Pilot Metropolitan vs Kakuno (2026): Heavy Brass or Light Plastic?

Metropolitan and Kakuno use similar Pilot steel nibs. This is mostly a choice between a 26 g brass pen and an 11 g plastic pen.

Buy Kakuno if low weight matters or you want to use a CON-70 converter. Buy Metropolitan if you prefer a heavier pen with a conventional office appearance. Neither body makes its nib automatically smoother.

The short answer: which version fits your day?

Choose Kakuno for long notes and low weight

Start here if heavy pens tire your hand and you are comfortable with a guided grip.

Linked version: Pilot Kakuno Clear Fine.

The linked version is Clear Fine. Pilot cartridges are the simplest start; a converter is only needed for bottled ink.

View this version on Amazon

Choose Metropolitan for a brass desk pen

Pick the Black Classic Fine when you prefer weight and a restrained office appearance.

Linked version: Pilot Metropolitan Black Fine (91111).

Check whether the step above the grip touches your fingers. Paying more for brass does not change the nib class.

View this version on Amazon

The linked versions use Fine nibs. Budget ranges are not live quotes; compare the selected nib, bundle, seller, returns, and delivered total.

Metropolitan vs Kakuno specifications

Model	Typical US price	Body	Grip	Converter
Pilot Metropolitan	$25-30	Brass; about 26 g	Round grip with a barrel step	CON-40
Pilot Kakuno	$10-15	Plastic; about 11 g	Shaped grip with finger guides	CON-40 or CON-70

Weight and grip decide this comparison

Metropolitan puts most of the extra weight in its brass barrel. That can make short notes feel steady, but there is no universal comfort advantage. Kakuno removes roughly 15 g and uses a shaped grip. The grip helps keep the nib aligned for a conventional tripod hold, but it can fight a rotated or unconventional grip.

The barrel step on Metropolitan is the other practical concern. If your fingers sit high on the section, you may touch it. Kakuno has no comparable metal step.

Pilot Metropolitan

Choose it if: You like some weight and want a conventional desk pen.

Skip it if: Heavy pens tire your hand or your fingers rest on the barrel step.

View the selected Fine version

Pilot Kakuno

Choose it if: You want a light pen or the larger CON-70 converter.

Skip it if: You rotate the pen in your hand or dislike guided grips.

View the selected Fine version

Still considering Prera? Use the three-model Pilot overview. It explains what the higher-priced compact model changes.

Ink and bundle check before ordering

Need a refill for the US Metropolitan? Use the model-specific cartridge and converter guide before buying parts. A regional MR version may use a different cartridge system.

Start with the included Pilot cartridge if the seller supplies one. Buy a converter only when you want bottled fountain-pen ink. Kakuno can use CON-70; Prera and Metropolitan use the smaller CON-40. Do not assume another brand's cartridge fits. Regional MR versions and seller bundles can differ, so confirm the exact listing.

Sources: Goulet's comparison of the shared Pilot nib family, Pilot's transparent Prera specifications, and cartridge compatibility guide. Regional specifications do not guarantee the contents of an Amazon seller's bundle. Buying links checked October 9, 2026.

FAQ

Is Pilot Metropolitan smoother than Kakuno?

Not by design. Their steel nibs have similar writing characteristics. Nib width, ink, paper, and variation between individual pens can produce a larger difference than the body model.

Which is better for long writing sessions?

Kakuno is 15 g lighter, so it is the safer choice if hand fatigue is a concern. A writer who prefers added weight may still find Metropolitan steadier.

Can both pens use the Pilot CON-70 converter?

No. Kakuno can take the larger CON-70. Metropolitan usually cannot because its barrel does not provide enough room; use a Pilot cartridge or CON-40 instead.