If you search for bolt action pens, Tactile Turn will inevitably be one of the most discussed and recommended brands you find. They are made in the USA, have a great reputation for quality, and offer their unique namesake machined finish. However, when I tried to decide which model to choose, I found that comparison reviews were surprisingly scarce… so I’ve written this article (plus long form review and short comparison videos) to provide just that; a thorough review and comparison of Tactile Turn’s bolt action pens. Read on to learn about the different lengths, widths, and materials Tactile Turn offers.
In this Tactile Turn Bolt Action Pen Comparison Review
TL;DR? Short Tactile Turn Bolt Action Pen Comparison Video
Lengths: Standard, Short, & Mini
Tactile Turn’s bolt action pens come in three lengths: Standard, Short, and Mini. The two main differences between the lengths are the pen refills they take and… the length.
Portability
The Standard, Short, and Mini are 5.6″, 5.1″, and 4.4″ respectively. I think all three lengths have their place. The Standard is the most similar in length to your typical pens like a Bic Round Stic or Cristal, but is a little long for pocket carry in my opinion. In my carry it sometimes jabbed into my leg when bending over or sitting. The Mini is the best for carrying in an EDC pouch and just taking up the least space, but might feel a bit short in the hand when writing if you have wide hands like me. The Short feels portable enough, while still offering enough purchase for comfortable writing.
Refill Compatibility
The Standard takes Pilot G2 sized refills, the Short takes Parker sized refills, and the Mini takes Pilot G2 Mini refills. You can refer to Tactile Turn’s refill guide HERE, though it’s not exhaustive (for example, the Standard also can use UniBall One refills, which are very nice). There are a good number of G2 sized refills out there that fit in the standard, and they are easy to find in places like Walmart and Target. The Parker size of the Short allows for a veritable plethora of compatible refills, though they might not be as easy to find in brick and mortar stores. On the other hand, the Mini seems to ONLY take Pilot G2 Mini refills.
Technically, they’re “refills,” but you can’t seem to buy them on their own. You have to purchase full pens and discard the bodies (it’s not as sinister as it sounds, but I have to admit I don’t love the idea of wasting so much plastic). Honestly, you’re going to be able to find a refill you like in any of these sizes. There are plenty of options for the Standard and Short to find something that fits your writing style. The G2 Minis write nicely just like the full sized G2 , although I did have one leak (from carrying in cold temperatures, I am guessing). One big positive of the Short length for me is that it can take Fisher pressurized refills, using the adapter that they come with when purchased as refills. I have used Fisher Space Pens extensively, and like the versatility of their ink. So, while they all offer perfectly usable options when it comes to refills, I prefer the short length here also.
Widths: Normal & Slim
Tactile Turn actually offers three widths, as they also make a thick body, but I only have the normal and slim to compare currently. Aside from the obvious difference in thickness, the slim and normal widths come with different clips.
Ergonomics
The normal width is similar to a Sharpie, whereas the slim is closer to a standard pen or pencil (such as a Bic Cristal). I think many prefer the normal thickness, considering it easier to write with, and I notice a general preference for thicker barrels among pen enthusiasts. That said, the slim was created in response to “the biggest request we’ve gotten over the past few years”. I think I prefer the ergonomics of the slim for my personal writing grip, though I don’t have a problem with the normal width. The slim also fits better in an EDC pouch, if that’s your preferred carry method.
Clip; Bent vs Machined
The normal width comes with a classic bent clip, while the slim has a machined clip. The bent clip attaches with a ring that is screwed into the handle between the cap and the barrel, whereas the machined clip screws into the side of the barrel with Torx screws. Machined clips are a big thing in the knife world, but they’re not a make or break point for me. I do appreciate the extra work that goes into the machined clip, but I like the look of both. The bent clip seems to be easier to put into and pull out of the pocket, while still offering plenty retention. Overall, they’re both good clips; if I had to choose I would probably go with the bent, but it’s not something that I think needs to factor greatly into the choice between a normal or slim width pen.
Materials: Titanium, Bronze, & Copper
Tactile Turn offers pens in many different materials. From plain stainless steel to exotic zirconium, there’s sure to be something that catches your eye. I will be comparing three of their typical offerings: titanium, bronze, and copper. The main differences between these three materials are the hardness, weight, and oxidation potential.
Durability
Titanium is generally the hardest, and therefore the least likely to show scratches and dents, at a Brinell Hardness of around 300. (note: all these hardnesses depend on the specific alloy used, which I don’t think Tactile Turn publishes) Bronze is still relatively resistant at 75-220 BH, and I didn’t see any evidence of wear (aside from patina) in a few months of use. Copper is significantly softer, at around 35-90 BH. I noticed this softness clearly. My copper Mini developed some dings and scratches in the machining pretty quickly from carrying it next to other things. Also, the clip developed some play due to the copper deforming on either side of it from carrying it in my pocket. I was able to fix this with a simple application of super glue, but Will at Tactile Turn said they’re happy to make it right the few times this happens (I get the feeling they’re happy to make sure their customer is happy). They also offer a Lifetime Warranty on all their pens.
Weight
Titanium is the lightest of the three, at about half the density of both copper and bronze. I will say, though my research indicates copper and bronze have a very similar density (and therefore weight), the copper somehow feels heavier. The weight probably comes down to personal preference, as I doubt any of these pens will be heavy enough to make much difference on a daily basis. Maybe you’ll prefer the titanium if you’re on an ultralight multi day backwoods hike, or the copper if you like some heft. For me, I enjoy both and it just depends if you value lightness or heft.
Patina
Finally, the subject of patina. Basically, patina is the change that comes from aging. In the case of copper and bronze, it is oxidation. Both copper and bronze begin their patina by losing luster and taking on a darker tone. After enough time and exposure, copper will turn a shade of green and bronze a shade of brown or black. Many EDC enthusiasts, especially traditional knife connoisseurs, love patina for the way it shows age and wear. Honestly, I can take it or leave it whether on knives or pens. I think it can look good sometimes, and sometimes I’d rather the tool remain the way it was when I got it.
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All of Tactile Turn’s bolt action pens, no matter the material, come with their namesake machine finish. The finish is raised circles superbly applied across the whole pen body. The finish is easy to feel but somewhat difficult to see in pictures. Also, it’s so well machined that the seam between the body and tip disappears into the finish when they’re screwed together. All this immediately gives an impression of class and attention to detail that is wholly welcome in a luxury pen.
Final Thoughts
Pens are one of man’s most basic tools. To be able to write, to store information through language, is one of the main things that allows us humans to achieve amazing feats; from building societies to designing the computer I’m writing this on. So it makes sense that every day carry enthusiasts like myself prefer to have a durable, stylish, and practical pen as part of their tool set. Will at Tactile Turn understands that desire.
Tactile Turn pens are some of the most highly regarded on the market, and for good reason as they offer just those characteristics. Whichever combination of length, width, and material you go with you’re sure to get a quality writing instrument backed by a company that’s proud of their product. Have a favorite Tactile Turn configuration, or questions about bolt action pens? Send me a message or connect on Instagram or YouTube!
Finally, I want to extend my appreciation to Will Hodges. This comparison was made possible in large part by his generosity in providing the Short Bronze and Mini Copper.
Long Form Tactile Turn Bolt Action Pen Comparison Review Video
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