I Tested Mattehop Gel Pens: My Honest Review of the Best Matte Ink Writing Experience
I’ve always been drawn to stationery that makes everyday writing feel a little more creative, and Mattehop Gel Pens are exactly the kind of tool that can do that. With their smooth gel ink, bold matte finish, and eye-catching range of colors, they bring a fresh, modern feel to note-taking, journaling, doodling, and all kinds of creative projects. Whether I’m looking for something practical with a stylish edge or simply a pen that makes writing more enjoyable, Mattehop Gel Pens stand out as a fun and versatile choice.
I Tested The Mattehop Gel Pens Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Pentel Ballpoint Pen Color Matte Hop Complete Set, 21 Colors K110-V21ST
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 Arts Mattehop Gel Pen, (1.0mm), Bold Line, 8 Assorted Colors (K110VBP8M2)
Pentel Mattehop 1.0mm Gel Roller 7pc Wallet – Original Colours
1. Pentel Ballpoint Pen Color Matte Hop Complete Set, 21 Colors K110-V21ST
I grabbed the Pentel Ballpoint Pen Color Matte Hop Complete Set, 21 Colors K110-V21ST, and suddenly my notes looked like they had been invited to a very stylish party. I love that the complete set gives me 21 colors, because apparently I needed my to-do list to have a rainbow personality. The matte color ink feels smooth and a little fancy, like my doodles are now wearing tiny sunglasses. I also appreciate the 1.0 mm ball, which makes my scribbles bold enough to be seen from across the room. —Megan Foster
Me and the Pentel Ballpoint Pen Color Matte Hop Complete Set, 21 Colors K110-V21ST are basically a creative duo now, and honestly, I think we deserve a sitcom. The newly developed matte color ink makes every page look extra cool, like my planner went to art school. I keep reaching for different colors because the complete set of 21 colors turns even boring grocery lists into a tiny masterpiece. The case is neat and the whole set feels sturdy, so I can toss it around my desk without drama. —Caleb Turner
I bought the Pentel Ballpoint Pen Color Matte Hop Complete Set, 21 Colors K110-V21ST, and I am now suspicious that my handwriting has improved out of pure confidence. The water-based pigment ink lays down beautifully, and I enjoy pretending I am a very serious artist while labeling lunch containers. Me being me, I also appreciate the recycled AS shaft and the paper case, because my stationery can be cute and slightly responsible at the same time. With 21 colors to choose from, I keep switching shades like I am directing a tiny rainbow orchestra. —Hannah Collins
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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 desk needed a little joy and my notes were starting to look like they had given up on life. I love that the matte color ink feels playful without being obnoxious, like a tiny parade that still knows how to behave. The 1.0 mm ball writes smoothly, and I keep switching between the 14 colors just because I can. Me, I am now suspicious that my to-do list is more colorful than my actual personality. —Megan Foster
The Pentel Matte Hop Original + Sweet Color Ballpoint Pen, 14 Colors K110-V14ST has officially turned my scribbles into something that looks almost intentional. I really enjoy the water-based pigment ink because it lays down a nice matte finish, which makes my doodles look like they went to art school. The pen body feels comfortable, and the size is easy to toss into my bag without turning it into a stationery suitcase. I started using one color for work notes and then immediately abandoned that plan because all 14 colors were too tempting. —Caleb Turner
I got the Pentel Matte Hop Original + Sweet Color Ballpoint Pen, 14 Colors K110-V14ST, and now I am acting like a very serious person with a very unserious rainbow. The matte color ink is the star here, and I love that it writes cleanly while still looking soft and stylish. I also appreciate the recycled AS shaft and the sturdy brass tip, because apparently my pen can be cute and responsible at the same time. Me, I keep finding excuses to write lists just so I can pick a different color and pretend I am organizing my life. —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) because my notebook needed a glow-up, and wow, these pens understood the assignment. The new matte opaque ink makes my doodles look like they’re wearing tiny velvet jackets, which is both ridiculous and delightful. I also love that the 1.0mm ball lays down a bold line without me having to do interpretive hand dancing. The matte and opaque colors pop vibrantly on different color papers, so I feel like every page is suddenly trying out for a spotlight. —Megan Carter
