip perfectly fits to preppy marker nib unit.
(3) Remove Fountain pen nib from Preppy.
Just pull the nib out from the Preppy.
(4) Insert Rollerball nib unit to the Preppy.
That's it. Pretty easy to replace.
Writing test
Good writing.
Ink flow was smooth but sometimes unstable, unfortunately.
But it can be used for daily use.
It's not an ideal one but I can use my favorite ink in a rollerball format.
