If you've ever been browsing pens, online or in a stationery shop, and found yourself overwhelmed by the options, you're not alone. Ballpoint, rollerball, gel… aren’t they all just pens? While they may look similar, each type has its own distinct personality, and understanding their differences can help you choose the perfect writing tool for your needs (and your paper!).
Let’s dive into the three most popular pen types, what makes each one special, and which is best for different writing styles and situations.
Ballpoint Pens
Ink Type: Oil-based
Writing Feel: Firm, with slight resistance
Best For: Note-taking, forms, everyday writing tasks
Ballpoint pens are the workhorses of the stationery world. Their thick, oil-based ink requires a bit more pressure to get flowing, but the payoff is ink that dries quickly and doesn’t smudge easily, ideal for writing on the go or filling in forms. Because the ink is thicker, these pens tend to last a long time and work well on almost any surface.
Pros:
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Long-lasting
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Quick-drying
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Great for low-quality paper
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Minimal bleed-through
Things to consider:
While practical, ballpoint pens often lack the vibrancy and smoothness of other options. They're great for quick jottings but might not bring joy to a journaling session.
Rollerball Pens
Ink Type: Water-based liquid ink
Writing Feel: Extremely smooth, glides with ease
Best For: Journaling, letter writing, longer writing sessions
If you love the feel of a fountain pen but want the convenience of a cartridge, the rollerball is for you. Using water-based ink, rollerballs create rich, saturated lines with very little pressure. This makes them ideal for long-form writing, as your hand won’t tire as quickly. The ink flows more freely, producing crisp lines and a luxurious feel on paper.
Pros:
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Smooth, low-effort writing
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Bold, vibrant lines
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Excellent for expressive handwriting
Things to consider:
Because the ink is wetter, it takes longer to dry. It may smudge for left-handers or on glossy paper, and it’s more likely to bleed through thin paper.
Gel Pens
Ink Type: Water-based gel ink with pigments
Writing Feel: Smooth but slightly cushioned
Best For: Colour coding, bullet journaling, decorative writing
Gel pens combine the best of both worlds: the convenience of a ballpoint and the vibrant ink flow of a rollerball. The ink is a gel-like consistency that allows for bold colours, from neon and pastel to metallic and glittery. If you’re a planner enthusiast, a student, or a creative journaler, gel pens are likely to be your new favourite tool.
Pros:
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Wide range of vibrant colours
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Smooth and consistent flow,
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Fast-drying (but not as fast as ballpoint pens)
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Great for drawing and decorative writing
Things to consider:
Gel pens use ink quickly, and their thicker ink may smudge if you’re writing fast. They're not ideal for jotting on scrap paper, but perfect for slow, mindful notes.
So, which pen should you choose? We've created this handy table so that you can see the features of each pen at a glance! Gel pens can dry quite fast, although not as fast as ballpoints!
The truth is, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. Your perfect pen depends on how you write, what you’re writing on, and let’s be honest, what colours spark your joy. So why not try all three and see which feels best?
You can explore our full range of ballpoint, rollerball, and gel pens here and treat yourself to the pen that makes writing something to look forward to.
Happy scribbling!
