MODTECH V2 vs. V3 Research Pens

1. Choose your finish. Keep the same cartridge.

Choosing between the MODTECH V2 and V3 research pens? Both use compatible MODTECH 3mL glass cartridges and a 60-click dial. The clearest buying difference is the finish: the V2 comes in five colors, while the V3 comes in matte black.

Choose V2 for silver, blue, green, pink or orange.

Choose V3 if you prefer matte black and a pen clip.

Compare the current price and included items on the product page before choosing your pen or kit.

MODTECH V2 pen in silver and V3 pen in matte black, lying flat — The same length, the same dial and the same cartridge. Only the finish and the clip differ.

2. MODTECH V2 vs. V3: side by side

Research pen features and buying options
Feature	V2 research pen	V3 research pen
Finish	Silver, blue, green, pink or orange	Matte black
Pen clip	—	Yes, from the V1-style design
Body	Machined aluminum	Machined aluminum
Dial	60 click-stop increments	60 click-stop increments
Each click	0.01 mL per click	0.01 mL per click
Compatible cartridge	MODTECH 3mL glass cartridge with 11mm stopper	MODTECH 3mL glass cartridge with 11mm stopper
Standalone pen	Cartridges sold separately	Cartridges sold separately
Kit choices	Pen with 10 or 20 cartridges; color choices vary by kit	Pen with 20 cartridges

They measure the same, dispense the same and hold the same. There is no “more accurate” model. Choose on the finish you prefer and what comes in the box.

Close-up of the silver V2 dial: clear window, 60 click stops, 0.01 mL per click — The V2 dial up close. The V3 uses the same 60-click dial, in black.

Shop the V2 research pen Shop the V3 research pen

3. Where does the V3's design come from?

The V3 brings two pens together. Its pen clip and cap styling come from the common V1-style research pen. Its 60-click dial, cartridge holder and dispensing mechanism come from the MODTECH V2. So the V3 dispenses exactly like the V2 and takes the same cartridge. What changes is how it looks and carries: a matte black body with a pen clip on the side. Choose the V3 if you want the clip or the black finish. Choose the V2 for a color.

The matte black V3 pen in parts: cap, cartridge holder, body with the 60-click dial, and the screw rod — The screw rod in the picture is the plunger. The dial knob is the end of the body, and tips are sold separately.

4. Should you buy a pen or a kit?

A standalone pen is useful if you already have compatible cartridges. If you need both, compare a pen and cartridge kit with buying the items separately.

Check the selected product for current availability, color choices and included items. Pens and cartridges ship empty. No substances are included.

5. Do V2 and V3 use the same cartridges?

Yes. MODTECH sterile 3mL glass cartridges fit both models, and V1-style pens that take a standard 3mL cartridge with an 11mm stopper. The 10-pack and 20-pack contain the same cartridge, so choose the quantity that suits your restock.

The cartridges use borosilicate glass and an 11mm stopper. They are individually sealed. Check compatibility before buying cartridges from another supplier; capacity alone does not establish a fit.

Shop sterile 3mL glass cartridges Read cartridge compatibility details

6. Have a V1-style pen?

MODTECH makes the V2 and V3. Many research pens on the market use the older V1-style design, and MODTECH 3mL cartridges fit those too: borosilicate glass, 11mm stopper, no adapter. If your pen's fit or condition is in doubt, email tfortech@modtechsupply.net before using it.

7. Where to go next

Need help choosing?

Email tfortech@modtechsupply.net. We reply within one business day.

MODTECH products are precision hardware sold for laboratory and research use only. They are not medical devices. No substances are included with or sold alongside any product, and nothing on this page constitutes medical advice or instructions for administering any substance to humans or animals.