Uni-ball One P vs Sakura Craft Lab 002 Gel Pen Review: The UK's Best Premium Japanese Gel Pens 2026
Jul 01, 2026
Uni-ball One P vs Sakura Craft Lab 002 Gel Pen Review: The UK's Best Premium Japanese Gel Pens 2026
Japan’s gel pen market is the most competitive and innovative in the world, producing instruments that set the global standard for smoothness, precision, and design. In this review, we compare two of the finest premium Japanese gel pens available in the UK: the Mitsubishi Uni-ball One P, a compact, refillable gel pen with Uni’s legendary One ink technology, and the Sakura Craft Lab 002, a premium designer gel pen that elevates the everyday writing instrument into a work of art. Both are available from TTPEN UK.
Mitsubishi Uni-ball One P — Compact Brilliance with Legendary One Ink
The Mitsubishi Uni-ball One P Gel Ink Pen with 2 Refills 0.5mm is the compact version of Uni’s celebrated One gel pen, designed for those who want the extraordinary One ink experience in a smaller, more portable format. At £11.00 including two refills, it represents exceptional value for a pen with such advanced ink technology.
The Uni-ball One Ink Technology
The Uni-ball One’s defining feature is its revolutionary ink technology. Conventional gel inks can appear slightly grey or washed-out on paper, but Uni’s One ink uses a special pigment formulation that produces an extraordinarily deep, rich black that is darker and more vibrant than any conventional gel ink. The ink appears almost three-dimensional on the page — a depth and richness that has made the Uni-ball One one of the most talked-about pens in the stationery community worldwide.
The One ink is also highly water-resistant and lightfast, making it suitable for important documents and archival writing. The 0.5mm tip produces a fine, precise line that is ideal for detailed writing and note-taking.
The “P” Compact Format
The “P” in Uni-ball One P stands for “Pocket” — this is the compact version of the One, designed to fit comfortably in a pocket, small bag, or pencil case. Despite its smaller size, the One P delivers the same extraordinary ink performance as the standard One, making it the ideal companion for those who want premium writing performance in a portable format.
The inclusion of two refills with the pen is a significant value addition — it means you can continue enjoying the One P’s extraordinary ink long after the initial cartridge runs out, without needing to purchase a new pen. This makes the One P a sustainable and economical choice for regular users.
Who Is the Uni-ball One P For?
The One P is for writers who want the deepest, richest black gel ink available in a compact, portable format. It’s particularly popular among note-takers, students, and professionals who want their writing to look its absolute best. At £11.00 with two refills, it’s also exceptional value for a pen with such advanced ink technology.
Price: £11.00 (with 2 refills) — Buy the Uni-ball One P at TTPEN UK
Sakura Craft Lab 002 — Where Writing Becomes a Craft
The Sakura Craft Lab 002 Gel Pen — Black Ink is a pen that transcends the conventional definition of a writing instrument. At £38.00, it is a premium designer gel pen from Sakura’s Craft Lab range — a line of pens designed for those who believe that the tools of writing should be as beautiful and considered as the writing itself.
The Craft Lab Design Philosophy
Sakura’s Craft Lab range is built around the concept of “craftsmanship” — the idea that everyday objects, when designed with care and made with quality materials, can elevate the experience of using them. The 002 is the second pen in the Craft Lab series, and its design reflects this philosophy in every detail. The pen’s body is made from premium materials with a distinctive, considered aesthetic that sets it apart from conventional gel pens.
The 002’s design is deliberately understated — it does not shout for attention, but rewards close inspection with its quality of materials and precision of construction. It is the kind of pen that serious writers and design enthusiasts will appreciate immediately, and that others will notice and ask about.
Writing Performance
The Craft Lab 002 uses Sakura’s premium gel ink, which delivers a smooth, consistent writing experience with excellent ink flow and a clean, dark line. The gel ink is water-resistant and lightfast, making it suitable for important documents and archival writing. The tip size produces a precise, controlled line that is ideal for detailed writing and note-taking.
Sakura is one of Japan’s most respected pen and ink manufacturers, with decades of experience producing inks of exceptional quality. The Craft Lab 002’s ink reflects this heritage — it is smooth, consistent, and produces a line that is a pleasure to write.
Who Is the Sakura Craft Lab 002 For?
The Craft Lab 002 is for writers and design enthusiasts who want a premium, beautifully designed gel pen that reflects their appreciation for craftsmanship and quality. It’s also an exceptional gift for anyone who takes their writing instruments seriously. At £38.00, it is a considered investment in a pen that will be treasured and used daily.
Price: £38.00 — Buy the Sakura Craft Lab 002 at TTPEN UK
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Uni-ball One P | Sakura Craft Lab 002 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £11.00 (with 2 refills) | £38.00 |
| Ink Technology | Uni One ultra-deep black gel | Sakura premium gel ink |
| Format | Compact pocket size | Full-size premium designer |
| Refillable | Yes (2 refills included) | Yes |
| Best For | Portable use, deep black ink lovers | Design enthusiasts, premium gifting |
Which Premium Japanese Gel Pen Is Right for You?
The Uni-ball One P and Sakura Craft Lab 002 both represent the pinnacle of Japanese gel pen engineering, but at very different price points and with different emphases. The Uni-ball One P is the choice for those who want the deepest, richest black gel ink available in a compact, portable format — its One ink technology and included refills make it the best-value premium gel pen available.
The Sakura Craft Lab 002 is the choice for those who want a premium, beautifully designed gel pen that reflects their appreciation for craftsmanship — its considered design and Sakura ink heritage make it one of the most desirable designer pens available in the UK.
Both are available from TTPEN UK with fast UK delivery. Visit www.ttpen.co.uk to browse our full range of premium Japanese gel pens.
Final Verdict
The Uni-ball One P and Sakura Craft Lab 002 are two of the finest premium Japanese gel pens available in the UK market. The One P wins on ink depth, value, and portability; the Craft Lab 002 wins on design, craftsmanship, and premium appeal. Both earn our highest recommendation for UK writers and pen enthusiasts. Visit TTPEN UK today.
