Est. 2026 · Price: FreeEditor-at-large: The Hedgehog

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uni-ball Signo RT1: Edgeless Tip, 0.28 to 0.5 mm

Compiled from 5 sources; we haven't tested this product ourselves yet. How we research

Quick answer

The uni-ball Signo RT1 (UMN-155) is Mitsubishi Pencil's retractable fine gel pen with an edgeless tip: the rim around the ball is rounded off to cut friction. It comes in 0.28, 0.38 and 0.5 mm, each in 10 colors of water-based pigment ink, at ¥165 (about US$1.00) in Japan, and takes UMR-82, UMR-83 and UMR-85N refills.

On this page11 sections
Black uni-ball Signo RT1 retractable gel pen drawn in proportion, with an inset of the edgeless tip
The Signo RT1 in black; the grip and body meet without a visible step.

Product facts

Product
uni-ball Signo RT1 retractable gel pen (UMN-155N), 0.38 mm, black
Brand
uni-ball
Brand origin
Japan
Made in
Not stated*
Material
Plastic body, rubber front grip, stainless steel tip; water-based pigment gel ink
Price range
$under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count)
Ink colors

Black0.28, 0.38, 0.5 mm

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Notes on these facts
  • Made by Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd.. Country of manufacture not stated: Mitsubishi Pencil's Japanese product and refill pages don't state a country of manufacture, and we found no retailer page that states it.
  • Colors: names per Mitsubishi Pencil Japan, checked October 24, 2026. The ten ink colors Mitsubishi Pencil's Japanese page lists for the UMN-155N in each of 0.28, 0.38 and 0.5 mm (names translated from its Japanese); the body is tinted to match the ink. The same page also lists a UMN-155C 0.38 mm version with Cherry Red, Light Pink, Aqua and Black Pink bodies and black ink. Tints were sampled from Mitsubishi Pencil's product photos. Tints are representative, not measured. Shops stock different colors.
  • Price bands are typical US retail, checked October 2026. Conversions to US dollars are approximate, at October 2026 rates (US$1 = ¥158 = ₩1,330 = NT$32.5 = CN¥6.7 = SEK 9.9 = DKK 6.7 = ₺49.6 = C$1.41 = A$1.43 = CZK 21.7; €1 = US$1.12; £1 = US$1.32; CHF 1 = US$1.21).

Key takeaways

  • Mitsubishi Pencil Japan lists the Signo RT1 in 0.28, 0.38 and 0.5 mm, 10 colors each, at ¥165 (about US$1.00).
  • Its edgeless tip removes the corner at the rim of the stainless steel tip, which Mitsubishi Pencil says reduces friction against the paper.
  • Refills are UMR-82 (0.28 mm), UMR-83 (0.38 mm) and UMR-85N (0.5 mm) at ¥88 (about US$0.60); the UMR-85N also fits the Japanese Signo 207 (UMN-207-05).
  • The black 0.38 mm is UMN-155N-38, code UMN155N38.24, JAN 4902778142653.
  • Mitsubishi Pencil doesn't publish a length or weight for the RT1.

What is the uni-ball Signo RT1?

It is uni-ball’s retractable fine Signo, built around an edgeless tip for a smoother line in 0.28 to 0.5 mm. Mitsubishi Pencil sells it in Japan as the uni-ball Signo RT1 (UMN-155N) with the tagline “極細なのになめらか”: extra fine, yet smooth.

It is the click-pen counterpart to the capped Signo DX (UM-151), and JetPens features its edgeless tip in its fine-tip gel pen guide.

What is the edgeless tip?

The tip’s rim around the ball is rounded off, so no sharp corner drags on the paper. Mitsubishi Pencil says this reduces friction between the tip and the paper, which matters most at 0.28 and 0.38 mm, where fine tips tend to feel scratchy.

It pairs that with a stainless steel tip for strength and a spring-loaded tip that stops ink flowing out when the pen sits unused. Mitsubishi Pencil also says it reworked the ink for vivid color, low bleeding and smoother writing while keeping the fine line.

uni-ball Signo RT1 specs

Spec Value
Maker Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd., Japan
Type Retractable gel pen, water-based pigment ink
Sizes 0.28, 0.38, 0.5 mm (UMN-155N-28 / -38 / -05)
Colors 10 per size
Tip Stainless steel, edgeless, spring-loaded
Grip Rubber over the whole front section
Refills UMR-82 / UMR-83 / UMR-85N
Black 0.38 mm code / JAN UMN155N38.24 / 4902778142653
Japanese list price ¥165 (about US$1.00); refills ¥88 (about US$0.60)
Length / weight Not published

All values are from Mitsubishi Pencil’s Japanese product and refill pages.