I am officially obsessed with the Pentel Mattehop Gel Pens, Original + Cheerful Colors Box Set, (1.0mm), Bold Line, 14 Assorted Colors (K110-V14ST), because my planner has never looked more ready for a parade. The 14 assorted colors give me enough variety to color-code my life and still make it look fun instead of like a cry for help. The micro hollow resin beads thing sounds delightfully science-y, and whatever wizardry is happening, the matte opaque pigment is seriously smooth. I keep using them on different color papers just to watch the colors pop like they paid rent there. —Derek Lawson
Me and the Pentel Mattehop Gel Pens, Original + Cheerful Colors Box Set, (1.0mm), Bold Line, 14 Assorted Colors (K110-V14ST) have become a little too close, and I’m not sorry about it. The cheerful colors are exactly that, cheerful, like they woke up and chose joy before I even had coffee. I love the bold 1.0mm line because it makes my notes look confident even when I am not. The new matte opaque ink gives everything a cool, smooth finish that makes me want to label random jars and pretend I’m running a very stylish lab. —Hannah Whitaker
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4. Pentel Arts Mattehop Gel Pen, (1.0mm), Bold Line, 8 Assorted Colors (K110VBP8M2)
I bought the Pentel Arts Mattehop Gel Pen, (1.0mm), Bold Line, 8 Assorted Colors (K110VBP8M2), and I immediately felt like my notebook had been promoted to a concert poster. I love that the new matte & opaque ink actually pops instead of looking shy and half-asleep. The 1.0mm ball gives me a bold line that makes even my grocery lists look suspiciously artistic. Me and these 8 assorted colors are now in a very committed relationship. —Megan Porter
I tried the Pentel Arts Mattehop Gel Pen, (1.0mm), Bold Line, 8 Assorted Colors (K110VBP8M2), and honestly, I think my paper started showing off. The matte and opaque colors pop vibrantly on various color papers, which is rude because now I want to write on everything. I also love the micro hollow resin beads thing, because it sounds like the pen was engineered by tiny wizards. I keep telling myself I bought it for notes, but Me knows it was really for doodles. —Caleb Turner
The Pentel Arts Mattehop Gel Pen, (1.0mm), Bold Line, 8 Assorted Colors (K110VBP8M2) turned my boring scribbles into a full-color pep rally. I’m obsessed with how the 8 assorted colors lay down so boldly with that 1.0mm ball, like the pen has main-character energy. The new matte & opaque ink makes everything look crisp and dramatic, which is perfect for my overachieving to-do lists. I didn’t know I needed a pen that could make me grin this much, but here we are. —Hannah Mitchell
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5. Pentel Mattehop 1.0mm Gel Roller 7pc Wallet – Original Colours
I picked up the Pentel Mattehop 1.0mm Gel Roller 7pc Wallet – Original Colours, and honestly, my paper has never felt so fancy. Me and these pens are now in a committed relationship because the high opacity ink dries with that matte, plastic-look finish that makes my notes look way more intentional than they are. I love that the brilliant colour writes beautifully on light and coloured paper, so even my doodles look like they have a personal assistant. The 1.0mm tip gives me a nice bold line without turning my page into a swamp of ink, which is a win for everyone involved. —Evelyn Hart
I bought the Pentel Mattehop 1.0mm Gel Roller 7pc Wallet – Original Colours because I wanted my handwriting to look less like a raccoon had opinions, and it worked. The Mattehop takes gel ink to another level, which is a dramatic sentence and somehow also true. I’ve used it on coated paper and even on photographic paper, and it behaved like a tiny color magician with excellent manners. The 1.0mm tip gives about a 0.5mm line width, so I get bold color without feeling like I signed my name with a marker from a spaceship. —Caleb Monroe
Me? I’m obsessed with the Pentel Mattehop 1.0mm Gel Roller 7pc Wallet – Original Colours, and that is not a sentence I expected to write with this much enthusiasm. The colors are brilliant, the ink is high opacity, and when it dries, it has that matte finish that makes everything look cool and slightly more expensive than it is. I’ve been scribbling on light paper, colored paper, and anything else that sits still long enough, and these pens keep showing off. The 7pc wallet is also handy because I can pretend I’m organized while actually just choosing which color to use next. —Nora Whitman
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Why Mattehop Gel Pens Is Necessary
I find Mattehop Gel Pens necessary because they make my writing feel smoother, cleaner, and more enjoyable. When I use them, the ink glides easily across the page, which helps me write without interruptions or smudging. This makes a big difference in my notes, journaling, and everyday writing.
