Just when I thought I could resist the allure of new stationery at the start of the year, the irresistible charm of the Online Campus Fluffy Cats fountain pen proved me wrong. My resolve to curb pen purchases lasted all of seven days into January 2022! But in my defense, I only aimed to buy fewer pens, not abstain completely, and this adorable pen was simply too tempting to ignore.
Let me introduce you to the Online Campus, a German-engineered school pen that has captured my heart with its delightful “Fluffy Cats” design.
Online Campus Fluffy Cats fountain pen
My first encounter with the Online pen brand was a couple of years ago, thanks to a generous pen-loving friend. He gifted me his Online College pen, and I was immediately impressed by its smooth writing experience and how comfortable it felt in my left hand, despite my somewhat awkward overwriting style. His College pen boasted a broad 0.8mm stub nib and a fun pink design featuring melons and pineapples. Intriguingly, he mentioned his Online “Fluffy Cats” pen with particular fondness, even considering it a favorite amongst his extensive collection of higher-end pens from brands like Pelikan, Pilot, Lamy, and Montblanc. This endorsement from a seasoned pen enthusiast definitely piqued my interest.
Despite my curiosity, I hadn’t come across the Fluffy Cats version for sale until a casual browse through Amazon last weekend. To my surprise, there it was: an Online Campus fountain pen adorned with the Fluffy Cats design, equipped with a Medium nib, and priced at a reasonable £14.99. Having already enjoyed writing with the Online College and Bachelor models, both fitted with the 0.8mm stub nib, I was eager to test out the standard Medium nib, which I had heard positive reviews about.
To make the purchase more worthwhile and to have a spare, perhaps for a different ink, location, or even to gift to another pen aficionado, I ordered two of these charming Fluffy Cats pens.
Unboxing (or Lack Thereof)
The pens arrived swiftly within 24 hours in a simple brown cardboard envelope, nestled loosely inside. Minimalist packaging indeed! There was no accompanying paperwork, but each pen had a sticker on the cap indicating the manufacturer, Online Schreibgerate, a barcode, and the nib size (Medium). Each pen included a single Online long blue ink cartridge, compatible with standard international fittings and also cleverly designed to fit Lamy pens. Regrettably, no converter was included this time.
Close-up of Online Campus Fluffy Cats fountain pen design
My initial impressions were overwhelmingly positive. The pen body is decorated with ten rows of adorable, cartoon-style fluffy cats, each with unique colors and expressions. These playful felines instantly reminded me of the five feral cats that have become part of our extended family, frequenting our garden and relying on our daily feedings. The “fluffy cats” design truly adds a touch of whimsy and joy to this pen.
Beyond the charming aesthetics, the Campus pen feels noticeably more substantial than the College model. It’s slightly bigger and heavier, featuring a stainless steel pocket clip instead of plastic. The pen body also boasts a “soft touch” finish, giving it a pleasant, slightly rubbery texture. The ends of the pen are plastic but cleverly painted silver to mimic the look of metal, adding a touch of sophistication to its playful design.
The cap snaps on and off with a satisfying pop and click, fitting securely and flushly when posted. Posting the cap adds considerable length to the pen without compromising its balance, making it comfortable to use even for extended writing sessions.
Online Campus Fluffy Cats fountain pen with cap posted
As my current pen collection is largely filled with blue and blue-black inks, I decided to try out the Campus pen with a Kaweco ruby red cartridge. It inserted smoothly into the section, leaving space for a spare short cartridge in the barrel – a handy feature for longer writing sessions or travel. The section also incorporates a clear plastic ink window, allowing you to easily monitor the ink level and cartridge within.
Size and Weight Specifications
When capped, the Campus pen measures 141mm in length. Uncapped, it is 123mm long, and when posted, it extends to a generous 173mm. The barrel’s widest point is approximately 13mm, while the grip section tapers from 11mm down to 9mm near the nib, providing a comfortable and ergonomic hold.
The entire pen, without ink, weighs a mere 13g. Uncapped, it weighs just 8g, with the cap contributing only about 5g to the total weight. For comparison, the Online College pen weighs in at a lighter 10g.
Nib Performance and Writing Experience
The stainless steel Medium nib is equipped with an iridium tip. While the product description mentioned it being “right-handed,” the tipping appears symmetrical to my eye. I’m unsure if a left-handed version exists or how it might differ. The nib has a pleasant springiness, not overly rigid, allowing for a slight line variation with pressure. However, the most impressive aspect is its flawless writing performance straight out of the packaging (or rather, envelope). No nib adjustments were needed; this pen was ready to write immediately. This ease of use might surprise those accustomed to experiencing issues with pens costing significantly more! I was genuinely delighted by the smoothness and consistent ink flow, even for a left-handed overwriter like myself who sometimes prefers wetter nibs. The “fluffy cats” pen delivers a consistently enjoyable writing experience.
I am still uncertain whether this Fluffy Cats edition is a re-release of a previously popular design. I had believed they were discontinued. A quick search on the company’s website (Online-pen.com) didn’t reveal a Fluffy Cats version. It’s possible they are still in production, have been reintroduced, or perhaps Amazon had some remaining stock from a previous run. Regardless of its origin, I am thrilled to own this pen and now eagerly anticipate using my Fluffy Cats pen at every opportunity.
Online Campus Fluffy Cats fountain pen with cap posted
From top to bottom: Online Bachelor, Online College, and Online Campus fountain pens, showcasing size differences.
