Choosing the perfect notebook can feel like a quest for the Holy Grail for any journaling enthusiast. The right notebook can elevate your creative process and make every entry a joy. Today, we’re diving deep into a highly anticipated comparison between two titans of the journaling world.
On one side, we have the vibrant and feature-rich Scribbles That Matter. Known for its innovative designs and community focus, it’s a favorite for many. On the other, the esteemed Leuchtturm1917, a brand synonymous with quality, tradition, and a classic aesthetic.
Both offer unique strengths, but which one truly deserves a spot on your desk? Let’s break down the Scribbles That Matter vs Leuchtturm debate to help you make an informed decision.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | scribbles that matter | leuchtturm |
|---|---|---|
| Paper Weight | 100gsm | 80gsm (standard) or 100gsm (premium) |
| Paper Type | Acid-free, archival quality | Acid-free, archival quality |
| Page Count | 176 pages | 120 or 249 pages |
| Ruling | Dotted, Lined, Blank, Squared | Dotted, Lined, Blank |
| Cover Material | Hardcover, Softcover | Hardcover, Softcover |
| Binding | Lay-flat | Lay-flat |
| Page Numbering | Yes | Yes |
| Index Pages | Yes | Yes |
| Yes | Yes | |
| Elastic Closure | Yes | Yes |
| Bookmark Ribbon | 1 or 2 | 1 or 2 |
| Perforated Pages | Some models | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Paper Quality
- Scribbles That Matter: Known for its thick, often 100gsm or higher, paper. This generally leads to minimal ghosting and bleed-through, making it excellent for various pens, including markers and fountain pens. The paper is usually smooth, providing a pleasant writing experience.
- Leuchtturm: Typically uses 80gsm paper, which is still good quality but can show more ghosting with very wet inks or markers. While generally smooth, some users report slight texture differences. It’s a solid choice for everyday writing but might not be ideal for heavy ink users.
- Winner: scribbles that matter
Binding
- Scribbles That Matter: Often features a lay-flat binding, allowing for comfortable writing across the entire page without the book snapping shut. This is a significant advantage for journaling and note-taking.
- Leuchtturm: Also boasts a lay-flat binding, a hallmark of their notebooks. This ensures ease of use and accessibility to all parts of the page.
- Winner: Tie
Page Numbering
- Scribbles That Matter: Many of their notebooks come with pre-numbered pages, which is incredibly useful for creating indexes and easily referencing notes. This feature is often appreciated by bullet journalers.
- Leuchtturm: Famous for its integrated page numbering system. This is a core feature that simplifies organization and allows for efficient indexing.
- Winner: Tie
Index Pages
- Scribbles That Matter: Usually includes dedicated index pages at the beginning of the notebook. This makes it easy to create a table of contents for your notes, enhancing organization and retrieval.
- Leuchtturm: Comes with a built-in index at the front. This is a standard and highly functional feature for anyone who needs to locate specific information quickly.
- Winner: Tie
Pen Loop
- Scribbles That Matter: Many models include a pen loop, which is a convenient addition for keeping your favorite pen attached to your notebook. This prevents you from losing your writing instrument and ensures you always have it handy.
- Leuchtturm: Consistently includes a pen loop on its notebooks. This is a practical feature that many users find indispensable for their daily workflow.
- Winner: Tie
Cover Material and Durability
- Scribbles That Matter: Offers a range of cover materials, often including durable faux leather or cloth. These covers are generally robust and designed to withstand regular use, protecting the internal pages.
- Leuchtturm: Features a hard, durable cover, typically made of faux leather. These covers are known for their resilience and ability to protect the notebook’s contents from wear and tear.
- Winner: Tie
Page Count and Size Options
- Scribbles That Matter: Provides a good variety of page counts and common notebook sizes, catering to different user needs. You can often find options that suit both extensive note-taking and more compact journaling.
- Leuchtturm: Offers a standard range of popular sizes (e.g., A5, A4) and typically has a generous page count. Their consistent sizing makes it easy to find a familiar format.
- Winner: Tie
Price Point
- Scribbles That Matter: Generally positioned as a more budget-friendly option compared to Leuchtturm. This makes it an attractive choice for students or those who go through notebooks quickly without compromising too much on quality.
- Leuchtturm: Considered a premium notebook brand, often coming with a higher price tag. While an investment, many users feel the quality and features justify the cost.
- Winner: scribbles that matter
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Paper Thickness & Ink Handling | scribbles that matter (generally) |
| Ruling Variety | scribbles that matter |
| Brand Reputation & Legacy | leuchtturm |
| Perforated Pages | leuchtturm |
| Overall Value | scribbles that matter |
| Premium Feel | leuchtturm |
What They Have in Common
- Paper Quality: Both brands utilize acid-free, archival quality paper that is designed to resist yellowing and fading over time, making them suitable for long-term storage of notes and artwork.
- Lay-Flat Binding: Both notebooks are constructed with a binding that allows them to lie flat when opened. This feature is crucial for comfortable writing and drawing, especially across the center of a spread.
- Page Numbering and Index: Both scribbles that matter and Leuchtturm notebooks come with pre-numbered pages and dedicated index pages at the front. This organization system is invaluable for quickly locating specific notes or entries.
- Internal Pocket: A convenient pocket is included in the back cover of both brands. This pocket is perfect for storing loose papers, stickers, receipts, or other small ephemera.
- Elastic Closure and Bookmark: To keep your notebook secure and to help you keep track of your place, both brands feature an elastic band closure and one or more bookmark ribbons.
