Pilot Metropolitan Animal vs Pilot 78G Fountain Pen Review: Japan's Finest Affordable Fountain Pens for UK Writers 2026
Jun 25, 2026
Pilot Metropolitan Animal vs Pilot 78G Fountain Pen Review: Japan's Finest Affordable Fountain Pens for UK Writers 2026
When it comes to affordable Japanese fountain pens, Pilot stands in a class of its own. The brand's commitment to precision engineering, quality materials, and smooth writing has earned it a devoted following among UK pen enthusiasts. In this review, we compare two of Pilot's most popular models: the Pilot Metropolitan Animal, a stylish metal-bodied pen with distinctive animal-print designs, and the Pilot 78G, a classic pen featuring a 22K gold-plated nib that delivers a writing experience far beyond its price point.
Pilot Metropolitan Animal Fountain Pen — Style Meets Japanese Precision
The Pilot Metropolitan Animal Fountain Pens 88G Metal Body is one of the most recommended entry-level fountain pens in the world, and for good reason. At £39.00, it sits at the premium end of the accessible market, but every penny is justified by the quality of the build and the writing experience it delivers.
Design and Build Quality
The Metropolitan Animal series takes the already-excellent Metropolitan platform and adds a bold, fashion-forward twist: animal-print patterns inspired by leopard, tiger, and crocodile textures. These patterns are applied to the metal body with remarkable precision, creating a pen that is genuinely eye-catching without being garish.
The 88G metal body is substantial and well-balanced, with a satisfying weight that feels premium in the hand. The cap screws on securely, and the clip is sturdy and functional. The pen is available in a range of animal-print designs, each with its own character and appeal. Whether you prefer the bold drama of leopard print or the subtle elegance of crocodile texture, there's a Metropolitan Animal for every personality.
Nib Performance
The Metropolitan's steel nib is legendary in the fountain pen community for its smoothness and reliability. Pilot's manufacturing precision ensures that every nib is perfectly tuned straight from the factory — no adjustment required. The nib is available in Fine, Medium, and Broad, with each size delivering a consistent, well-regulated line.
Ink flow is perfectly calibrated — wet enough to write smoothly without being so wet that it bleeds through paper. The pen is compatible with Pilot's proprietary cartridges or a CON-40 converter (sold separately), giving you access to Pilot's excellent range of inks as well as third-party options.
Who Is the Metropolitan Animal For?
The Metropolitan Animal is perfect for writers who want a pen that makes a statement. Its distinctive design makes it a conversation starter, while its Japanese precision ensures it performs flawlessly day after day. It's also an excellent gift — the presentation is impressive, and the animal-print designs appeal to a wide range of tastes.
Price: £39.00 — Buy the Pilot Metropolitan Animal at TTPEN UK
Pilot Fountain Pen 78G — The Gold Standard of Affordable Writing
The Pilot Fountain Pen 78G With Converter 22K Gold-Plated is a pen with a remarkable story. Originally introduced decades ago, the 78G has been continuously refined and improved, yet it retains the classic design and exceptional value that made it famous. At £20.00 with a converter included, it offers a 22K gold-plated nib at a price that seems almost impossibly low.
Design and Heritage
The 78G has a classic, understated design that prioritises function over fashion. The lightweight plastic body is available in a range of solid colours, and while it may not have the visual drama of the Metropolitan Animal, it has a quiet elegance that appeals to writers who prefer their pen to stay out of the way and let the writing do the talking.
The converter included in the set is a genuine bonus — it means you're ready to use bottled ink from day one, without any additional purchases. The pen is also compatible with Pilot's standard cartridges for convenience when travelling.
Nib Performance
The 22K gold-plated nib is the 78G's defining feature and its greatest strength. Gold nibs have a natural springiness that steel nibs cannot replicate — they flex slightly under writing pressure, creating a subtle line variation that makes handwriting look more expressive and alive. The 78G's nib is smooth, responsive, and a genuine pleasure to write with.
Available in Fine, Medium, and Broad, the 78G's nib delivers a writing experience that rivals pens costing five to ten times as much. For writers who have never experienced a gold nib, the 78G is a revelation — and for experienced pen enthusiasts, it's a reminder of why gold nibs remain the gold standard.
Who Is the Pilot 78G For?
The 78G is for writers who prioritise the writing experience above all else. If you want the smoothest, most responsive nib available at this price point, the 78G delivers without compromise. It's also an excellent choice for those who want to experience a gold nib for the first time without committing to a significant investment.
Price: £20.00 — Buy the Pilot 78G at TTPEN UK
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Pilot Metropolitan Animal | Pilot 78G |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £39.00 | £20.00 |
| Body Material | 88G Metal | Lightweight Plastic |
| Nib Material | Steel | 22K Gold-Plated |
| Ink System | Cartridge (converter sold separately) | Converter included |
| Best For | Style-conscious writers, gifting | Writing experience, gold nib lovers |
Which Pilot Should You Choose?
Both pens are exceptional, but they serve different priorities. If you want a pen that turns heads and feels premium in the hand, the Pilot Metropolitan Animal is the clear choice — its metal body and distinctive design make it one of the most stylish pens at this price point.
If you want the best possible writing experience and the unique pleasure of a gold nib, the Pilot 78G is unbeatable value. Its 22K gold-plated nib delivers a smoothness and responsiveness that will spoil you for steel nibs forever.
Both are available from TTPEN UK with fast UK delivery.
Final Verdict
Pilot has built its reputation on delivering Japanese precision at accessible prices, and both the Metropolitan Animal and the 78G exemplify this philosophy. Whether you choose style or substance — or, wisely, both — you'll be writing with one of the finest fountain pens available in the UK market today. Visit TTPEN UK to find your perfect Pilot.
