The Best Ergonomic Pencils

Instead of the lead rotation mechanism found in the Kuru Toga version, the Shaka Shaker offers Firm, Medium Firm, and Soft grips. The Firm and Medium Firm versions are still quite squishy and better for writers who need more support.

The Pilot Dr. Grip Ace Shaker sets itself apart from other Dr. Grip pencils with convenient features that writers will appreciate. Its “active suspension” mechanism absorbs the pressure made when initially putting the pencil’s tip to paper and allows the lead to retract slightly when there’s too much writing pressure to prevent breakage.

Writers may find the included 1.3 mm lead a bit large for everyday writing, but it’s less prone to breakage compared to thinner, more fragile leads. To erase the larger marks made by this pencil, it comes with a twist-up eraser that’s refillable.

The FitCurve has a large twist-up eraser, and its firm, faintly shimmery grip is satin smooth.

To prevent broken leads, Zebra DelGuard pencils use a dual spring system. A spring in the barrel of the pencil lets lead slide back into the pencil when there’s too much vertical pressure. A second spring in the tip extends the lead guard to protect the lead when there’s too much sideways pressure. It’s no wonder the Zebra DelGuard is often touted as an “unbreakable mechanical pencil!”

This pencil doesn’t come with an eraser, so be sure to pick one up separately. Instead, its top push button has a hole that is used for replenishing lead.

While the Triplus Jumbo Learner’s Pencil was designed for young writers, it’s also a great option for artists. Its soft lead doesn’t require a lot of pressure to make dark marks, so you can draw with loose arm movements that use the larger, stronger muscles of your arm instead of the delicate muscles of your wrist.

To keep this jumbo pencil sharp, pair it with a KUM Special Diameter Pencil Sharpener that fits its triangular shape.

Simply slide the Yo-i onto a wooden pencil and adjust your fingers to its molded shape. We should note that using a pencil grip may take some getting used to if you’re used to grasping your writing instruments a certain way, but with some practice and patience it should feel more intuitive.

The Yo-i comes in both left-handed and right-handed versions. While it makes rotating your pencil to a sharper point less convenient, manually adjusting it will encourage you to take breaks.

Because the Sonic Gripen is wider than a wooden pencil, it’s also more comfortable to hold for extended periods, and its rubber grip section is flared to prevent your fingers from choking up towards the tip. Those who are worried about not having access to the wooden pencil’s eraser can use the Sonic Gripen’s sizable twist up eraser.

The JetPens team finds that pencils with triangular bodies or contoured grip sections encourage traditional tripod grasps ideal for ergonomics. Typically taught in schools, a tripod grasp is formed by using the thumb, index finger, and middle finger to support the pen. It allows for stability and control while reducing fatigue in your fingers and hand.

Most mechanical pencils use push button mechanisms, where you press a button to extend a specific amount of lead. Alternative lead advancement mechanisms, like shaking the pencil body or twisting a knob at the end of the pencil, can reduce strain and introduce variety to your hand movements.

H grade leads write lighter and feel more textured to write with than softer leads, so we suggest sticking to leads up to 4H for writing that is smudge-resistant without being too light or toothy.

Read our guide on the Best Mechanical Pencil Leads to see how our favorites compare.