BN Works is an interesting company from Taiwan that made itself a name in the pen community with the release of their BN Dot pen, which was a Kickstarter project. I had reviewed this pen back then myself. I quite liked it, but gave it away as a present to somebody who was at that time looking for a nice ball-point/rollerball.
A little while ago, the folks of BN Works got back in touch with me and asked if I would be interested in having a look at their latest model as well – the Twiist pen. Now, the ‘to be reviewed’-pile is quite high at the moment, and having entered the corporate world after finishing my PhD has also not necessarily improved my spare time situation. Anyway, since I found the concept of the Twiist pen interesting, I gladly agreed on doing a review.
What’s so interesting about the Twiist pen? Well, I think it is a pretty well executed version of the notorious 2-in-1 writing instruments that merge a ballpoint/rollerball pen with a tablet stylus. Often, these are rather cheapo appearing thingies. Not so the Twiist pen, which is a pretty good looking and solid built hybrid pen for all the analogue-digital-notetaking hybrid folks out there. With a dual-twist mechanism, you expose the standard refill on one and a silicone-tip stylus on the other end.
Before we hop into the review, I would like to take the opportunity to thank the kind people at BN Works for supporting and making possible the review of this pen. You can also buy the Twiist pen at their webshop (no affiliate-link, just a friendly pointer).
Check out the video-review below – as always preceded by some quick facts. Again, I hope the review is helpful and that you enjoy watching it!
Quick Facts
- Twiist pen (ballpoint/rollerball + stylus >> 2in1)
- Minimalist, machined EDC-pen (everyday-carry)
- Dual twist mechanism
- Aluminium barrel
- Available in a number of different color combinations
- Comes with a Schmidt P 900 ballpoint refill as well as with a Schmidt P8126 rollerball refill + two additional replacement stylus tips (on top of the already installed one). Takes Parker-style refills, so you can put in anything from ball-point over gel to finalize refills.
- Price: around 85 $
Video Review
Picture Gallery
Click on the photos to enlarge.
Nice pen. I agree with you that it is too expensive. The $50 to $60 price range would make it something I would consider. They could lose the stylus and bring down the price. Touchscreens are so good now that the simple finger works just fine for me.
On the other hand, it comes across as a well made pen that’s heirloom quality. I’m sure it will last years and years. And I like the fact you can use either rollerball or ballpoint, I’d prefer the rollerball, but the Parker style refill can be found just about anywhere. And there are companies out there who use the Parker style refill and fill it with rollerball ink in colors besides blue and black.
I primarily use fountain pens, but there are times when it’s easier and better to use a ball pen. The matte finish barrel should make for a good grip. Metal pens can become slippery with extended use.
Another good review of a product I would have never heard of otherwise.
Hi David!
Thank you for visiting and leaving a comment. Much appreciated!
Yes, the 50-60 USD range would make the pen a lot more attractive – I fully agree with you. And it is indeed a very well made pen. Not fragile, but very robust. I can definitely see this pen lasting long, even in extensive everyday use.
Regards,
Michael