Midori MD Dot Grid Notebook Review // pen test, paper comparison & wear test

Рет қаралды 31,506

Күн бұрын

So I've been testing out this midori md notebook for the past couple of weeks and I have some thoughts! In today's video I'll be reviewing the MD A5 notebook journal in dot grid and sharing what I liked about the notebook, along with what I didn't like about the notebook. Yup, that's right I'm spilling (and drinking) all the tea lol. In addition to sharing my own personal thoughts, I'll also be doing a pen test and comparing the paper to other bullet journals and notebooks so you guys can see exactly how this midori notebook performs!
Check out the timestamps below if you wanna skip around :)
0:00 intro
1:20 notebook overview
3:39 pen test
6:50 paper comparisons
7:18 what I liked
13:20 what I didn't like
17:23 recommendations + midori codex
20:02 outro
Shop my lettering, cursive and handwriting printable workbooks // www.etsy.com/ca/shop/ShopKait...
► If you're having a youtube sesh, here are my picks to watch next!
2021 mid year bullet journal setup - • a minimal & simple mid...
2020 bullet journal flip through - • 2020 minimal bullet jo...
► Items mentionned
- Midori A5 Dot grid MD Notebook Journal - www.jetpens.com/Midori-MD-Not...
- Midori A5 Dot grid Codex - www.jetpens.com/Midori-MD-Not...
- Alphabet stamps* - amzn.to/2TzqYnJ
- Black stamp ink - amzn.to/3xzDT7T
- Muji acrylic double ruler - www.muji.us/store/45480762987...
- My favourite pen is the Pentel Philography pen in gold* - amzn.to/3wDIiX4
- Muji 0.5 retractable gel pen refill* - amzn.to/3bSkUdu
► My filming setup:
Camera: Canon M6 Mark ii with the kit lens *- amzn.to/3xdxXRJ
Tripod: Vanguard Alta pro 263AB tripod with a phone mount * - amzn.to/3tGWTiQ
Mic: For voiceovers I use the Blue Yeti USB microphone * - amzn.to/3lwzEVO and I use an Saramonic external mic on my camera* - amzn.to/3AdnWpG
► Social Media
instagram: @itskaitlingrey
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Пікірлер: 99

@KaitlinGrey 2 жыл бұрын

Alrightly! Kinda a chatty video, but hey, I had a lot to say about this notebook! Let me know if you used this notebook and liked/didn't like it, OH and also, let me know which notebook I should try next 👀👀

@helgarodrigues8317 2 жыл бұрын

Love that notebook. But as you said, I don't mind the ghosting (actually like it) and I love the cream color, feels like my eyes don't get as tired. But I got the same problem with the sticker. That only happens on the dot grid version because the sticker is thicker, their other notebooks have a white sticker much thiner that will grab to the sweing better. Overall I just love how cozy and clean it feels, I feel very comfortable using it.

@KaitlinGrey 2 жыл бұрын

That's really interesting, I wonder why the stickers are different thicknesses...... Anywho, I feel the same way, the paper is so easy to look at and yesss it does create all kinds of cozy vibes!

@comfit9280 2 жыл бұрын

I recently ordered one from jetpens to use as a brain dump along with my hobonichi. An A5 grid notebook. Dark dots/grids are the bane of my existence so I'm looking forward to the lighter marks. Ghosting seems to be a big problem for some people but honestly I prefer ghosting. It makes me feel good to be able to see through and see how much I'm writing. Especially when flipping through it.

@KaitlinGrey 2 жыл бұрын

ahaha glad I'm not the only one who dies over dark dot grid!

@ju_is_wanlin 2 жыл бұрын

MD notebook is always my fav. I've been using it for years!

@KaitlinGrey 2 жыл бұрын

oh nice, that's awesome!

@karencolum 2 жыл бұрын

Nice thorough review Kaitlin! I do love Midori MD paper for fountain pens even though there is ghosting. I have to say that I really like the paper cover. I was so surprised how durable that paper cover was. And the texture was nice to touch. I used the B6 slim one for bullet journaling a couple years back. While I love them, I realize that I just need a hardcover notebook. I like to write on the couch and in my bed a lot so I don’t use them anymore.

