Pens

FAQs

What is the difference between ballpoint, rollerball, gel, fountain and fineliner pens?

Each pen type offers a different use experience, which can make them an ideal option for varying professions or preferences.

Generally speaking, ballpoint pens are the everyday go-to for most. They use a thicker, oil-based ink that dries quickly, which makes them an easy, ideal option for everyday writing without having to deal with the mess of unwanted smudges or bleeding on paper. 

Rollerball pens, on the other hand, use a water-based ink that flows more smoothly, giving you a darker and more consistent line. Gel pens are similar to rollerball pens but use gel ink, which tends to result in bolder colours and a smooth writing experience. 

Fountain pens have a more classic pen feel, offering a unique, fluid writing experience with liquid ink. Fineliner pens have a fine tip that’s great for detailed writing or drawing, leaving precise, clean lines.

Which pen types offer the smoothest writing for everyday tasks and why?

Several pen types can be a good fit for your everyday writing tasks. These include rollerball and gel pens, as well as ballpoint pens. 

Rollerball pens use a water-based liquid ink or gel ink that provide a smooth writing experience and consistent dark lines. Gel pens, as their name suggests, utilise a gel-based ink that tends to dry faster than rollerball pen ink, and offers similarly dark lines.

Ballpoint pens use thicker, oil-based ink that dries quickly and resists smudging, but they require slightly more pressure to activate the ball tip to achieve a smooth, consistent line. 

When should I choose fine-tip pens over medium-tip options?

Fine-tip pens are perfect when you need precision or are wanting that extra sense of style or professionalism in handwritten work. If you’re taking notes in a small notepad, writing in tight spaces, or need to write small, neat handwriting, a fine-tip is the way to go. 

Medium-tip pens are better for your general writing tasks and personal notes, as they offer a bolder line that’s easier to read from a distance. If you’re writing something that doesn’t need to be particularly detailed but you want it to stand out, then we’d recommend opting for a medium-tip.

Are retractable pens more practical for high-volume writing or day-to-day use?

Retractable pens can be a more practical option for everyday use, especially if you’re regularly jotting down notes or signing documents. 

The retractable feature means there’s no need to worry about losing caps, and they’re quick and easy to use. They’re particularly useful in busy offices or classrooms where pens need to be pulled in and out of bags or pockets without fuss.

What ink colours are most commonly used in business or school settings — and why?

In business and school settings, black, blue and red ink are the most common (though the latter is more common in school settings). Black ink is often used for official documents and is considered the standard for professional writing. 

Blue ink is the go-to for everyday notes and writing, as it stands out from black and is commonly accepted for most tasks. Red ink is common in educational settings and typically used for marking or noting corrections.

What features improve grip and comfort for long writing sessions?

Pens with soft, rubber grips or contoured barrels make writing more comfortable over long periods. These grips reduce hand strain and make it easier to hold the pen. They’re a worthwhile investment to avoid tiring out your hand too quickly and can also help prevent strain from repetitive tasks.

Keep an eye out for pens that have a slightly wider barrel if you find thin pens uncomfortable, or those with textured grips to stop your fingers slipping. A well-balanced pen will also help, making sure the weight is evenly distributed.

We also recommend pens that have smoother, free-flowing ink. This reduces the amount of grip required when used, which also helps improve overall comfort - especially when writing for prolonged periods.

Are gel, fineliner or fountain pens suitable for official documents or archival records?

Gel pens can work for official documents if they use pigment ink, which is more permanent and less likely to fade over time. Fineliner pens can be suitable for official use, but you need to check the ink quality - if the ink isn’t permanent, it may not be suitable for records that need to last. 

Fountain pens, while stylish, can be more difficult to use for official documents because they require more maintenance. They’re also not the best for archival purposes unless you specifically use archival ink. If it’s something official, you want to be sure the ink lasts.

Overall, you’ll find gel pens are a good option for official documents and putting together archival records. Fineliner and fountain pens are also suitable - just make sure you’re using a permanent ink for fineliners and an archival ink for fountain pens.