Shopping for a budget retractable "click" fountain pen and trying to sort out the Jinhao 20 ($13–17) vs Jinhao 10 ($18–22) vs Majohn A1 ($35–37) and Majohn A2 ($20–26)? Here is the simple cheat sheet: the Jinhao 20 is the slimmer, featherlight (18.7g) sibling of the heavy metal Jinhao 10 (32g)—just as the Majohn A2 is the lightweight faceted sibling of the brass Majohn A1.
Quick Verdict: Best Budget Click Fountain Pens Ranked
Top Picks Compared
Jinhao 20 Lightweight Retractable (EF / Fine)
Jinhao 20 Lightweight Retractable Fountain Pen Extra Fine · Typical: $13-17
Best if: Modeled after the slim Pilot Decimo, the 18.7g resin Jinhao 20 cuts nearly half the weight (and $5 off the price) of the metal Jinhao 10.
Setup note: Ships with converter included, but no ink—add bottled ink or Pilot cartridges below.
Majohn A2 Faceted Retractable (Extra Fine)
Majohn A2 Faceted Retractable Fountain Pen Extra Fine · Typical: $20-26
Best if: 20g 12-sided faceted barrel prevents finger slip during fast lecture notes and features Majohn’s tighter internal trapdoor seal.
Setup note: Includes converter + refillable cartridge kit (ink sold separately).
Jinhao 10 Metal Retractable (Extra Fine)
Jinhao 10 Matte Black Extra Fine (Clip Version) · Typical: $18-22
Best if: Delivers the same 32g full-metal Vanishing Point heft as the $36 Majohn A1 for roughly $15 less.
Setup note: Substantial 32g metal body; ships dry without ink.
Required Starter Ink: Waterman Serenity Blue (50ml Bottled Ink)
None of the Jinhao or Majohn click pens include ink in the box—and wet, well-lubricated ink is essential to prevent dry starts in retractable pens.
Want mess-free cartridge refills? Pilot Namiki Blue Cartridges ($8 for 12) fit inside the Jinhao 10, Jinhao 20, Majohn A1, and Majohn A2!
4-Way Comparison: Jinhao 20 vs Jinhao 10 vs Majohn A2 vs Majohn A1
| Feature | Jinhao 20 ($13–17) | Jinhao 10 ($18–22) | Majohn A2 ($20–26) | Majohn A1 ($35–37) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical US Price | $13–17 | $18–22 | $20–26 | $35–37 |
| Pilot Capless Equivalent | Pilot Decimo (Slim & Light) | Pilot Vanishing Point (Wide Metal) | 1960s Faceted Pilot Capless | Pilot Vanishing Point (Wide Metal) |
| Body Material & Weight | Smooth ABS resin (~18.7 g) | Lacquered metal (~32 g) | 12-sided faceted resin (~20 g) | Lacquered solid brass (~30 g) |
| Grip Diameter | Slimmer (~11.5 mm) — great for small/medium hands | Wider (~12.8 mm) | Medium faceted (~12.0 mm) | Wider (~12.8 mm; clipless option available) |
| Nib Unit Compatibility | 100% interchangeable across all four models | 100% interchangeable across all four models | 100% interchangeable across all four models | 100% interchangeable across all four models |
1. Jinhao 20 vs Jinhao 10: The "Decimo vs Vanishing Point" Analogy
When Jinhao released the all-metal Jinhao 10 ($18–22), it immediately undercut the brass Majohn A1 ($35–37). However, many writers with small or medium hands found a 32-gram, 12.8 mm-wide metal pen too heavy for multi-page note-taking.
That is why Jinhao introduced the Jinhao 20 ($13–17):
- Nearly 45% lighter: By switching the barrel from brass/metal to high-density resin (including translucent demonstrator colors), the Jinhao 20 weighs just 18.7 grams.
- Slimmer Decimo grip: The barrel and clip profile are slightly narrower than the Jinhao 10, making it far easier to hold if the standard Vanishing Point shape feels chunky.
- Same smooth nib unit: Inside, the Jinhao 20 uses the exact same click spring and Extra Fine / Fine nib unit as the Jinhao 10.
2. Jinhao 20 vs Majohn A2: Which Lightweight Click Pen Wins?
If you know you want a ~19–20g lightweight click pen, your final choice is between the Jinhao 20 ($13–17) and the Majohn A2 ($20–26):
- Pick the Jinhao 20 if you prefer a smooth, cylindrical Decimo-style barrel or translucent colorways at the lowest possible price.
- Pick the Majohn A2 if your fingers tend to slip on smooth barrels (the A2 has 12 subtle facets along the grip) or if you go 3–5 days between writing sessions (community reports generally give Majohn a slight edge on trapdoor air-sealing).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Jinhao 20 and the Jinhao 10?
Think of the Jinhao 10 as a clone of the heavy metal Pilot Vanishing Point (~32 grams, wider barrel), and the newer Jinhao 20 as a clone of the slimmer, lighter Pilot Decimo (~18.7 grams, resin barrel). Both share the exact same internal click mechanism and interchangeable nib unit, but the Jinhao 20 is nearly half the weight and $5 cheaper.
Should I buy the Jinhao 20 or the Majohn A1 / A2?
If you want the lowest price ($13–17) and a slim, featherlight round barrel, buy the Jinhao 20. If you want a lightweight pen with non-slip faceted sides and slightly tighter trapdoor sealing out of the box, buy the Majohn A2 ($20–26). Only spend $35+ on the Majohn A1 if you specifically want a heavy brass pen without a pocket clip (the A1 Clipless version).
Are Jinhao 20, Jinhao 10, and Majohn A1/A2 nib units interchangeable?
Yes, 100%! You can pull the nib unit out of a Jinhao 20 and drop it directly into a Jinhao 10, Majohn A1, Majohn A2, or even a $180 Pilot Vanishing Point or Decimo. All four also accept Pilot Namiki ink cartridges.
Do the Jinhao 20 and Jinhao 10 come with ink?
No. They include a twist ink converter inside the barrel, but ship dry without ink. Pair your pen with a bottle of Waterman Serenity Blue ($8–12) or a 12-pack of Pilot Namiki Blue Cartridges ($8).