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 sets 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 everyday writing into a craft. 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. At £11.00 including two refills, it delivers the extraordinary One ink experience in a smaller, more portable format.

The Uni-ball One Ink Technology

Uni’s One ink uses a special pigment formulation that produces an extraordinarily deep, rich black — 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 ink is also highly water-resistant and lightfast, suitable for important documents and archival writing.

The “P” Compact Format with 2 Refills

The “P” stands for “Pocket” — 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. The inclusion of two refills provides excellent long-term value and sustainability.

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 premium designer gel pen from Sakura’s Craft Lab range. At £38.00, it is designed for those who believe 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 craftsmanship — the idea that everyday objects, when designed with care and made with quality materials, elevate the experience of using them. The 002’s design is deliberately understated, rewarding 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.

Writing Performance

The Craft Lab 002 uses Sakura’s premium gel ink, delivering smooth, consistent writing with excellent ink flow and a clean, dark line. Water-resistant and lightfast, it is suitable for important documents and archival writing. 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

Final Verdict

The One P wins on ink depth, value, and portability; the Craft Lab 002 wins on design and premium appeal. Both earn our highest recommendation. Visit TTPEN UK today.