The short and slim D1 refill can be found in many multi pens and mini pens. Almost all of them are interchangeable, giving you the option to customize your pen with a variety of colors and inks.
Keep reading to learn more about D1 refills and our recommendations.
The Best D1 Refill: Uni SXR-200 Jetstream Ballpoint Multi Pen Refill
The best D1 refill is the Uni SXR-200.
The best D1 refill is the Uni SXR-200. It contains low-viscosity Jetstream ink that’s beloved for its exceptional smoothness and quick drying time. This makes it a fantastic choice for quick notes and everyday writing alike. We also recommend it for left-handed writers who are prone to smearing ink.
The Uni SXR-200 is available in three colors and two tip sizes: 0.5 mm and 0.7 mm.
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Also Consider: Pilot BRFS-10 Ballpoint Pen Refill
The Pilot BRFS-10 is another one of our favorite D1 refills. Like our top choice, it features low-viscosity ink that lay down smooth, dark lines. While the ink is quite vibrant, writing can take a little longer to dry. Plus, it’s only available in 0.7 mm—though it does come in four colors.
Table of Contents
- D1 Refill Characteristics
- The Best D1 Refills
- The Best Pens That Use D1 Refills
- Other Resources
- Conclusion
- Shop This Post
D1 Refill Characteristics
Size
Compared to other pen refills, D1 refills are considerably smaller, measuring approximately 6.7 cm long and 2.3 mm in diameter.
D1 refills are typically interchangeable, but there are some exceptions. Most notably, Zebra D1 refills are a fraction of a millimeter wider than those made by most other brands. This doesn’t stop Zebra D1 refills from fitting in other brands’ pens, but it can often stop other brands’ D1 refills from fitting in Zebra pens. You can usually get around this problem by wrapping a small amount of tape around non-Zebra D1 refills, making them just wide enough to fit securely in Zebra pens.
Ballpoint Ink
The majority of D1 refills use oil-based ballpoint ink, which is thick like a paste.
The majority of D1 refills use oil-based ballpoint ink, which is thick like a paste. It won’t run out as quickly as gel ink, but typically requires more writing pressure, which can make your hands and wrists sore.
Ballpoint ink is also quick drying and smudge resistant, so it's better for quick notes or switching between colors.
D1 refills with low-viscosity inks flow smoothly and dry quickly.
Low-viscosity ink (also known as hybrid ink or emulsion ink) is a type of ballpoint ink that’s formulated with lubricants. D1 refills with these inks flow smoothly and dry quickly.
Gel Ink
Some D1 refills are available with gel ink, which is smooth and produces crisp, vibrant lines.
Some D1 refills are available with gel ink, which is smooth and produces crisp, vibrant lines.
Because gel ink is more fluid than ballpoint ink, D1 refills with this type of ink tend to run out faster. Paired with the refill’s smaller size, you may have to replace it often. Gel ink is also slower to dry and can lead to accidental smudges.
The Best D1 Refills
The Best Fine-Tip D1 Refill: Zebra JSB Gel Pen Refill
For precise writing, pick up the Zebra JSB Gel Pen Refill.
For precise writing, pick up the Zebra JSB Gel Pen Refill. Its 0.4 mm tip size produces fine lines that are vivid and smooth. Since it puts down less ink on the page, writing dries quicker and the refill lasts longer than D1 refills with larger tip sizes.
This refill comes in five colors, giving you more options for color-coding plans or notes. 0.5 mm tip sizes are also available if you need a slightly bolder line.
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Also Consider: Sakura Craft Lab R-LGB Type D Refill
Another great 0.4 mm gel refill is the Sakura Craft Lab R-LGB04D. What sets it apart from the Zebra JSB is its two shades of red. The Crimson Red ink is slightly darker, so it’s easier on eyes that are editing or grading papers for long periods of time.
The Best Bold-Tip D1 Refill: Kaweco D1 Ballpoint Pen Refill
The Kaweco D1 Refill is ideal for bolder writing.
The Kaweco D1 Refill is ideal for bolder writing, with 0.8 mm, 1.0 mm, and 1.2 mm tip sizes that come with black or blue ink. The refill comes in packs of five, so there’s less worry about running out of ink when catching up on journaling or note-taking during a lecture.
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The Best Needlepoint D1 Refill: OHTO Needle-Point Ballpoint Pen D1 Refill
A needlepoint tip, like the one found on the OHTO D1 Refill, offers a clearer view of the writing area.
A needlepoint tip, like the one found on the OHTO D1 Refill, offers a clearer view of the writing area. Both the 0.5 mm and 0.7 mm tip sizes work well with rulers or templates.
We should note that needlepoint tips tend to be more fragile than conical tips. The JetPens team recommends keeping this refill retracted when not in use.
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The Best D1 Refill with the Widest Color Range: Monteverde Soft Roll Ballpoint Pen Refill
To fill up a five-component multi pen—or if you just love writing with fun ink colors—try the Monteverde Soft Roll Ballpoint Pen Refill.
To fill up a five-component multi pen—or if you just love writing with fun ink colors—try the Monteverde Soft Roll Ballpoint Pen Refill. It boasts the most color options, from everyday black and blue to playful hues like purple and orange. Although it only has one tip size, the 0.7 mm tip puts down a smooth line of ballpoint ink.
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The Best Pens That Use D1 Refills
The Best Mini Pen That Uses D1 Refills: BIGiDESIGN Mini Click Pen
The BIGiDESIGN Mini Click Pen is equal parts compact and durable.
