TWSBI Pen Complete Brand Guide Singapore — Every Model, Nib & Ink Explained
There are fountain pens, and then there are TWSBI pens — a category of their own. Since 2009, this Taiwanese brand has made transparent, user-serviceable writing instruments that punch far above their price point, turning everyday writers into pen enthusiasts and pen enthusiasts into devoted collectors. Whether you are picking up your very first fountain pen or expanding a serious collection, TWSBI offers a model — and a mechanism — precisely suited to you.
Cityluxe is an authorised TWSBI retailer in Singapore. Every TWSBI pen on our shelves is sourced through official channels, backed by the manufacturer's quality assurance, and available with the full range of nib sizes that TWSBI Singapore enthusiasts expect.
In this guide we cover every TWSBI model available at Cityluxe — from the wallet-friendly SWIPE at SGD 33 to the premium Obsidian at SGD 162 — plus the brand's history, design philosophy, technical details, Singapore-specific tips, laser engraving options, and a full comparison table to help you decide exactly which pen deserves a place in your hand.
Quick Verdict — Which TWSBI Should You Buy?
Brand History — From Taichung to the Global Pen Community
TWSBI was founded in 2009 in Taichung, Taiwan, by a team of engineers who believed that a truly great fountain pen should not require a second mortgage. The name is an initialism derived from the Chinese characters 三文堂 — roughly translated as Three, Write, Sell, Buy, International — reflecting the brand's straightforward ambition: to make excellent writing instruments available to everyone who wants them.
From its very first release, TWSBI set itself apart in two ways. First, every pen would be a demonstrator — transparent or semi-transparent, so the ink reservoir is visible at all times. Second, every pen would be fully user-serviceable. Where most fountain pen manufacturers treat the internals as a sealed unit, TWSBI shipped each pen with a small micro-wrench and silicone grease, explicitly encouraging owners to take the pen apart, clean it, replace worn seals, and maintain it indefinitely. This engineering philosophy attracted an intensely loyal community almost immediately.
The landmark moment came around 2014 with the release of the ECO — a piston-filling demonstrator priced so accessibly that it essentially created a new category: the serious entry-level fountain pen. Poly and JC students who had never considered a fountain pen suddenly had an argument for one. The ECO went on to become one of the best-selling fountain pens globally at its price point, and it remains the core of the TWSBI range today.
Since then, TWSBI has expanded continuously: the vacuum-powered VAC 700R for maximum ink capacity, the wide-bodied Diamond 580 as the flagship, the compact Diamond Mini, the triangular-grip ECO-T, special editions such as the prismatic IRIS series, and premium collaborations that keep the community genuinely excited year after year. A global network of TWSBI enthusiasts share customisation tips, nib-grinding techniques, and "TWSBI hacks" across forums and social media — a testament to a brand that made its pens open by design.
Design Philosophy — Transparent, Functional, Yours
"Every TWSBI ships with a wrench. They designed it so you can take it apart and fix it yourself. No other pen brand does that — and no other pen community talks about their pens the way TWSBI owners do."
The Demonstrator Ethos
Every TWSBI pen is a demonstrator — a pen whose body is transparent or translucent so you can see the ink inside. This is not merely an aesthetic choice. It is a functional feature: you can monitor your ink level at a glance, observe how different inks look before committing them to paper, and appreciate the mechanical elegance of the piston or vacuum assembly in motion. Watching a deep blue ink slowly drop as you write across pages has a meditative quality that opaque pens simply cannot replicate.
Piston and Vacuum Filling
TWSBI offers two distinct filling systems, each with its own character:
- Piston filler — Used in the SWIPE (push-button variant), ECO, ECO-T, Diamond 580, and Diamond Mini. A threaded knob at the barrel's end turns a piston, drawing ink directly into the barrel. Simple, reliable, and capable of holding a generous quantity of ink.
- Vacuum filler — Used exclusively in the VAC 700R. A plunger mechanism creates a vacuum that pulls ink into the barrel in a single decisive push. More ink per fill than piston designs. The tactile sensation of the fill is deeply satisfying — a firm push, a visible rush of ink, and a barrel that feels substantial with a full load.
