I will try my best to make this short and sweet!
I went the distance on this comparison because i noticed after disassembling the TKMatic L that the longer lead/eraser holder tube looked exactly like the one on the Alpha. The plastic on the TK and Alpha does not lend well to sliding that tube out so i just took my time and went for it. I ended up putting a hairline crack in the threads on my Alpha to achieve this disassembly.
I discovered, as the advertisement above showed, that the Aviator is in fact NOT automatic feed. It is simply a double knock pencil with ALL metal parts including the clutch. I do not want to detract from how satisfying it feels and sounds when you push the button to retract the tip once youre done with it.
The Alpha has plastic clutch internals, as does the TKMatic that i used as a reference all the way to the right. The L has metal clutch internals. I do believe ive read that earlier versions on the TKMatic have all metal internals but i cannot confirm this for myself.
There are many opinions on plastic and whether or not it is a negative within a pencils internal mechanism and i myself am not deterred by a quality pencil with plastic within it. I am not convinced that plastic is wholly a bad decision in the way of a properly working mechanism that will also stand the test of time. Metal corrodes and rusts, plastic does not. MAYBE if the pencil is kept in optimum climate/atmosphere conditions with low humidity and low salt content within the air then the metal could be a better option. I also believe under the right circumstances that the plastic may have a better grip on the lead inside of it. I have no proof to back this belief.
I decided to test whether the lead/eraser pipe in the L was in fact the same as the Alpha , so i switched them. Fit like a glove. As supected they are in fact the same. I also left the switch in place because i really didnt enjoy the extra stress on the threads of my Alpha.
I believe i will stick with my earlier assertion that my order of favoritism is the TKMatic, Aviator, and then the Alpha.
I am disappointed that the Alpha is just a rebranded TKMatic but with a different tip that can also be switched between the two. Really the decision between them comes to which tip you like and which push button you like.
This difference does not justify the difference in price between them though because i dont really consider either to be an upgrade.
The Aviator is a nice pencil that is also very “clinky clinky” in its action but is smooth. The satisfaction of pressing the button is noteworthy.
As @drifand once said (not a perfect quote) " I personally dont see the point of the Mitsubishi 2050. Id recommend just saving your money for the 3051 or the 5050."
I can say that i think that statement applies perfectly to the Aviator/Alpha decision.
Avoid the Alpha, save your money for the Aviator.
