When was the last time you actually used a pen to write something? Even though pens aren't totally obsolete, most of us tend to grab our phones for reminders or notes. Still, there's just something so satisfying about a pen smoothly moving across paper. If you're looking to purchase pens, you may think there's no rocket science to them. However, choosing the right one requires knowing the various types, as well as the type of ink they use, grip, weight and size.
Types of Pens
Ballpoint Pen
Ballpoint pens have a tiny ball at the end of the nib that rolls as you write. The casing around the ball is really snug, so when it rolls, it creates friction that pushes the ink out onto the paper.
Rollerball Pen
Rollerball pens mix the best of both worlds from fountain and ballpoint pens. They offer a smooth writing experience like a fountain pen but with the practicality of a ballpoint. The ink in rollerball pens flows more easily, producing a bolder and more vibrant line than most ballpoints, making them perfect for writing cards or personal notes. Plus, they let air into the refill, which helps the ink flow better.
Fountain Pen
If you want to purchase pens that are fancy, meant for signing important documents and to make you feel luxurious, choose the fountain ones.
They come with a nib, which is super important for a great writing experience. The nib is the metal tip that touches the paper, allowing ink to flow smoothly as you write. Most fountain pens feature a medium nib, but since there’s no set standard for what that means, the width can differ quite a bit between brands.
Gel Pens
Gel pens are basically rollerball pens filled with ink that show off different colours, resist drying out, can write on just about any surface, and dry super fast. The gel ink is a mix of gel and water, allowing it to hold more pigments and dyes for brighter colours, or even carry fun additives like glitter.
Various Size Tip Points
Rollerball pens come with a variety of tip sizes that cater to different handwriting styles. You can easily swap out the tips depending on what you need. They range from 0.2mm to 1.5mm, and you can think of them as fine, medium, or thick. This makes it simpler to pick what you want instead of just looking at the numbers.
To figure out which tip suits you best, try writing with each type. Fine tips usually fall between 0.5mm and 0.7mm, while medium tips are around 0.8mm to 1mm, and thick tips are anything over 1mm. Fine tips are perfect for those with smaller handwriting or anyone who enjoys adding intricate details. They're great for writing in scripts like Japanese, Chinese, or Korean. On the other hand, medium tips work well for people with larger handwriting or if you’re not focusing on details or symbols.
What Ink Is Best for You?
Choosing the right pen often hinges on the ink it uses. Factors like drying time, how smoothly the pen glides on paper, and the colour all relate back to the ink.
There are two primary ink types: water-based and oil-based.
Water-Based Ink
• Provides smooth, flowing lines
• Minimal skipping
• Won't clog the pen
• Available in a wide range of colours
The downside is that it takes longer to dry, it's water-soluble (if the paper gets wet it will wash away), may freeze in colder temperatures and can dry out if you leave the pen uncapped for too long.
Oil-Based Ink
Oil-based ink is the go-to type of ink used globally. It's thicker and more viscous, which means it doesn't dry out fast in the pen and stays put on the page without smudging.
• Dries quickly
• Works on nearly any surface
• Stays put in pressurized situations
• Takes a while to dry out when uncapped
• Performs well in colder temperatures since oil freezes at a lower point
The downside is that it requires more pressure to write, may skip while writing, leaves tougher stains if it leaks and the colour choices are limited.
Grip
The grip is all about where your fingers touch the pen, and it can vary in material or shape from the barrel. Some pens don’t have a defined grip, while others use rubber or softer materials to make them comfy.
In high-end pens, the grip shape is often designed to fit the overall look. It might narrow or widen towards the tip for a more natural hold, or even have a triangular shape.
Pen Sizing
You might have a favourite writing style and awesome ink, but if the pen doesn’t feel right in your hand, it can ruin the whole experience. Sometimes, it just doesn’t sit well in your grip. Here are a few tips to ensure that when you’re holding the pen, it feels comfy and easy to use for those long writing sessions.
Thick vs Thin
The size of your pen’s barrel plays a huge role in how it feels while you write. A barrel that’s too thin can make you grip too tightly, which isn’t great. Consider your hand size, finger length, and how nimble your fingers are.
• Thin Barrel Pens: 15-25mm in diameter. These are perfect for folks with slender fingers, smaller hands, or anyone who needs precision while writing.
• Medium Barrel Pens: 25-32mm in diameter. This is a solid choice if you’re unsure what to pick or if you’re shopping for someone else.
• Thick Barrel Pens: 33mm+ in diameter. These are best for people with larger hands or those who prefer a looser grip.
Materials
The materials used play a big role in determining the pen's durability and how it feels in your hand. Typically, budget-friendly pens are made mostly of plastic, with a few metal parts like the tips or springs. You'll find pens made of plastic, resin, brass, steel or Tungsten Carbide.
Pricier pens tend to focus on high-quality internal materials to provide a more premium writing experience.