User-Serviceable by Design
No fountain pen brand makes disassembly as easy — or as explicitly encouraged — as TWSBI. The included micro-wrench allows you to unscrew the nib unit and grip section, access the piston mechanism, replace the piston seal when it eventually wears, and deep-clean every component. Replacement parts (seals, piston units, nib sets) are available directly, meaning a TWSBI you buy today can still write perfectly in twenty years with minimal cost.
Nib Selection
TWSBI nibs are manufactured to consistent, reliable standards. Available sizes across the range include:
- EF (Extra Fine) — Crisp, precise lines ideal for small handwriting or detailed annotations
- F (Fine) — The most popular choice; clean lines with a hint of flex as pressure varies
- M (Medium) — A comfortable everyday size with more ink flow and a slightly wetter line
- B (Broad) — Bold, expressive strokes; beautiful for signatures and headings
- Stub 1.1mm — A calligraphy-adjacent nib that produces line variation based on writing angle; popular with lettering artists and people exploring italic writing
Not all nibs are available on every model — check individual product pages for confirmation.
Signature Hexagonal Cap
The Diamond series' faceted hexagonal cap is an immediately recognisable design detail, referencing a cut gemstone. It prevents the capped pen from rolling off a desk and gives the hand something elegant to hold when posting. The ECO and SWIPE use a simpler cylindrical cap — clean and practical.
The Flagship — TWSBI Diamond 580
The Diamond 580 is TWSBI's definitive pen: the model against which every other product in the range is measured. Named for the 580 facets of a cut diamond (referenced by the geometric cap and barrel design), it is a full-size piston filler with a substantial barrel, a satisfying ink capacity, and a nib that writes with authority. If you want the definitive TWSBI experience, this is it.
Diamond 580 Clear — SGD 72.50
The all-clear variant is the purest expression of the Diamond 580: every facet, every internal component, every drop of ink is visible. This is the pen that converts sceptics — pick it up, watch the piston draw ink up the barrel, and you will understand immediately what the fuss is about. Nibs available: EF, F, M, B, Stub 1.1mm.
The RBT (Rose/Blue/Teal trim) variant at the same price adds a subtle flash of colour to the clear body — the trim rings catching light differently depending on the angle.
Diamond 580 AL R — Aluminium Ring Series — SGD 94
The AL R designation indicates an aluminium ring reinforcement at the barrel's mid-section, adding both structural rigidity and a premium material contrast against the clear body. Four colours are available:
Diamond 580 Premium — Rose Gold II & IRIS — SGD 116–122
The Rose Gold II variants (Smoke and White bodies) feature upgraded aluminium trim in a warm rose gold finish — a significant step up in perceived luxury while retaining the same reliable piston mechanism. The IRIS edition uses a colour-shifting resin body that cycles through the spectrum as light strikes it from different angles. A genuinely spectacular object.
Diamond 580 AL R Affogato with Onyx — SGD 122
A warm coffee-toned body paired with deep onyx hardware — one of the most refined colourways in the 580 AL R range. The warm/dark contrast is particularly striking in natural light.
Across all 580 variants, nib sizes available are: EF, F, M, B, Stub 1.1mm. The Diamond 580 is the pen TWSBI enthusiasts point to when they want to show non-believers what the brand is capable of.
All TWSBI Models — Complete Line-Up at Cityluxe
TWSBI SWIPE — SGD 33 (Entry Piston / Push-Button)
The SWIPE is TWSBI's most accessible pen — and an exceptionally clever piece of engineering for SGD 33. Instead of a traditional twist-knob piston, it uses a push-button mechanism: press the button at the end of the barrel to engage the piston, dip the nib into ink, release — and the barrel fills. It is the easiest fountain pen to fill that TWSBI makes, making it the natural choice for people who have never used a fountain pen before, or for classrooms where simplicity matters.
The SWIPE also accepts standard international short cartridges, giving you a backup option if bottled ink is inconvenient. Despite the entry price, the nib is a proper stainless steel TWSBI unit — smooth, reliable, and available in F and M sizes.
