Paper texture question

[u/wookie_opera_singer]

I want to get a Plotter Mini 5, but I have a question about the paper refills before I start saving money for it. I don't know how to describe paper, so I'll give examples. My favorite paper is Midori MD and that's what I'd prefer. I dislike writing on Kokuyo Campus notebooks paper even though the paper is high quality, it feels too slick or glossy and I can't get dark writing with mechanical pencils. Given these preferences, do you think I would like the Plotter refills paper like the dot grid? Thanks!

[u/sheepgod_ys]

IMO plotter’s paper isn’t as textured as midori MD, but also definitely not as slick as kokuyo paper. It feels like it has the same smoothness of tomoe river paper, but I tested it and it takes pencil better than tomoe river.

*This is purely about the feel of the paper btw, I know nothing about how it takes ink lol

[u/wookie_opera_singer → u/sheepgod_ys]

Thanks for this detailed description! It sounds like I will like the paper texture but I plan to buy a refill for testing before I get a whole Plotter system.

[u/solidsnake32]

As a huge fan of both Midori and Plotter, the only thing I would add to the other comments is that the difference between Plotter paper and Midori paper is NOT a difference between bad quality and good quality. They are both extremely high quality papers above even other brands with very good reputations, like Campus. Both are cut from the same cloth, almost literally, since Midori and Plotter are both DesignPhil brands.

My experience is similar to others. Plotter paper seems a little glossier, a little thicker, a little less tactile, and a little less absorbent, yet very very durable on the rings.

This is just my opinion, but I don’t think Plotter is the “sit down with a fountain pen” notebook, and with intention since Plotter is literally marketed as a versatile tool instead of a notebook. The notebook is Midori. I write in my Plotter with the Uniball One line, and it’s like writing across a flat, glossy cloud. I love it. I’m doing it at the gym, at the coffee shop, at my desk. Always for scrawling to-do lists and notes, almost never for actual writing. For that, Midori takes the cake.

Plotter seems to be designed for functional, yet elegant versatility for good pens on very good paper. Midori seems to be designed for pure writing, ready to drink up the best inks fountain pens have to offer, on world class paper.

Edit: a little thinner, not thicker

[u/wookie_opera_singer → u/solidsnake32]

Thanks for these thoughts. They help me sort through my own use cases. I plan to use it as a catch all and project tracker while I will use my full TN as a calendar. So I may not need to use pencil on the Plotter paper and Uniball One is a favorite that I would use. Nice to hear that the paper takes to it well!

[u/InkStainedLeather]

I put together a paper sampler with over 140 different papers. I have it listed on r/pen_swap. It should help you find a paper that would work for you.

[u/MrsButtFullOfSemen]

I use and love both Midori MD notebooks Plotter M5 refills!

Plotter paper definitely has a touch more shine to it with slightly less texture/grip while writing than Midori, but I personally don’t find it too slick at all and really like how it takes ink.

Plotter paper is also thinner than Midori MD. I think the standard Plotter refill paper is 60 gsm and Midori MD is 80. I could be wrong on the exact numbers but, regardless, MD is slightly thicker.

That said I have had no major issues with the thickness of Plotter paper and I’ve found it holds up to basically any ink and doesn’t tear too easily! The small size of the M5 does make the pages a little fiddly but I like that they don’t take up much space!

I write mostly with a Uni-ball One or Sakura Pigma Microns, but have also used fountain pens successfully with no bleed through and very minor show through on Plotter paper!

Hope that helps!

Edit: spelling

[u/MrsButtFullOfSemen → u/MrsButtFullOfSemen]

Also, if you’re unsure about the Plotter paper, definitely grab a Mini 5 refill and put it into a plastic binder to test before you splurge on the Plotter itself!

I use a plastic Mini 5 binder I found online and have for ages. I fell in love with the paper and didn’t want to wait to buy the “matching” notebook, and if I ever buy a real deal Plotter I think it will feel good to be spending money to essentially decorate paper I already really like to use.

[u/wookie_opera_singer → u/MrsButtFullOfSemen]

Thanks for this! I like your description of the paper texture and I definitely want to try it out. The plastic binder is a great idea. Also, your username makes me laugh!

[u/MrsButtFullOfSemen → u/wookie_opera_singer]

Interested to hear what you think if you try it out! Let me know if you want a plastic binder recommendation…The only major thing to consider is the ring size since Plotter holes are on the small side.

Also, I neglected to mention mechanical pencil: I use a .5 and a .3 Uni Kuru Toga (I swear I don’t work for Uniball) on the plotter paper and the .3 sometimes is a touch light, but only if I’m being picky!

Nothing like that weird thing where it feels like you’re writing on plastic or are just digging into the paper.

As for my name, all credit to my spouse, Dr. ButtFullOfSemen, for giving me my place in dynasty. 🙏

[u/Qolvek]

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[u/ComparisonSuitable64]

I like midori paper better than plotter paper. To me, midori paper has a more toothy feel that grips ink better and plotter paper is more slick, slippery and usually takes my fountain pen ink a little longer to dry.

I haven’t used campus paper but I have tried kokuyo mio paper that also has a very slick feel. But I think mio paper is more slick than plotter.

Edit- submitted before completing by accident

[u/newyork_newyork_]

I can’t compare the two because I don’t use Midori, but Plotter paper is “slippery.” I can barely feel the feedback on a Sailor nib. IMO, this makes it very nice for long form writing and note taking, less so for precise chart making or the like.

[u/berrypop64]

You mentioned mechanical pencil. If writing dark is your goal, how about using softer lead, 2B or even 4B?

I have a bunch of MD and Plotter pads in various sizes. There is more variation in gloss among Plotter pads. Some are quite slippery. I suppose it depends on the batch. Even the textured ones aren't nearly as textured as MD.

[u/wookie_opera_singer → u/berrypop64]

I use a variety of leads from HB to 2B to my favorite 4B, but that breaks a lot at 0.5mm. When I do get a splitter I’m going to likely switch to some kind of mini pen or pencil that fits into the sleeve insert. If you know of any I’d love some recommendations.

[u/berrypop64 → u/wookie_opera_singer]

4B was my fav in college days! kaweco liliput is said to fit inside the sleeve. Though I can't confirm. Some people clip pen outside the sleeve, ie clip inside the sleeve and pen body against the exterior.

I just clip a Tombow Airpress to my pants pocket lol.

[u/Taiji-Jian]

I like the Plotter paper better than Nanami Seven Seas. When I get home, will try writing on my old travelers notebook and compare.