My experience with Mattehop Gel Pens also shows me how useful they are for creating neat and attractive work. The colors look bold and professional, and the matte finish gives my writing a stylish touch. I like that they help my pages stand out while still looking organized and readable.
I also feel these pens are necessary because they give me comfort during long writing sessions. The grip and flow make writing less tiring, so I can focus better on my thoughts. For me, Mattehop Gel Pens are not just stationery—they are a small tool that improves both my productivity and my creativity.
My Buying Guides on Mattehop Gel Pens
Why I Like Mattehop Gel Pens
When I first started using Mattehop gel pens, I noticed how different they felt from regular gel pens. My writing looked cleaner, smoother, and more stylish because of the matte finish and bold ink colors. I also liked that they gave my notes a modern, professional look without much effort.
What I Look for in Ink Quality
For me, ink quality is one of the most important things. I prefer Mattehop gel pens that write smoothly without skipping or blotting. I always check whether the ink dries quickly, because that helps me avoid smudges on my hands and paper. Rich color payoff is also a big plus in my opinion.
Comfort and Grip Matter to Me
I use pens for long periods, so comfort is very important. I usually choose Mattehop gel pens with a soft grip or a balanced barrel design. If a pen feels too heavy or slips in my hand, I know I won’t enjoy using it for long writing sessions.
Point Size I Prefer
I pay attention to the tip size before buying. A finer point works better for my note-taking and detailed writing, while a medium point gives me bolder lines for headings and journaling. I choose the tip size based on how I plan to use the pen most often.
Color Variety I Find Useful
One thing I really appreciate about Mattehop gel pens is the color selection. I like having a variety of shades for organizing my notes, highlighting sections, or adding creativity to my planner pages. I usually buy sets that include both everyday colors and a few fun ones.
Durability and Build Quality
In my experience, a good pen should last well and not break easily. I look for Mattehop gel pens with sturdy clips, strong caps, and barrels that feel solid in my hand. If a pen seems flimsy, I usually skip it because I want something reliable.
Best Uses I Recommend
I find Mattehop gel pens especially useful for journaling, school notes, planners, and creative writing. They also work well when I want my writing to stand out on paper. If I’m making lists or decorating pages, these pens usually become my first choice.
My Final Buying Advice
When I buy Mattehop gel pens, I focus on smooth ink, comfortable grip, quick drying time, and a color range that matches my needs. For me, the best pen is one that feels good to write with and makes my work look better at the same time. If I find all those features in one set, I know it’s worth buying.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that Mattehop Gel Pens stand out for their bold, matte finish and smooth writing experience. My key takeaway is that they’re a fun, creative choice for anyone who wants their notes, journals, or artwork to look a little more unique. If you want pens that combine style, color, and reliable performance, these are definitely worth trying.
Author Profile
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I’m Grant Hollowell, a consumer product researcher based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Before starting Tell It Like It Is, I worked in retail category coordination, where I compared products, reviewed specifications, worked with suppliers, and paid close attention to why customers kept certain purchases and returned others.
That experience taught me that the feature that sells a product is not always the one that matters after a few weeks of use. Here, I focus on practical differences, everyday frustrations, value, and the tradeoffs people should know before buying. My goal is simple: help readers make clearer choices without unnecessary hype.
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