Available colours: Smoke Prussian Blue
TWSBI ECO — the pen that brought a generation of writers into the fountain pen hobby.
TWSBI ECO — SGD 46.50 (Piston Filler — Core Range)
The ECO is arguably the most important fountain pen of the 2010s — a bold claim, but one the pen community broadly accepts. When it launched around 2014, no other brand offered a full piston-filling demonstrator with a proper steel nib, a large ink capacity, and a fully serviceable body at anything close to this price. It became the pen that brought a generation of students and young professionals into the fountain pen hobby.
The ECO's body is a single transparent plastic piece — lightweight but with enough substance to feel purposeful in the hand. The piston fills quickly, holds a generous quantity of ink, and the barrel's transparency means you always know how much is left. The nib writes smoothly from the first stroke.
For students at NUS, NTU, SMU, or any polytechnic or JC in Singapore: the ECO is your pen. At SGD 46.50, it costs less than a single month of bubble tea and writes better than anything in your stationery drawer.
Standard colours (SGD 46.50):
Clear
Black
White
Sky Blue
Bahama Yellow
TWSBI ECO with Premium Trim — SGD 72.50 – SGD 74.90 (Piston Filler — Upgraded Hardware)
Same reliable ECO piston mechanism, elevated with premium metal trim in rose gold, bronze, or onyx. These variants account for a large proportion of TWSBI sales at Cityluxe — the combination of entry-level price and premium appearance hits a sweet spot that is hard to argue with.
✦ Available with personalised laser engraving. See Section 10 for details.
ECO vs ECO-T — Which Should You Buy?
The ECO has a round grip section — fingers rest wherever they naturally fall. The ECO-T has a triangular grip that gently guides the fingers into the correct three-point hold, similar to the LAMY Safari. Both use identical nibs, the same piston mechanism, and hold the same amount of ink. Choose the ECO if you already have an established grip and want no interference. Choose the ECO-T if you are new to fountain pens, recovering from hand fatigue, or coming from a Safari and want the familiar triangular feel. Price is identical at SGD 46.50.
TWSBI ECO-T — SGD 46.50 (Triangular Grip Piston Filler)
The ECO-T is the ECO with one meaningful change: the grip section is triangular rather than round. This naturally guides the fingers into the correct tripod hold — making it a favourite among students learning proper pen grip, writers recovering from hand fatigue, or anyone who simply prefers a pen that tells their hand exactly where to sit. The piston mechanism and nib are identical to the standard ECO.
Available colours: Clear Eggplant Purple
From the WorkRoom — Christine Joy
"One of my favourite orders ever. A customer bought sixteen TWSBI ECO-T Clears in one go."
Not sixteen pens for sixteen people. Sixteen pens for himself. His plan: fill each one with a different ink — every colour he loves — and keep them as a collection. When he opens the display, he sees sixteen pens, sixteen inks, all visible through the clear barrel at once. Part writing instrument, part curated colour palette, part personal art piece.
This is exactly the kind of use the clear barrel was made for. You buy a TWSBI partly to see what is inside it — watching ink swirl up into the reservoir during a piston fill is satisfying on its own — but filling it with a colour you love and being able to check the level at a glance without uncapping the pen is a genuinely different relationship with ink than a closed barrel allows. I wish I had more customers like him.
TWSBI Diamond Mini — SGD 72.50–122 (Compact Piston Filler)
The Diamond Mini delivers the Diamond experience in a noticeably shorter body — ideal for small hands, jacket pockets, or travellers who want a quality pen without the bulk. It posts longer than you might expect (the cap adds significant length when posted), making it comfortable for extended writing sessions despite its compact capped length. The same hexagonal Diamond cap design is present, as is the full piston mechanism.
Available: Clear — SGD 72.50 Rose Gold Trim II — SGD 122
A dedicated Mini Nib Set (SGD 29) including a Stub 1.1mm is available separately.
TWSBI ink bottles — the full demonstrator experience starts with a colour you can see through the barrel.
