Choose a pen that’s just right for you
Platypus pens come in two models, four patterns, two lengths for each model, and more colour combinations than I can count. Matching a pen to your preferences and needs may not be as easy as it was to select a Model T Ford (One model, no optional extras and any colour as long as it’s black!).
Models
Model 1 is a medium sized pen with a Jowo #5 nib. Model 10 is a larger pen with a Jowo #6 or Bock 250 sized nib. Both models have pretty much the same shape and proportions, and both are available in full-sized and shortened, Quokka, pocket versions.
Full-sized Model 1 and Model 10 pens come with a standard international cartridge converter and can take standard international long or short cartridges, and the Quokka versions take only short standard international cartridges (a mixed set is supplied).
The table below shows all of the critical dimensions. (Note that the weights vary slightly between patterns.)
| Model 1 (Quokka) | Model 10 (Quokka) | |
| Length capped | 135mm (95mm) | 143mm (100mm) |
| Length uncapped | 127mm (85mm) | 136mm (93mm) |
| Length posted | 154mm (136mm) | 162mm (145mm) |
| Grip minimum diameter | 9.7mm (9.7mm) | 10.2mm (10.2mm) |
| Grip maximum diameter | 11.6mm (11.6mm) | 12.5mm (12.5mm) |
| Body maximum diameter | 13.5mm (13.5mm) | 14mm (14mm) |
| Total weight (approximate) | 17 grams (14 grams) | 21 grams (17 grams) |
Both models are quite comfortable in my medium-sized hand, but I feel a little more ‘at home’ with Model 1.
Model 1 is not a small pen, but its tapered grip and gentle step-up to the body offers plenty of holding options for smaller and larger hands. Notice how the narrowest portion of the section is set back from the nib so even if you have small hands you will not be gripping it right down at the nib. Uncapped Model 1 it is the same length as my Waterman Expert and Parker English Duofold Senior, and just a few millimetres shorter than my PenBBS 480.
If you have large hands or prefer a large pen then choose Model 10. Like the smaller model it has a nicely tapered section and gentle step-up to the body to give you plenty of grip options. The longer nib of Model 10 means that there is no need to force the hand back and so the grip of Model 10 is entirely conventional. Please note that while model 10 is a large pen, it is not unconventionally large or heavy like some previous 3D printed pens like those reviewed here.
Both pens are designed to post deeply and securely and without causing unsightly scratches on the body, so if you prefer a longer pen but a narrower grip then you might choose Model 1 and use it posted.
Patterns
We offer four standard patterns that are imaginatively called Pattern 1, Pattern 2, Pattern 3, and pattern 4. The patterns all take advantage of the layer lines inherent in these 3D-printed pens to generate interesting effects. They all stand out.
Pattern 1: The sparkliest pattern. It has a repeating sequence of high and low places that catch the light a glisten as the pen moves.
Pattern 2: A chevron or herringbone pattern with repeating pairs of angled triangles inset from the surface. It looks lively even when sitting still.
Pattern 3: Repeating grooves and ridges are arranged with a slight offset between successive layers to gentle produce a helical pattern that tricks the light into a zigzag ladder that climbs or descends endlessly while the pen is rotated.
Pattern 4 (dimples): Developed to work well with the matt surface of terracotta pens but also looks good with shiny filaments.
Pattern 1 in ‘Onyx’ and ‘Merlot’; Pattern 2 in ‘Night Sky’ and Aurarum ‘Silky white’; Pattern 3 in ‘Alpha Brass’ and Xtron3D ‘Copper’. (Unless otherwise noted the filaments are Polyalchemy Elixir PLA.)
Colours
You may choose any colour combination that you like as long as I have, or can get the filament.
If that sounds too hard then you could choose among the colour combinations of the pens shown here or in my blog posts. Browse and see what you like and what you don’t like.
Most of the pens that I have made use PLA filament from the Polyalchemy Elixir range for their outsides. That’s because the Elixir filaments offer an outstanding level of sheen and because I have their full range of colours at my disposal.
Terracotta filament from FormFutura is a recently added option. It is orangish in the way that terracotta is orangish and, in marked contrast to most of the filaments offered here, it has a completely matt surface. It looks best in pattern 4 and has a wonderful feel. Read about it in the blog post The terracotta Platypus. Terracotta pens are a gram or two heavier than the other Platypus pens.
Colour galleries
The pictures here show a sample of the colour combinations that you might choose. Custom combinations are, of course, also available. The colours are named using the title of the PLA filament used. Most are Polyalchemy Elixir PLAs, but a few are made by other filament makers such as the Australian manufacturers Aurarum and Xtron3D.
The pictures in these galleries were all taken in shady natural light so that they give the most accurate representation of the colour. Most of the filaments will look more shiny and sparkly in the sun or under a desk lamp, as can be seen in some of the other photographs.
The photos are mostly of unfinished pens, so you should ignore any whispy bits of filament on the ends.
You can click on the small images to see them larger.
Polyalchemy Onyx Elixir is a neutral grey that is very shiny. It looks well with most other colours of filament.
Polyalchemy Alpha Brass Elixir filament is a warm brownish colour that is very shiny and changes its appearance with different lighting. On my desk it looks darker than in the photos of this gallery, almost a black-brown.
FormFutura Brilliant Purple filament is lovely but does not really live up to its name. It is a dusty lilac sort of purple. Certainly not as intensely purple as its name suggests to me, and compared to Polyalchemy Nightshade Exlixir filament it is more grey than purple. Nonetheless a lovely shade of colour for a fountain pen. Seems to go best with cool colours.
Polyalchemy Nightshade Elixir is deeply, deeply purple. Deeper than you might expect. Its darkness provides a wonderful foil for the brilliant reflections from its intense shine.
Xtron3D Copper goes well with most other colours, either as the band colour or the main. In some light it is fairly convincing as polished copper and in other light it is more orange. The photos here seem to have caught the orange behaviour, at least on my monitor.
That’s not all of the colours that can be had, but it’s all of the photos that I have at the moment.