@KaitlinGrey 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing your experience with fountain pens Karen! I wasn't able to swatch mine bc I just clean it an am waiting to ink it up with a new cartridge that's in the mail, so I'm glad to hear the midori notebook handles the FP ink well! Ahhh yes, I'm a couch journaller as well so I totally get the struggle there haha!

@JournalSunshine 2 жыл бұрын

Ahh this was super helpful! Thank you, Kaitlin.

@pippikrumeluss5167 2 жыл бұрын

I am using this notebook as my bulletjournal and mine has a rusty brown dot grid, which I really love. I don't have the problem with the cover, mine doesn’t bend at all. And I think the sticker on top of the cover is meant to be stuck completely around the spine from the front- to the backcover. That’s why it is so long. Also I love the pages you did in the back. Very aesthetically pleasing !💕💕💕

@KaitlinGrey 2 жыл бұрын

ooooh that's a good point pippi, maybe if the sticker attaches to the back it will be more adhered since its on the back cover! I'll have to try that. That's so interesting you pages are a different colour, I had no idea midori did that 😯

@MachuBaxter 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the thorough review! I purchased this notebook but like you found the green dot grid off-putting and gave it to another friend who bullet journals. Currently I’m using the Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal Ed. 2 and plan to continue using those into 2022, though I plan to also begin using a pocket size/A6 notebook for when I’m on the go and not carrying a larger bag with me.

@KaitlinGrey 2 жыл бұрын

Yah, its definitely the kinda thing that could be really bothersome! I'm glad your liking the Bujo edition 2, I have that one right now as well and love it.

@marshabowers3612 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the review. My biggest pet peeve is dark dots so I'm definitely purchasing one to use as my bullet journal for next year.

@KaitlinGrey 2 жыл бұрын

Glad to see I'm not the only one! I think you'll definitely like it and best of luck with your new bujo!

@marshabowers3612 2 жыл бұрын

@@KaitlinGrey thank you

@NancyLiliG 2 жыл бұрын

One of my favorite notebooks, for sure. Chef kiss.

@KaitlinGrey 2 жыл бұрын

HA literally!

@jessmotif 4 ай бұрын

Thanks for this, exactly what I was after xx

@aladdinkayqubad1645 2 жыл бұрын

Eyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!! More notebook reviews please!!!!!!!

@KaitlinGrey 2 жыл бұрын

hellooooooooooooo! yes yes of course, I will keep em coming!

@mindofieva 2 жыл бұрын

Such a good idea to have a trigger list in your journal!😨On my way to make my own!

@KaitlinGrey 2 жыл бұрын

ahhh thank you! I've seen them around and thought it would help me when my brain has no idea what I need to do haha!

@KateWillDo 2 жыл бұрын

I loved your review, also really laughed at the sneaky Sherlock Holmes joke

@KaitlinGrey 2 жыл бұрын

ahaha I gotta throw in the occasional meme, glad you liked it!

@kathrynowens3324 11 ай бұрын

Thanks so much for sharing. I just thought of a good use for this brand. Use it as a reference book to draw your journal spreads in pencil. That way you have no ghosting.

@KaitlinGrey 11 ай бұрын

It's definitely a great notebook for sketching!

@gnostie 8 ай бұрын

I can't thank you enough for this review. There is no way I'll go into the Midori rigmarole if there is this much ghosting even from 0.5 mm gel pens.

@robynkahle7240 2 жыл бұрын

I love this notebook, I love the paper and how it lays.

@KaitlinGrey 2 жыл бұрын

The paper really does shine in this guy! So so nice!

@HEJtoss 2 жыл бұрын

I never remember what's convex vs concave 😅 Thank you for an awesome notebook review! I think the color of the paper is too yellow for me, but I'm so happy for my Stalogy that I bought after watching your older videos so thank you for showing me the world of Stalogy 🥰

@KaitlinGrey 2 жыл бұрын

Ahah join the club 🙃 And you’re so welcome, oh yes if you like a nice white paper the Stalogy is perfection! And they have dot grid now which is great!

