TWSBI Vac 700R Kyanite Fountain Pen - Clear with plated aluminium trim

See your machinery at work

The TWSBI Vac 700R Kyanite takes the oversized Vac 700R demonstrator and gives it a cooler personality. The blue plated trim changes the whole mood of the pen. It feels more technical, more mechanical, less “clear demonstrator” and more like a piece of equipment. You still get the full view of the vacuum mechanism, huge ink chamber, and TWSBI’s large #6 nib, for smooth, uninterrupted writing.

What sets it apart

• Vacuum filling system with huge ink capacity and shut-off valve for travel
• Kyanite blue trim gives the clear demonstrator body a much sharper look
• Crystal clear barrel lets you see the ink level and mechanism
  
• Large stainless steel #6 nib unit, for smooth writing and easy nib swaps
  
• Designed to be maintained and disassembled 

Feel in the hand

Vac fillers have a different kind of feel to them. The long pull rod, the pressure change, and then the sudden rush of ink into the barrel. The filling system, oversized barrel, and blue-plated details make the pen feel more mechanical, with you in control.

Who it’s for

• Demonstrator fans looking for something more dramatic
• Writers who use a lot of ink and get annoyed by frequent refilling
• Travellers who want the shut-off valve security
• Fountain pen users ready for something a bit more involved than cartridge/converter pens
  
• People who enjoy mechanics and visible engineering

Not for

• Cartridge users who want zero maintenance
• People who prefer small or lightweight pens
• Writers with petite hands
• Anyone wanting the simplest possible fountain pen set up

Practical tips

• Pull the rod out slowly, then push in quickly for max fills
• During longer writing sessions, unscrew the rear blind cap slightly so ink can move past the shut-off valve

FAQs

What’s different about the Vac 700R compared to the 580?
The Vac 700R uses a vacuum filling system instead of a piston system, holds significantly more ink and has more back weight. The Vac 700R also has a larger nib, providing more reach to the page.

Is it difficult to fill?
No, but it takes a little practice at first. We recommend doing the first fill with a cup of water, to both flush the pen and get a feel for the mechanism movement.

Is it difficult to clean?
Not really. Use the mechanism to expel any remaining ink, then do a few cycles of water into the pen to rinse out the barrel.

Can the nib be swapped?
Yes, compatible nib units are available separately. They screw on and are easy to exchange.

Does the plating wear off?
Under normal use, no. The plating holds up well.

What other non-Twsbi nibs will fit this pen?
Complete nib units of other brands are not usually swappable, but a JoWo or Bock size #6 bare nib can usually be fitted into the Vac 700R nib unit. This could include Opus 88 nibs and FPR, but be aware there might not be perfect feed contact.

Does it come with ink?
No, bottled fountain pen ink is required.

Can I use it with document or shimmer ink?
Yes, but cleaning the barrel is not as easy compared to cartridge/converter and piston filler pens. 

Why did my pen stop writing?
For long writing sessions, you need to unscrew the end cap a few rotations to enable ink to flow. If the ink starts skipping, check you have undone the end cap enough.

What’s included

• TWSBI Vac 700R Kyanite Fountain Pen
• Presentation case
• Wrench
• Silicone grease
• Instruction leaflet
• Free tuning option from LarryPOST

Ink pairing suggestions

• Deep blue and blue-black inks suit the industrial look
• Teal and turquoise inks further push the kyanite colour
• Cool greys are a good match to the technical appeal

Build your practice

• The Twsbi Vac20A Ink Well makes filling less messy
• Replacement 700R nibs are great for exploring line widths
• A lot of Vac users also like the TWSBI Precision mechanical pencils
• Works well alongside the Traveler's Co refillable notebook system

Specifications

• Brand: TWSBI
• Brand series: Vac 700R
• Launch: July 2024
• Origin: Taiwan
• Nib: Stainless steel
• Nib sizes: EF, F, M, B, 1.1mm stub
• Filling system: Vac filler (2mL)
• Body: Transparent polycarbonate
• Trim: Kyanite colour plated Stainless steel
• Cap: Twist
• Grip: approx. 10mm
• Diametre: approx. 17mm
• Length: approx. 146mm (capped)
• Weight: approx. 35g (capped)
• Comparable size: Pelikan M800, Pilot Custom 823

A demonstrator for people who enjoy the mechanics as much as the writing itself.