- Variety of Cover Options: Both offer a range of cover materials, including both durable hardcovers and more flexible softcovers, allowing users to choose based on their personal preference and intended use.
Scribbles That Matter vs Leuchtturm Buying Guide
Paper Quality and Weight
Scribbles That Matter notebooks are renowned for their exceptionally thick, bleed-proof paper, often boasting 160gsm or even higher. This makes them ideal for heavy ink users, watercolor artists, and those who love to layer various mediums without worrying about ghosting or bleed-through. The paper’s texture is generally smooth, providing a pleasant writing experience.
Leuchtturm1917 notebooks typically feature 80gsm or 100gsm paper, which is still good quality and suitable for most pens, including fountain pens. While it offers a pleasant writing surface, it may not be as resilient to very wet inks or extensive marker use as Scribbles That Matter. The slight tooth of the paper can offer a satisfying tactile feel for some writers. (See Also: Iphone 12 Vs 13 )
Binding and Durability
Scribbles That Matter notebooks often feature robust binding that allows them to lay relatively flat when opened, enhancing usability, especially for journaling and extensive note-taking. The covers are usually durable, designed to withstand regular use and transport. The overall construction aims for longevity and a comfortable user experience during prolonged creative sessions.
Leuchtturm1917 notebooks are known for their excellent lay-flat binding, a hallmark of quality stationery. This feature is crucial for comfortable writing and sketching across the entire page. Their hardcovers are exceptionally durable, designed to protect the contents and maintain their structure even with frequent travel and heavy use.
Features and Customization
Scribbles That Matter often includes thoughtful features tailored for bullet journaling and artistic endeavors. These can range from numbered pages and a table of contents to pre-dotted grids and pockets. Some editions might offer unique layouts or additional inserts, catering to a specific creative workflow and providing a more integrated journaling experience.
Leuchtturm1917 notebooks are celebrated for their minimalist yet highly functional design. Standard features include numbered pages, a table of contents, an index section, a pocket in the back cover, and an elastic closure band. They also come with a set of self-adhesive labels for easy archiving, offering a clean and organized approach to note-taking. (See Also: Vvs Moissanite Vs Diamond )
Price Point and Value
Scribbles That Matter notebooks generally sit at a higher price point, reflecting their premium paper quality and specialized features. The value lies in their suitability for artists and heavy media users who require superior paper performance. For those who demand the best in terms of paper resilience and bleed-through prevention, the investment is often considered worthwhile.
Leuchtturm1917 notebooks are positioned in the mid-to-high range of the notebook market. They offer excellent value for their build quality, comprehensive features, and consistent performance across various writing instruments. Their widespread availability and reputation for reliability make them a popular choice for professionals and students alike.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy scribbles that matter If…
- You prefer a slightly thicker paper weight for less ghosting and bleed-through, especially if you use fountain pens or markers.
- You appreciate the availability of squared ruling options for more structured layouts and diagrams.
- You are looking for a notebook that offers a good balance of quality and often a more accessible price point compared to some premium brands.
Buy leuchtturm If…
- You are a dedicated fountain pen user and want to ensure minimal ghosting and bleed-through, especially with their 100gsm paper option.
- You value a brand with a long-standing reputation for high-quality journaling and planning tools, often seen as a benchmark in the bullet journaling community.
- You need the flexibility of perforated pages for easy removal and sharing of notes or sketches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which notebook is better for fountain pens?
Both notebooks can handle fountain pens well, but Scribbles That Matter’s thicker paper (often 160gsm) offers superior protection against feathering and bleed-through, even with very wet ink. Leuchtturm1917’s 80-100gsm paper is also good and generally performs well, but the thicker paper of Scribbles That Matter provides an extra layer of assurance for ink enthusiasts.
Are Scribbles That Matter notebooks good for art and watercolor?
Absolutely. Scribbles That Matter notebooks are specifically designed with artists in mind, featuring very thick, bleed-proof paper that can handle multiple layers of ink, markers, and even light watercolor washes without significant ghosting or damage. This makes them an excellent choice for mixed-media artists and journalers. (See Also: Dell Inspiron Vs Xps Desktop )
What makes Leuchtturm1917 notebooks popular for bullet journaling?
Leuchtturm1917 notebooks are popular for bullet journaling due to their excellent lay-flat binding, numbered pages, table of contents, and durable construction. The dot-grid layout is perfect for creating trackers, layouts, and lists, while the overall quality ensures a pleasant and reliable journaling experience day after day.
Which notebook is more durable for travel?
Both notebooks are quite durable. However, Leuchtturm1917’s hardcovers are exceptionally robust and known for their resilience to wear and tear, making them a strong contender for frequent travelers. Scribbles That Matter also offers sturdy construction, but the slightly more utilitarian design of Leuchtturm might give it an edge in extreme travel scenarios.
Is the price difference between the two notebooks justified?
The price difference is largely justified by the paper quality. If you primarily use fine liners and regular ballpoint pens, Leuchtturm1917 offers excellent value. However, if you’re an artist using wet media, or a heavy ink user who demands absolute bleed-through prevention, the premium paper of Scribbles That Matter justifies its higher cost.
Final Verdict
When choosing between Scribbles That Matter and Leuchtturm1917, the decision hinges on your primary use. For artists and those who employ a wide range of wet media or heavy inks, Scribbles That Matter’s superior paper quality is unparalleled. For general note-taking, journaling, and everyday use with fountain pens and standard inks, Leuchtturm1917 offers exceptional durability, functionality, and a classic journaling experience at a slightly more accessible price point.
Winner: Scribbles That Matter