@HEJtoss 2 жыл бұрын

@@KaitlinGrey it really is perfection! I have been a no ghosting type of person before but it actually doesn't bother me at all 😅 I went for the grid version in B6 and the size is perfect!

@KaitlinGrey 2 жыл бұрын

Oooooh nice, the b6 is such a good size!

@dreamtlife0656 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Kaitlin! I adored this video and I am actually going to give this Midori a go! It's so lovely how you've set yours up- I love the idea of stamping headers because my lettering is just terrible, haha! I was going to ask- do you mind telling me where you got your bird stamp for the fall ink swatch page? It is SO sweet, I love it. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this notebook with us.

@KaitlinGrey 2 жыл бұрын

Hey, glad you enjoyed the video 😂 My bird stamp is from the Etsy seller Noolibird

@T_O_C_TOWN 2 жыл бұрын

Really appreciated the in-depth discussion... I really like the graph. Does the codex come with more options?

@KaitlinGrey 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! I believe the codex comes in dot grid and blank paper layouts

@StatGoddess 2 жыл бұрын

Great review, Kaitlin, and did you get your nails done? So glam! I appreciated the Canadian jokes, too! One of my new notebook finds is Mossery from Italy - 100 GSM, 192 pages & comes in different styles: blank, lined, & dot grid. One of my 'deal breakers' is that the notebook *must* lie flat.

@KaitlinGrey 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you and haha yes I did, painted them myself 💁🏼‍♀️ I don't think I've heard of Mossery, i'll have to check that one out, thanks for the recommendation! ahhh and yes, I feel you with laying flat, it makes stamping and writing so much harder

@eaglefox358 Жыл бұрын

Question what handwriting is that and I was thinking about poetry or drawings pencil is best for me

@karencolum 2 жыл бұрын

Also, I have been using a cheap brand for stream of consciousness journaling and handwriting practice called Minimalism Art. They have cream colored 120gsm paper that is really nice. It is not as smooth to the touch like the Leuchtturm 1917. It feels like the Leuchtturm has some coating on it where the Minimalism Art does not. I get them on Amazon in the US. They make a few different sizes but I ended up liking the classic size, which is like the regular Moleskine size in the notebook. It is only $7.95 USD.

@KaitlinGrey 2 жыл бұрын

Oooooh Ok, yes I have heard of them! They're definitely on the 'to be reviewed' list! I can't wait to try it out!

@greyghost3771 2 жыл бұрын

I literally just got it and I have been loving it :) It feels like a quality journal for such an affordable price. I love that the dots are light (my notebook deal breaker lol). Do you personally prefer smoothness of paper for your journals? I have been liking Minimalism Art's paper texture because it feels like I don't have to be too "precious" about using it. Super smooth papers like Archer & Olive makes me feel anxious to use it, bc it feels like some kind of archival mixed media paper and i'm afraid to mess up. ^^; and if I do make a mistake, I feel like I have to buy a whole new journal again.

@KaitlinGrey 2 жыл бұрын

@@greyghost3771 I tend to go for papers with a bit of grit, just because I find super smooth papers to feel slippery when I write! And cool, I'll definitely need to check out these light dots 👀

@Mauveink 2 жыл бұрын

Have you ever tried the Paperblanks notebooks? They have gorgeous 120gsm paper that's quite creamy and has a little bit of texture. Personally, I Love them!

@KaitlinGrey 2 жыл бұрын

I have not! I'll have to add that to the list, thanks for the recommendation Holly 😄

@IhsanAmin 2 жыл бұрын

Right now I'm kind of choosing between the bullet journal edition 2 with the 120gsm paper and the Md codex. Would you recommend one more than the other when it comes to usage with fountain pens and pencils?