TWSBI VAC 700R — SGD 94–116 (Vacuum Filler — Maximum Capacity)
The VAC 700R is TWSBI's most technically impressive pen. Its vacuum-filling mechanism uses a plunger that, when pulled fully back and then pushed forward firmly, creates a vacuum that draws ink into the barrel in a single powerful action. The result is a fill capacity of approximately 2.0 ml — the largest of any TWSBI pen, and substantially more than most piston fillers of comparable size.
The VAC 700R suits people who write at length between refills: journalists, authors, students doing marathon study sessions, or simply people who get genuinely irritated when a pen runs dry mid-paragraph. The pen is wide-bodied and substantial in the hand — not heavy, but present.
Available: Clear — SGD 94 IRIS — SGD 116 Kyanite — SGD 116
A VAC 700R Nib Set (SGD 35) including a Stub 1.1mm is available for nib-swapping without additional tools.
TWSBI GO (Spring-Loaded Filler — Limited Availability)
The GO uses a unique spring-loaded filling mechanism — press the barrel, dip, release — that is the simplest possible fountain pen filling experience. It is currently available in very limited quantities at Cityluxe. Check our TWSBI collection page for current availability.
Special & Limited Editions
IRIS Series — Diamond 580 IRIS & VAC 700R IRIS
The IRIS series is among the most visually dramatic things TWSBI has produced. The body material is an iridescent resin that shifts colour as light strikes it at different angles — what appears deep purple in one light becomes electric blue or forest green as you turn the pen. It is difficult to photograph accurately and even more spectacular in person.
The Diamond 580 IRIS (SGD 116) and VAC 700R IRIS (SGD 116) are available now. These editions tend to sell quickly when they arrive — do not wait if one speaks to you.
Diamond 580 RBT
The RBT (Rose/Blue/Teal) edition applies a tricolour trim to the classic clear 580 body, with each ring a different metallic colour. Subtle enough for professional settings, interesting enough to be a conversation piece. SGD 72.50.
TWSBI Kai — SGD 169
The Kai represents TWSBI at its most premium within the transparent demonstrator concept. The design language steps up materially — both in the quality of the body material and the finish of the hardware — making this a pen that sits comfortably alongside offerings from significantly more expensive European brands. If you have worked your way through the ECO and 580 ranges and want to see what else TWSBI is capable of, the Kai answers that question decisively. SGD 169.
TWSBI Obsidian — SGD 162
The Obsidian is TWSBI's most sophisticated design: a dark, opaque body that departs entirely from the demonstrator aesthetic, producing something closer to the look of a premium European pen. The Obsidian is also one of three TWSBI models at Cityluxe that can be personalised with laser engraving — see Section 10 for details. SGD 162.
Technical Guide — Everything You Need to Know
Piston Filler vs Vacuum Filler
| Feature | Piston Filler (ECO, 580, Mini) | Vacuum Filler (VAC 700R) |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Twist knob draws piston through barrel | Plunger pulled back; press to create vacuum draw |
| Ink Capacity | ~1.2–1.98 ml (SWIPE ~1.2 ml · ECO ~1.76 ml · Diamond 580 ~1.98 ml) | ~2.3 ml — undisputed highest in the TWSBI range |
| Ease of Use | Very easy; smooth and intuitive | Requires a firm deliberate push — satisfying once learned |
| Best For | Everyday writing, students, desk use | High-volume writers, ink enthusiasts wanting maximum capacity |
| Models | SWIPE, ECO, ECO-T, Diamond 580, Diamond Mini, Kai | VAC 700R |
Nib Size Guide
TWSBI nibs are stainless steel and write consistently across the range. Japanese and Taiwanese nibs tend to run finer than their European counterparts — so a TWSBI Fine writes closer to what a European brand might call Extra Fine. This is useful context if you are switching from a LAMY or Waterman.
