The present technology relates to a writing instrument such as a pen or stylus, that is capable of writing contemporaneously in different characteristics, such as color and visual appearancethat is, without the need to switch out different cartridges to write in different characteristics; as well as to a writing instrument having multiple nibs, where the multiple nibs can be used to write on a substrate contemporaneously. A writing instrument herein can be configured to write at a substantially perpendicular angle to the substrate, or slightly angled for ease of a user's hand position. A writing instrument that encompasses both electronic and manual (ink) features is also contemplated.