Which Signo RT1 size should you choose?

0.38 mm for everyday notes, 0.28 mm for planners and small grids, and 0.5 mm for a bolder line that also shares its refill with the Signo 207.

Signo RT1 ball sizes at 200 times: 0.28, 0.38 and 0.5 mm with refills UMR-82, UMR-83 and UMR-85N
Each size has its own refill code.

What does the Signo RT1 look like?

A slim, smooth tube: Mitsubishi Pencil calls it a “one-motion” design, with the grip and barrel joined so the seam barely shows. The whole front section is rubber, and the body has no steps or ridges, which the maker says gives it a flowing, simple shape.

Mitsubishi Pencil’s photo of the black 0.38 mm shows an all-black pen with a black clip and knock, which is how we drew it. Its understated look suits an office as much as a planner.

What refills does the Signo RT1 use?

UMR-82 (0.28 mm), UMR-83 (0.38 mm) and UMR-85N (0.5 mm), each ¥88 (about US$0.60) in Japan. Mitsubishi Pencil lists the UMR-83 for the older Signo RT (UMN-103) too, and the UMR-85N for the Signo RT (UMN-105), Pure Malt (UMN-515) and Japanese Signo 207 (UMN-207-05).

That makes the 0.5 mm the most flexible size: one refill fits several uni-ball bodies.

Signo RT1 vs Signo DX vs Signo 207

Pick the RT1 for a fine click pen, the DX for the most colors with a cap, and the 207 for easy US availability.

Signo RT1 Signo DX Signo 207
Mechanism Retractable Cap Retractable
Sizes 0.28, 0.38, 0.5 mm 0.28, 0.38, 0.5 mm 0.38 to 1.0 mm
Colors 10 per size 31 in 0.38 mm See its guide
Tip Edgeless Standard Standard
Price band $ $ $

For another fine click pen, compare the Zebra Sarasa Nano, or see our best gel pens.

Where is the uni-ball Signo RT1 made?

Mitsubishi Pencil doesn’t state the country on its Japanese pages. The company is based in Tokyo; we list it as not stated until we can check a pen or package.

Frequently asked questions

What does edgeless tip mean on the Signo RT1?

Mitsubishi Pencil rounds off the corner at the end of the metal tip around the ball, so the tip's rim doesn't scrape the paper. It says this lowers friction and makes fine sizes feel smoother.

Is the Signo RT1 the same as the Signo DX?

No. The Signo DX (UM-151) is capped; the RT1 (UMN-155) is retractable with a different tip and refill. Both come in 0.28, 0.38 and 0.5 mm.

What refill fits the Signo RT1?

UMR-82 for 0.28 mm, UMR-83 for 0.38 mm and UMR-85N for 0.5 mm, per Mitsubishi Pencil Japan, at ¥88 (about US$0.60) each.

Can I put a Signo RT1 refill in a Signo 207?

The 0.5 mm UMR-85N is listed for both the RT1 and the Japanese Signo 207 (UMN-207-05). Check the refill code your US 207 takes before buying.

How many colors does the Signo RT1 come in?

Ten in each of the three sizes, 30 pens in all, according to Mitsubishi Pencil Japan.

How long is the Signo RT1?

Mitsubishi Pencil doesn't publish a length or weight. Our cover is drawn in proportion; we'll add a measurement after our own test.

Sources (5)

  1. Mitsubishi Pencil Japan: ユニボール シグノ RT1 (edgeless tip, ink, one-motion design; read October 22, 2026)
  2. Mitsubishi Pencil Japan: ユニボール シグノ RT1 UMN-155N (sizes, 10 colors each, codes, JAN, ¥165; read October 22, 2026)
  3. Mitsubishi Pencil Japan: ゲルインクボールペン替芯 (UMR-82, UMR-83, UMR-85N refills and compatible pens)
  4. JetPens: The Best Fine-Tip Gel Pens (Signo RT1's edgeless tip)
  5. JetPens: Uni-ball Signo: A Comprehensive Guide

Plain-text version for AI agents: uni-ball-signo-rt1.md · Spotted an error? See how we check facts.