On the photo you see the pen with rear plugged lid when closing the pen, it is much smaller. The so-called "cones" was criticized in some reviews here. Well. I think that's really great, the pen is small and handy, and if you want to write, then simply you put the lid back on it !! So it is intended and it works well! The pen is in both states handily, by great design, he writes very well and has a nice, clear typeface. This one also often mentioned scratching I do not know so. The pen writes on damp or greasy surface, that's for sure. That with the gravity I could not check, but you can use it to write overhead. If you need it for ... Now my gripe: Both my copy as well as that of my girlfriend tend to produce a small "Tintenbobbel" when they are not used. You have to wipe the front of the letter, otherwise it sticks well to the leaf and a left-handed I wipe a hand over it and smear it all. Unfortunately, this is saublöd! Because I totally think otherwise the pen well, I live with it and still give 3 stars, but actually goes not that!