| Nib Size | Line Width (approx.) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| EF (Extra Fine) | ~0.3 mm | Small handwriting, tight annotation, grid notebooks |
| F (Fine) | ~0.4 mm | General everyday writing — the most versatile choice |
| M (Medium) | ~0.55 mm | Comfortable journaling, smooth paper, bold everyday writing |
| B (Broad) | ~0.7 mm | Signatures, headings, expressive writing |
| Stub 1.1mm | ~0.4 mm thin / ~1.1 mm wide | Calligraphy practice, brush lettering, italic writing |
Approximate Ink Capacity by Model
| Model | Filler Type | Approximate Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| SWIPE | Push-button piston / cartridge | ~0.9 ml (piston) / cartridge |
| ECO / ECO-T | Piston | ~1.5 ml |
| Diamond Mini | Piston | ~0.7 ml |
| Diamond 580 | Piston | ~1.5 ml |
| VAC 700R | Vacuum | ~2.0 ml |
| Kai | Piston | ~1.5 ml |
| Obsidian | Piston | ~1.5 ml |
How to Fill a TWSBI Piston Pen
- Unscrew the cap and set aside.
- Turn the knob at the bottom of the barrel clockwise to push the piston fully forward (expelling any remaining air or old ink).
- Submerge the nib and grip section in your ink bottle to just above the nib.
- Slowly turn the knob counter-clockwise — the ink rises visibly into the barrel. Take it slowly; no need to rush.
- Turn the knob back slightly clockwise to expel a small drop, then wipe the nib. Cap and write.
How to Fill a TWSBI VAC 700R
- Pull the plunger (at the barrel end) fully back until it clicks into the extended position.
- Submerge the nib completely in your ink bottle.
- Firmly push the plunger all the way down in one deliberate motion — the vacuum draws ink powerfully into the barrel.
- Wipe the nib, cap, and write. The ink capacity will be noticeably more than any piston filler you have used.
VAC 700R: Open the Valve for Extended Writing Sessions
The VAC 700R has an internal shut-off valve. When the blind cap at the rear of the barrel is screwed fully closed, the valve is sealed — preventing leaks during travel or flights out of Changi. However, if you leave it sealed while writing at your desk, ink will stop flowing after half a page as the internal pressure equalises.
The fix: When sitting down to write, unscrew the blind cap one or two turns to open the valve. Ink flows freely for as long as you need. Screw it closed before putting the pen in your bag. First-time VAC 700R owners who skip this step often assume the pen is defective — it is not, it is working exactly as designed.
Cleaning Your TWSBI
⚠ The Golden Rule: Never Use Alcohol on a TWSBI
TWSBI bodies are moulded polycarbonate and acrylic. Isopropyl alcohol, rubbing alcohol, hand sanitiser, and standard cleaning wipes will instantly cause the plastic to craze, crack, or shatter on contact — even a single wipe can permanently destroy a clear barrel. Use only cool water for all cleaning. If you need to remove an ink stain from the outside of the pen, a soft damp cloth is all that is safe. The silicone grease included in the box is the only product that should contact the piston seal.
Flush with cool water until the water runs clear. For a thorough clean, use the included TWSBI Pipe (SGD 14.90) — a syringe-style tool that forces water through the feed directly, dislodging any ink residue quickly. This is especially useful when switching between very different ink colours or cleaning inks that stain.
Disassembly with the Included Wrench
Every TWSBI ships with a small wrench (usually stored in the box or in the cap). This tool allows you to:
- Unscrew the nib unit from the grip section for deep cleaning or nib swapping
- Access the piston mechanism for seal replacement
- Apply fresh silicone grease (included in the box) to the piston seal to maintain a smooth fill action
Do not use excessive force. The wrench is sized precisely for TWSBI fittings — it provides all the torque you need. A thin layer of silicone grease on the piston seal every six months or so keeps the pen operating like new.
From the WorkRoom — Christine Joy
"Most people who buy their first TWSBI look at the wrench in the box and have absolutely no idea what it is for. We tell them — and we watch the expression change from confusion to delight."
The wrench is part of TWSBI's philosophy: this pen is yours to understand, take apart, and maintain. Every component is designed to be accessible. You are not expected to send it back to a service centre when it needs a clean — TWSBI trusts you to do it yourself. For people who enjoy that kind of hands-on relationship with their things, it is genuinely fun. The pen becomes a small mechanical project you understand from the inside out.