The BIGiDESIGN Mini Click Pen is equal parts compact and durable. Measuring in at just 9.6 cm or 3.8 inches long, it can fit in virtually any pocket so you always have a pen on hand. And its copper, brass, or titanium pen bodies are sure to stand the test of time. To get you started, the Mini Click Pen comes with three gel refills and three ballpoint refills. It also includes spare accessories and a tool to remove the pen clip.
BIGiDESIGN also makes the Mini Dual Side Click Pen, which features a Schmidt 635 D1 refill. The top push button extends the pen tip, and there are two side click buttons for quick and easy retracting whether you’re left- or right-handed.
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Also Consider: Kaweco Sport Ballpoint Pen
With a slightly longer body and wider grip diameter, the Kaweco Sport Ballpoint Pen is a great choice for writers with larger hands who still want a pocketable pen. It comes with a blue 1.0 mm refill pre-installed that’s deployed by pressing the top push button.
The Kaweco Sport Ballpoint Pen is available in a variety of styles for showing off your personality, including the sleek, aluminum AL Sport, versatile yet bold Classic Sport, and charming, translucent Frosted Sport. Handy pen clips can be purchased separately.
Learn more about the Kaweco Sport in our comprehensive guide.
The Best Full-Size Pen That Uses D1 Refills: Rhodia Ballpoint Pen
Some full-size pens like the Rhodia Ballpoint Pen also use D1 refills.
Some full-size pens like the Rhodia Ballpoint Pen also use D1 refills. This pen takes its inspiration from Rhodia notepads and is made of aluminum, which is lighter and more affordable than pens constructed with other metals. Plus, its hexagonal body is comfortable in the hand and won’t roll off a desk accidentally.
If you’re new to the brand Rhodia, read our guide to see what makes their notepads popular in the stationery community.
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The Best Multi Pen That Uses D1 Refills: Uni Jetstream Prime 3 Color Multi Pen
The Uni Jetstream Prime 3 Color Multi Pen is packed with our top choice D1 refills in black, blue, and red.
The Uni Jetstream Prime 3 Color Multi Pen is packed with our top choice D1 refills in black, blue, and red. Its sleek metal body is about the same size as a traditional single pen and has a metal clip for attaching the pen to notebooks or shirt pockets. Instead of the slide tabs displaying the ink colors, the top of the pen has subtle color indicators.
Check out the if you’d like a pencil component along with the Jetstream refills. It maintains a similar streamlined body and uses a twist mechanism to switch between the refills and pencil.
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Also Consider: Rotring 600 3-in-1 Multi Pen
Artists, designers, or anyone who appreciates the iconic Rotring 600 Drafting Pencil can also find a stylish everyday carry writing instrument in the 3-in-1 Multi Pen.
The black and red D1 refills are extended by turning the knurled knob at the top of the pen. Press the knob down for the pencil component. The multi pen also has a knurled grip section to keep your fingers from slipping.
Other Resources
- The Best Customizable Multi Pens
- The Best Low Viscosity Ballpoint Pens
- The Best Mini Pens
- The Best Multicolor Pens
- The Best Pens
- The Difference Between Ballpoint, Gel, and Rollerball Pens
- The Ultimate Guide to Pen Refills
Conclusion
D1 refills are convenient and provide a great variety of options for multi and mini pens. Do you have a favorite pen and ink combination? Let us know in the comments!
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| D1 Refills | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Product | Tip Size | Ink Colors | Shop Now | |
| Kaweco D1 Ballpoint Pen Refill | 0.8 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.2 mm | Shop Now | ||
| LAMY M21 Multi Pen Refill | Medium | Shop Now | ||
| Monteverde Soft Roll Ballpoint Pen Refill | 0.7 mm | Shop Now | ||
| OHTO Needle-Point Ballpoint Pen Refill | 0.5 mm, 0.7 mm | Shop Now | ||
| Pentel XKBXES7 Vicuna Ballpoint Pen Refill | 0.7 mm | Shop Now | ||
| Pilot BRFS-10 Ballpoint Pen Refill | 0.7 mm | Shop Now | ||
| Rotring Ballpoint Multi Pen Refill | Fine | Shop Now | ||
| Sakura Craft Lab R-LGB Refill | 0.4 mm | Shop Now | ||
| Staedtler Multi Pen Ballpoint Refill | 0.7 mm | Shop Now | ||
| Tombow VS Ballpoint Pen Refill | 0.7 mm | Shop Now | ||
| Uni SXR-200 Jetstream Ballpoint Multi Pen Refill | 0.5 mm, 0.7 mm | Shop Now | ||
| Zebra 4C Ballpoint Pen Refill | 0.7 mm | Shop Now | ||
| Zebra JSB Gel Pen Refill | 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm | Shop Now | ||
| Pens That Use D1 Refills | ||||
| Product | Tip Size | Pre-Installed Ink Colors | Shop Now | |
| BIGiDESIGN Mini Click Pen | Medium | Black | Shop Now | |
| Kaweco Sport Ballpoint Pen | 1.0 mm | Blue | Shop Now | |
| Rhodia Ballpoint Pen | 0.7 mm | Black | Shop Now | |
| Rotring 600 3-in-1 Multi Pen | Fine | Black and Red | Shop Now | |
| Uni Jetstream Prime 3 Color Multi Pen | 0.5 mm, 0.7 mm | Black, Red, and Blue | Shop Now | |