@KaitlinGrey 2 жыл бұрын

I don’t have a ton of fountain pen knowledge, however I do know of people who have used both notebooks with fountain pens and loved them! I’d recommend checking out the bullet journal edition 2 FP discussion on Reddit as they go into a bit more depth about sheen and dry time and all that good stuff. I hope that helps a bit, I haven’t really gotten into fountain pens (yet hehe) but in my experience both notebooks are great ☺️

@lindahigham5317 2 жыл бұрын

Good afternoon 👋☺️ Kaitlin 🌹 Thank you for sharing this video today it's always nice to see what kinds of Journals everyone is using and why stay safe and be careful 🙏✍️🖌️🎨💌🌹👋☺️🌹 and enjoy your weekend too 👍🦄

@KaitlinGrey 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Linda, I hope you're doing well as well!

@lindahigham5317 2 жыл бұрын

@@KaitlinGrey Thank you too I am 👋☺️🌹🦄

@ladyhollman9534 2 ай бұрын

I expect “ghosting” with thin quality paper. Bleed is a different story. I used Tombow markers and they didn’t bleed through; A+. If one doesn’t like ghosting, one should buy thick paper. Nice review.

@sryksma 2 жыл бұрын

Hey love your video about this notebook, i've been wanting to buy this notebook since long ago cause i love the color, but if i may ask, how long have you been using this notebook? Does it easy to get dirty? Because the color is off-white, and i think it will get dirty easily

@KaitlinGrey 2 жыл бұрын

Hey! I used it for a couple months and because the cover is cardstock I found it did get dirty easily! I think a clear cover would help solve that issue 🙃

@karencolum 2 жыл бұрын

Oh, have you tried Dingbats notebooks? They are cream color and fairly similar color to the Midori MD. Oh and Rhodia is good too and similar color!

@KaitlinGrey 2 жыл бұрын

Ok, noted! Both will be going on the list, thank you for all the recs Karen!!

@deelot1 2 жыл бұрын

Stalogy 365 notebook is still my favourite. I really like Clairefontaine and Rhodia too. The paper for both is quite smooth (especially Clairefontaine) which I really like but you might not!

@KaitlinGrey 2 жыл бұрын

Oh yes the stalogy is top notch! I'm testing their dot grid notebook right now but I used their grid layout as my bujo for YEARS. I haven't heard of the clairfontaine so that will be going on the list, thanks for the recommendation!

@8ev8ev8ev 2 жыл бұрын

I usually place the sticker on the cover and not the binding, and have no issues.

@KaitlinGrey 2 жыл бұрын

Good to know Beverly, thanks for the tip!

@alyos4694 Жыл бұрын

Convex bows out. Concave caves in.

@marshabowers3612 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Kaitlin. Do you think the MD Codex would be too heavy for an on-the-go bujo? I would like to use one notebook for the whole year.

@KaitlinGrey 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Marsha, so something that might help answer that for your life is checking out the thickness of the notebook with a ruler! It measure about 0.8 inches and why I recommend doing that is because the notebook is a chunky one and I think for some people it would feel pretty big to carry around because of that! Personally I would have no problem carrying it on the go bc I usually use a backpack or bigger bag but it might be a bit hard to fit into smaller bags! Hope that helps!

@marshabowers3612 2 жыл бұрын

@@KaitlinGrey Thanks. That is helpful. It's a bit too thick for my handbag. I also checked its weight online and realized that I have a book of similar weight in my possession. I placed it in my handbag and I could tell that it would be too heavy to be an on-the-go bujo. I guess I will have to stick to using two notebooks.

@KaitlinGrey 2 жыл бұрын

Ah bummer, but at least you know! Best of luck with the new journals Marsha!

@kimluther9139 2 жыл бұрын

Where did you get your rose gold, wire basket please?

@KaitlinGrey 2 жыл бұрын

It's from Anthropologie ☺️

@addibaker1209 10 ай бұрын

I actually really like ghosting. I know I’m weird.

@richardlees5303 Жыл бұрын

are the pages actually numbered in the Midori? Nice presentation. I appreciate your efforts. These things are so expensive in Canada, it's good to have these details ahead of purchase. Also enjoyed the light jazz in the background.

@KaitlinGrey Жыл бұрын

Hey Richard! No, the Midori md notebooks don’t have page numbers, so you’d have to add them yourself :) Hope that’s helpful!

@richardlees5303 Жыл бұрын

@@KaitlinGrey ordered to give it a shot. Always a fan of anything pre-populated (like #'s) because I'm not neat!