That said, we do give people a clear warning. Disassembling a TWSBI piston pen is not complicated — but reassembling it correctly is a different matter. Getting the piston back to exactly the right depth inside the barrel, and applying just the right amount of the included silicone grease to the piston seal without overdoing it or missing a spot — that takes a feel you develop over time. We have taken them apart and put them back together often enough to do it quickly. First-timers sometimes do not get it right.
If you disassemble yours and cannot get it back together properly, bring it to the WorkRoom and we will sort it out — no judgement, it happens to everyone at least once. But our honest advice: unless you enjoy tinkering, or you are the type who needs every trace of the previous ink gone before loading a new colour, regular flushing with cool water is completely sufficient. You will never need to take the pen apart for normal maintenance. The wrench is there when you want it. It does not have to be used.
Compatible Inks
TWSBI pens are compatible with all standard bottled fountain pen inks from any brand. They are not compatible with India ink or pigment inks not specifically formulated for fountain pens — these will clog the feed. TWSBI's own inks (available in the Diamond 50 Ink Bottle and Vac20A Ink Bottle) are optimised for the brand's own feed geometry and are an excellent pairing.
Accessories Available at Cityluxe
- Diamond 580 Nib Set — SGD 29 — swap nibs without tools
- VAC 700R Nib Set — SGD 35 — includes Stub 1.1mm
- Diamond Mini Nib Set — SGD 29 — includes Stub 1.1mm
- Diamond 50 Ink Bottle — SGD 36 — classic TWSBI bottled ink
- Diamond 50 Ink Bottle Polished AL — SGD 47 — premium aluminium bottle variant
- Vac20A Ink Bottle — SGD 22 — vacuum-seal ink storage
- Ink Cartridge Pack of 10 — SGD 10.90 — for the SWIPE and compatible pens
- Spring Load Converter — SGD 7.50
- Piston Converter — SGD 7.50
- Pipe Cleaning Tool — SGD 14.90 — for fast, thorough barrel cleaning
Singapore Tips — Writing with TWSBI in the Lion City
The Student Angle: NUS, NTU, SMU, Poly, JC
The TWSBI ECO has quietly become one of the most popular pens at Singapore's universities and polytechnics — and the reason is simple arithmetic. At SGD 46.50, it is cheaper than a semester's worth of print credits and writes more beautifully than anything from a convenience store. Students doing long essay exams or lecture note-taking report noticeably less hand fatigue compared to disposable ballpoints, because a fountain pen requires virtually zero pressure to write. The ECO's large ink capacity also means fewer interruptions during a three-hour exam.
Singapore Humidity and Ink Drying
Singapore's tropical humidity is actually friendly to fountain pens — but only to a point. The concern most pen users have is ink drying in the nib when a pen is left uncapped or stored for extended periods. TWSBI's piston mechanism helps here: the sealed barrel acts as a reservoir that is less exposed to airflow than a simple converter system, keeping ink fresh for longer between writes. If you cap your pen properly, a TWSBI will start writing immediately even after several weeks of disuse.
The Stub 1.1mm for Brush Lettering
Singapore has a thriving calligraphy and hand-lettering community, and the TWSBI Stub 1.1mm nib is one of the most accessible entry points. Unlike a brush pen, the Stub produces line variation through the angle and direction of your stroke rather than pressure — a different skill, but one that produces that characteristic calligraphic thick-thin contrast. It is available on most TWSBI models via dedicated nib sets. The ECO with a Stub 1.1mm, loaded with a good blue-black or sepia ink, is a joy for bullet journaling and planner decoration.
TWSBI Inks in Singapore Weather
TWSBI's own inks are well-behaved in Singapore conditions — good flow, reasonable dry time, and compatible with all TWSBI feeds. The Vac20A Ink Bottle (SGD 22) has a vacuum-seal design that keeps your remaining ink fresh even through humid months, making it a practical choice for the Singapore climate.
