3 reviews for Rotring 600 Mechanical Pencil 0.5mm – Black

1. 

   Amazon Customer – April 3, 2026

   Excellent mechanical pencil. It’s heavy and feels substantial in hand, which I find helps with writing / note taking. Be careful of drops, since that weight could be a disadvantage if dropped directly on the point.

   I have others – Pentels (several models), and Uni Togas and those are fine – but they are very light in comparison to this model. This one lets me write longer with less fatigue – in short it makes the writing more enjoyable.

   Well worth the price to me. The leads are quality too – though I will probably refill with Pentel Ain .5 2B.

   Cons – well, dropping it could be a problem. The leads are held in by the eraser, which is pretty common. A little pricey for a pencil so if you tend to lose them, maybe consider that.

2. 

   Christopher Jarrell – April 3, 2026

   This is absolutely the best mechanical pencil I have ever written with. I have many, many, mechanical pencils, as this is a hobby of mine. This is my favorite to use in most situations.

   The barrel is made of high quality, enameled brass, and is a high quality, professional grade instrument.

   PROs:
   – Superior quality. It is so pleasurable to write with. It feels amazing in-hand.
   – Precision and line co trol are unmatched, with longer lead sleeve and fantastic, knurled grip.
   – The click action is rock-solid with no play or slip. Perfection.

   CONS:
   – The lead sleeve is NOT retractable, and would bend/snap if dropped on its tip. Not likely repairable.
   – This lack of a retracting point and subsequent risk of breakage if dropped makes it less ideal for every day/pocket carry. I tend to leave it at my desk.

   OVERALL: I love this pencil and would buy another one if this one were lost or broken. It’s just that good. Drop the $20, buy some 2B or 3B leads and never look back.

3. 

   CC – April 3, 2026

   Have used & owned many instruments in the Rotring line from Fountain Pens to Mech. Pencils since the early 1980’s. Everything produced by Rotring is lovely, lasting, and (mostly) practical. Nothing too over-the-top luxurious, but functionally with grace & that great, quintessential “German-Industrial” look.

   However, some models of Rotring Mech. Pencils are “more perfect” than others… and the 600 – 0.5mm is pure perfection.
   (I once purchased a 500 by mistake and it simply cannot compare with the 600.)
   Ticks all the boxes on my list: Quality build, Black matte colour, Lead Hardness indicator, built-in eraser, knurled grip, and most of all: perfect balance and heft.

   Two Cons:
   •The finish on these newer 600’s do tend to chip though, unlike my black matte Rotings purchased a decade or more ago.
   • Dislike the odd opening at the top of the eraser cap. I simply do not understand its function/purpose. My older Rotrings all have closed eraser caps. The opening only allows for dirt & dust to enter and settle on the eraser. But truly, this is a minor imperfection… barely worth the mention.
   Aside from the above, this mech. pencil is one I use daily for every application from art/sketching, making notes in my planner, to notating music scores.

   I own 5 Rotring black matte 600’s, each filled with different lead grades (“3B” to “B”), my fav “all-purpose” lead being “2B”. (The UNI Nano brand, BTW. After using these top-quality leads you’ll never look again at those Pentel blister packaged leads sold in all stores).

   Today I placed my order for a 6th black matte 600.
   If satisfaction can be judged by repeat purchasing, count me 600-satisfied x 6!

   Thanks for reading,
   -CC, Amazon Prime Member-Reviewer