Pentel Ain Stein Mechanical Pencil Lead, 0.5mm B, 40 Leads (C275-B)

These are the best 0.5mm leads I have used. They don't break excessively easily but they produce a good dark tone at full pressure and with care can be used for a wide variety of tones from very dark to very light. A very fine product and at a decent price too.

Traditionally 0.5mm clutch pencils come with HB leads and produce a harsh line but these 3B leads are brilliant, soft easy to write with and are easy to read the text.Amazon's packaging was poor they almost fell out of the cardboard sleeve, but the container that the leads came in is great, twist top and it easily dispenses a few leads through a small delivery hole.Im very pleased and will buy againe.

These are just so much durable than any HB lead I've used in the past, that I see no reason to ever go back. The line is somewhat brighter, but unless accurate shading is important to you, it's barely noticable.

Switching from HB to B for a self-advancing mechanical pencil gave a clearer line and significantly fewer lead breaks. Will continue using this.

Strong, sturdy, no flimsy leads.What more can I say other than don't go cheaper when it comes to buying these. They are worth their weight in gold.