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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.
Metropolitan vs Kakuno specifications
| Model | Typical US price | Body | Grip | Converter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pilot Metropolitan | $15-20 | Brass; about 26 g | Round grip with a barrel step | CON-40 |
| Pilot Kakuno | $12-18 | 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.
Check current price
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.
Check current priceStill considering Prera? Use the three-model Pilot overview. It explains what the higher-priced compact model changes.
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.