@richardlees5303 Жыл бұрын

@@KaitlinGrey Arrived today. The paper is really high quality. Thanks for your guidance. A real treat despite not being numbered. Will try out some inks now and see what works and what's too heavy (probably my favorite cheap Sharpie is too much)

@KaitlinGrey Жыл бұрын

@@richardlees5303 I'm so happy to hear that Richard!

@richardlees5303 Жыл бұрын

@@KaitlinGrey first class Kaitlin

@Homepage. 2 жыл бұрын

I had to order through Amazon as I moved to the UK from Canada and jetpens don’t deliver here unless order is over 200$

@KaitlinGrey 2 жыл бұрын

That’s very sad, sorry to hear that

@Homepage. 2 жыл бұрын

What’s the GSM of the midori

@KaitlinGrey 2 жыл бұрын

I believe it’s around 80

@akaErma 2 жыл бұрын

Okay so I was wrong, I was writing it out all confident in my knowledge and by the time the sentence was done I was no longer sure what either word meant. That is, much to my chagrin, convex, not concave. :') If the cover was curling outwards, it would be concave.

@KaitlinGrey 2 жыл бұрын

Ok, this is what I thought to but again, physics was a long time ago but I always remember concave because one of my high school friends would say 'my stomach is concaving' when she was hungry lol

@akaErma 2 жыл бұрын

@@KaitlinGrey lol that's one way of remembering. I had to learn it in my 3D modeling courses which was much more recently than high school so I can't blame time for my forgetfulness.

@KaitlinGrey 2 жыл бұрын

@@akaErma I know, super scientific and not at all weird lol! Honestly the names are so similar I give everyone a free pass

@louizelimepips3517 2 жыл бұрын

You placed the sticker right..and then you cut it 😂. It’s supposed to cover the bookmark so you won’t accidently pull it off. Mine sticks pretty good but I have the B6 slim diary. It’s thinner so maybe that’s why. 😋

@KaitlinGrey 2 жыл бұрын

yesss so originally i had it covering the bookmark, but the sticker would lift every time I opened the book so that’s why I cut it!

@loveys_plans 2 жыл бұрын

I brought and used the grid Midori notebook. I didn't care for it. It felt like it had coated paper and I hate smudging. Ghosting doesn't bother me but I wasn't crazy about to paper color. Now I'm curious about the dot grid 🤣😂

@KaitlinGrey 2 жыл бұрын

Interesting Chantelle, interesting! I really liked the dot grid but I didn't really test smudging too much, for me I only care about transfer but I bet certain pens work better than others with absorbing into the paper...maybe??

@loveys_plans 2 жыл бұрын

@@KaitlinGrey I'm guessing so. I tend to write all over the page 🤦🏾‍♀️ I have a chaotic mind lmao

@KaitlinGrey 2 жыл бұрын

@@loveys_plans ahaha wow, now I gotta see these notes pages!

@akaErma 2 жыл бұрын

Sneaky wardrobe change! And do I spy an elusive Canadian albino alligator? hehehe

@KaitlinGrey 2 жыл бұрын

Dang she spots wardrobe changes just as well as albino alligators I see ahahaha! Nice to see you in the comments friend 💕

@plbjjb 2 жыл бұрын

So i just ordered the notebook and now I’m watching a review 🤣 I’m doing it backwards lol

@KaitlinGrey 2 жыл бұрын

hahaha we love to see it! The number of times I've done the same thing man, let me tell you 😅

@Palpab1e Жыл бұрын

Ghosting especially horrible on dot grid paper because it drowns out the dots, leaving the writer without a guide.

@KaitlinGrey Жыл бұрын

I don’t have this experience, but I imagine the type of pen you use would make it harder/easier to see the dots

@Palpab1e Жыл бұрын

@@KaitlinGrey So I actually bought a Midori and tired it out. It turned out that my ink was bleeding through my old notebook which I'd thought to be impossible since it used 100gsm paper. The ghosting on Midori's paper is far less distracting. Paper treatment/coating really does make a difference.