Singapore Ink Tip — Large Capacity + Air-Con = Ink Trap
A TWSBI ECO holds up to 1.76ml of ink — the Diamond 580 holds nearly 2ml. If you are not writing several pages daily, that ink can sit in the reservoir for weeks inside a heavily air-conditioned office. Most inks are fine. The ones to watch are sheen and shimmer inks (Sailor Studio, Diamine Shimmertastic, Vinta, and similar): their metallic particles can slowly settle and concentrate inside the feed, causing skipping or staining that is harder to flush out. (If you are looking for sheen and shimmer inks, Vinta Inks — exclusive to Cityluxe in Singapore — are an excellent place to start; just plan to flush your pen every two to three weeks.)
For everyday office use, stick to reliable medium-wet inks — TWSBI's own Vac20A range, Pilot Iroshizuku, or standard LAMY inks all behave well in long-resident TWSBI pens. Save your shimmer and sheen inks for pens you flush and refill regularly, or plan to flush your TWSBI every two to three weeks when using them.
A Note on Paper
Singapore students often write on locally available paper that is thinner than the fountain pen community's preferred stock. For everyday use, an EF or F nib will minimise any bleed-through. On better notebooks (Leuchtturm1917, MD Paper, Iroful, or Sanzen Tomoe River), an M or Stub nib is a genuine pleasure.
Laser Engraving — Personalised TWSBI Pens at Cityluxe
ECO Cosmos Blue with Onyx (SGD 74.90) · ECO Black Marble with Bronze (SGD 74.90) · Obsidian (SGD 162)
A personalised pen transforms a beautiful writing instrument into something genuinely irreplaceable. Laser engraving on the barrel or cap creates a permanent, precise mark — a name, a date, initials, a short phrase — that does not fade, peel, or wear away with use.
Every engraving job is executed in-house at 601 Sims Drive — not outsourced. Each piece is inspected before collection or dispatch. This is what proves we are a local workshop, not a drop-shipper.
- English — block, serif, Roman
- Script and cursive styles
- Chinese Hanzi / Traditional & Simplified
- Korean Hangul
- Japanese Kanji
- Corporate logos (vector artwork)
- Individual: add engraving at checkout when ordering online
- Corporate / bulk: email your logo and brief to cityluxe.sg@gmail.com — any font from your brand guidelines
Individual Orders
To add engraving to your TWSBI pen, simply add engraving when ordering online — the option is available on the product pages for the three engraveable models listed above. Enter your engraving text at checkout.
Corporate & Gift Orders
Personalised TWSBI pens make excellent corporate gifts — particularly for new employee onboarding, client appreciation, graduation ceremonies, or staff milestones. For corporate orders with custom text, branding, or volume requirements, contact us directly via our corporate gifting page. We handle volume enquiries individually to ensure the engraving and presentation meet your standards.
Looking for more personalised pen options? See our personalised pen gifts guide covering our full engraving range.
TWSBI Model Comparison Table
| Model | Filler Type | Capacity | Body Material | Price (SGD) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SWIPE | Push-button piston / cartridge | ~1.2 ml (push-button piston) | Transparent plastic | 33 | True beginners; students wanting a foolproof fill |
| ECO | Piston | ~1.76 ml | Transparent plastic | 46.50 | "First serious pen"; everyday student use; best value in range |
| ECO Premium Trim | Piston | ~1.76 ml | Transparent + metal trim | 72.50–74.90 | Everyday carry with desk presence; gifting |
| ECO-T | Piston | ~1.76 ml | Transparent plastic (triangular grip) | 46.50 | Writers learning grip; hand fatigue; students |
| Diamond Mini | Piston | ~0.7 ml | Transparent plastic | 72.50–122 | Travel; small hands; compact carry |
| Diamond 580 | Piston | ~1.5 ml | Transparent plastic (hexagonal cap) | 72.50–122 | Flagship experience; widest colour range; collectors |
| VAC 700R | Vacuum | ~2.0 ml | Transparent plastic | 94–116 | High-volume writing; ink enthusiasts; maximum capacity |
| Kai | Piston | ~1.5 ml | Premium body | 169 | Collectors; premium gifting; stepping up from 580 |
| Obsidian | Piston | ~1.5 ml | Opaque premium body | 162 | Non-demonstrator aesthetic; engraveable; premium gifting |
For side-by-side comparisons with other brands, see our guides to LAMY pens and Kaweco pens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TWSBI a good pen brand for beginners?
