Caran d'Ache Alchemix Ballpoint Pen
In the world of fidgeting, few things are quite as satisfying as the clicking of a ballpoint pen. Activating and retracting. Click, click. Repeat. Oh, and when the mechanism is really fun to click, I’m oblivious to the glares of those around me. Yes, I’m that person. I promise it’s not intentional – mostly. I’ve enjoyed clicking the Caran d’Ache 849 Office series ballpoint pen for over a decade. Back when Bertram’s Inkwell was in White Flint Mall, I used to wear it every single day to work. Of course, if you’ve read my previous blogs, you might have gathered that my favorite color is green. Therefore my 849 ballpoint was a metallic green. I love that pen so much. It’s got one of the smoothest actions on a click mechanism ballpoint pen (and it’s under $30)! The reason this smooth, soft-clicking mechanism is important is because I get the satisfaction of repeatedly clicking away, while reducing the noise pollution of a loud click imposed on those around me. Fast forward to the Caran d’Ache Alchemix ballpoint pen.
Imagine how much greater their ballpoint pens feel at a higher tier! A few years ago, they introduced an upgrade. The Caran d’Ache Alchemix Ballpoint Pen looks professional and classy, is a bit thicker in the hand, and has an even smoother mechanism than the 849. It’s like putting a silencer on something so satisfying as a continuously clickable pen without worry of wear.
The Alchemix comes in three finishes: Carbon, Rubber, and Wenge. The carbon finish is a three-dimensional woven design that looks like carbon fiber. It’s a modernized top carbon layer over the aluminum barrel. The rubber finish is exactly that – a rubberized coating on the barrel to provide a grip on the soft-touch finish. It’s an elegant matte trim adorning this pen, to match the muted color of the matte rubber coating. Lastly is the Wenge. The Wenge finish is a wooden layer on top of the aluminum barrel. It’s an elegant swirl of natural wood design.
The Caran d’Ache Alchemix Ballpoint Pen is hexagonal, making it ergonomically shaped for maximum comfort. Sized appropriately, the pen is only 5.5” long. It’s perfectly balanced in the hand, so your hand won’t tire from extended periods of use. Also, the clip is a flexible steel clip. This is important so it keeps your pen secure, while still easy to manipulate while removing from your pen case or shirt pocket.
Speaking of extended periods of use, the Alchemix uses Caran d’Ache’s Goliath ballpoint refill. This refill is packed with a ton of ballpoint ink to keep you writing. Caran d’Ache claims it even has a 600 page write-out. That’s quite a bit of writing! The Goliath refill is available in fine, medium, and large (broad). I’d like to draw your attention to the “large” point size specifically. It’s one of the smoothest broad points in the industry. Its steel tip has a free-turning tungsten carbide ball, delivering a smooth, clean line.
Overall, I love the value you get in this pen for everyday use. It’s easy to see how incredible the Alchemix is from the moment you hold it in your hand.
What do you think? Do you have yours yet? You can check it out here.
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