With so many different pen types and labels, choosing the right pen is actually a lot harder than it seems. It’s more than just randomly choosing something to write with. In addition to the pen itself, you also have to decide on the point size, type of ink, and color options. These characteristics can help enhance your overall writing experience with a particular pen. If you’re looking for a new go-to pen that fits your personal writing style and needs, here are a couple pen types to consider.
Ballpoint Pens
Ballpoint pens are one of the most common and well-known pen types. The ink used in ballpoint pens is oil based and dries faster than other types of ink. This means less smudging when you’re writing. Since the ink is thick, ballpoint pens use less ink as you write, lasting longer than other pen types. Another point to consider: thick ink is more prone to clumping, so you have to apply more writing pressure. As a result, these pens aren’t the best choice for long writing. But, if you’re just looking for a simple pen for everyday use, ballpoint pens are an easy and reliable option.
Rollerball pens use the same design as ballpoint pens but with water-based ink. Water-based ink flows faster and soaks into the paper more than ballpoint pen ink. The ease of flow requires less pressure and creates a smooth, comfortable writing experience. And, because the ink flows so smoothly, rollerball pens are ideal for writing text with dark and fine lines. They also come in a wider range of colors because they use water-soluble dyes. If you need to write for a long period of time, use a rollerball, but make sure to refill the ink often since they use more ink than other pen types.
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Intrigued? Read about the difference between rollerball and ballpoint pens in our new blog post!
Gel pens combine characteristics from ballpoint and rollerball pens. They use water-based gel ink that has a consistency between both types of ink. This makes the ink less likely to smudge but still flows freely enough for smooth writing. As a result, gel pens offer the comfort of rollerball pens, with the performance of ballpoint pens. And, since they use pigments instead of regular dyes, gel pens are also available in a variety of colors. If you want to make a bold statement but still expect reliability, gel pens are a great choice.
Marker pens come in four types of ink: pigment, water, oil and alcohol-based. Pigment and water-based inks are for traditional paper. On the other hand, oil and alcohol-based inks are for non-paper media (e.g. plastic, metal, or glass). These pens include permanent markers, non-permanent markers (e.g. dry erase markers), highlighters, and porous point (or felt tip) pens. With such a wide variety of point sizes, colors, and types, marker pens work great for both writers and artists alike. If you’re looking to add a splash of color to any of your projects, marker pens are the right choice for you.
What is a stylus pen? Stylus pens are a two-in-one tool. One part is a traditional pen that writes on paper and the other part includes a stylus. A stylus has a round rubber tip that helps navigate touchscreen devices. Some stylus pens come with a stylus at the top of the pen and others come with a stylus at the pen tip end. Scrolling, selecting, and highlighting are all made easier with stylus pens. Stylus pens also keep your screen free of fingerprints and scratches.
Keep your pen knowledge going with our NEW blog post on The Best Pens of 2019 or infographic on What Your Handwriting Says About You, and shop engraved pens and custom pens of all types!
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FAQs
What's in Your Pen? A Detailed Breakdown
| Pen Type | Ink Type | Nib Availability |
|---|
| Ballpoint Pens | Oil-based | Standard |
| Novelty Pens | Variable | Standard |
| Gel Pens | Gel-based | Ultra-fine to broad |
| Rollerball Pens | Water or gel-based | Fine |
10 more rowsLiquid inks like Fountain Pens and Rollerballs are better for longer writing. Oil-based or gel inks like Ballpoints and Gel pens are ideal for periodic writing and writing on the go.
What type of pen suits me? ›
People who like writing thick, smooth lines will do well with a quality ballpoint or gel ink pen. If you prefer the control and neat appearance of thin, sharp lines, go for a rollerball or fountain pen. Choosing an ink is mostly a matter of preference, as they each have distinct advantages and disadvantages.
What are the five type of pen? ›
Gels, ballpoints, rollerballs, felt-tips, and fountain pens — we tried them all. 100 items in this article 38 items on sale! At its most basic, a pen has to do just one thing, but there are so many reasons to choose one over another.
How do you categorize pens? ›
You'll either organize by type or by color. For many, organizing by type works best since different pens accomplish different tasks. For example, if you want a water-based pen in the color red, you can go to writing pens and find a red one.
Which is better, rollerball or ballpoint? ›
Writing. The fluidity of ink translates to a rollerball pen generally having a finer writing line, which is good for people with smaller handwriting or for detailed drawings. On the other hand, a ballpoint pen does have a more controlled action and is deemed suitable for completing official forms and documents.
What pens do professional writers use? ›
Best Pens for Writers: Ballpoints
- Uni-Ball Jetstream Retractable.
- Pentel RSVP Fine.
- Stabilo Worker 0.5mm (medium)/0.3mm (fine)
- Uni-Ball Vision Elite.
- Zebra Sarasa Clip 0.5mm.
- Pentel Tradio 0.5mm.
The best pen for this purpose is a rollerball or gel pen. These bad boys are smooth as molasses, enabling you to write with less pressure compared to ballpoints. My favorite is the Cross Bailey Medalist Selectip Pen, a best seller for its luxe chrome barrel and lifetime mechanical warranty.
Which pen writes neatly? ›
First, fountain pens are an excellent choice for improving handwriting as they force you to write slowly and carefully. Less pressure is needed, but they require a little more know-how to fill and use.
How to decide what pen to buy? ›
Opt for all pens with consistent ink flow for a smooth writing experience, and make sure you choose writing tools with thicker tips or gel ones that provide bold and vibrant ink. Look for pens with fine nibs or those specifically designed for precise and fine writing.
Ballpoints are the most popular style of pen. The best things about ballpoints are how reliable and consistent they are.
How can you tell if a pen is good quality? ›
Just as in buying clothes, good fit in a pen is a mark of quality and style. Check to make sure that there are no loose or ill-fitting parts on your prospective dream pen. The cap should either snap, twist or pressure fit smoothly and snugly, with no pronounced wiggle or gap.
What type of pen is easiest to write with? ›
Rollerball Pens
The ease of flow requires less pressure and creates a smooth, comfortable writing experience. And, because the ink flows so smoothly, rollerball pens are ideal for writing text with dark and fine lines. They also come in a wider range of colors because they use water-soluble dyes.
What is an old fashioned pen called? ›
Dip pens emerged in the early 19th century, when they replaced quill pens and, in some parts of the world, reed pens. Dip pens were generally used before the development of fountain pens in the later 19th century, and are now mainly used in illustration, calligraphy, and comics.
What kind of pen is used for writing? ›
Reed pens, quill pens and dip pens, which were used for writing, have been replaced by ballpoint pens, rollerball pens, fountain pens and felt or ceramic tip pens.
What are the 4 pen techniques? ›
These techniques include hatching, cross hatching, random lines, and stippling. (Each of these techniques are explored and demonstrated further down this page.) One appeal of drawing with pen and ink is the clean, finished appearance that can be created.
What is the most common type of pen? ›
Ballpoint pens are one of the most common and well-known pen types. The ink used in ballpoint pens is oil based and dries faster than other types of ink. This means less smudging when you're writing.