Yes — emphatically. The TWSBI ECO is widely considered one of the best entry-level fountain pens in the world at its price point, and the SWIPE is even simpler to use. Both are forgiving, reliable, and write well straight out of the box. Most people who try a TWSBI as their first fountain pen don't go back to ballpoints.
What nib size should I choose?
For most everyday writing — notes, journaling, studying — Fine (F) is the safest starting point. It is versatile across most paper types and produces a clean line without being too thin. If you have naturally small handwriting, try EF. If you write on good-quality notebooks and prefer a more expressive line, Medium (M) is excellent. The Stub 1.1mm is for those interested in calligraphy-style line variation.
Why does every TWSBI pen come with a wrench?
Because TWSBI designs its pens to be fully disassembled and maintained by the owner. The wrench allows you to remove the nib unit for cleaning, access the piston mechanism, and replace the piston seal over time. This is not a warning that the pen is fragile — it is a statement that you own your pen completely and can keep it writing for decades with minimal cost.
How does the vacuum filler on the VAC 700R work?
Pull the plunger at the end of the barrel fully back until it locks. Submerge the nib completely in your ink bottle. Push the plunger firmly all the way down in one motion — the sudden pressure change creates a vacuum that draws ink powerfully into the barrel. It fills noticeably more ink than a piston in a single operation. The fill action is very satisfying.
Can I use any fountain pen ink in my TWSBI?
Yes — TWSBI pens are compatible with all standard bottled fountain pen inks. Do not use India ink, pigment inks not specifically labelled as fountain pen-safe, or iron gall inks that are particularly acidic, as these can damage the internal components over time. TWSBI's own inks are a safe and well-matched choice.
Are TWSBI pens good for Singapore's humid climate?
Very much so. The sealed piston barrel is less prone to ink evaporation than systems with more air exposure. Cap your pen when not in use and a TWSBI will start writing reliably even after weeks of sitting in a drawer. The main precaution in any climate is to avoid leaving a pen uncapped for extended periods.
How do I swap nibs on a TWSBI?
Use the included wrench to unscrew the nib unit from the grip section — it is a threaded connection, not a friction fit. The nib and feed come out together as a unit. Replacement nib sets are available for the Diamond 580, VAC 700R, and Diamond Mini. This makes nib-swapping much simpler than on most other fountain pens.
Which TWSBI models can be engraved?
At Cityluxe, engraving is available on three specific TWSBI models: the ECO Cosmos Blue with Onyx, the ECO Black Marble with Bronze, and the Obsidian. For individual orders, add engraving when ordering online. For corporate or volume orders, contact us via our corporate gifting page.
What is the difference between the ECO and the Diamond 580?
Both are full-size piston fillers with similar ink capacity and nib options. The Diamond 580 has a wider, more substantial barrel, the signature faceted hexagonal cap design, and is available in a much wider range of body colours and trim finishes. The ECO is lighter, has a simpler cylindrical cap, and is less expensive — it is the practical everyday workhorse. The 580 is the flagship: what you step up to when the ECO has convinced you that fountain pens are for life.
Is the TWSBI ECO good for long writing sessions?
Excellent. The lightweight body, the low-pressure nib, and the large ink capacity (approximately 1.5 ml — enough for many pages) all make the ECO a strong choice for extended writing. Students doing marathon study or exam sessions consistently report less hand fatigue compared to ballpoints. The triangular-grip ECO-T variant is particularly good if proper grip alignment matters to you.
Shop TWSBI at Cityluxe Singapore
Browse the complete range at our TWSBI collection. Every pen is officially authorised, ships with manufacturer accessories, and comes with Cityluxe's service commitment. Jump to your model below:
Christine Joy
Stationery Specialist · Cityluxe Singapore
Christine Joy is the voice behind Cityluxe's pen guides and stationery content. As our resident pen specialist, she tests every model, fills the inks, and translates years of hands-on experience into advice that helps real writers — from first-time fountain pen buyers to seasoned collectors. All articles reviewed and written by Christine are based on products sold at Cityluxe Singapore.
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