Ballpoint, Gel, and Rollerball Pens. What’s the Difference?
Let’s start with the basics – let’s figure out what is the difference between ballpoint, gel, and rollerballs. At first glance, there is no difference between them. But if you often write with all of them, this difference becomes clearly visible. This article will show you how to choose the pen that’s right for you.
Ink first
Ink in ballpoint pens. Ballpoint pens use heavy oil-based ink. They are made by mixing dye with alcohol and fatty acids. Thanks to alcohols, ink flows out smoothly and fatty acids lubricate the ball of the pen. Because the ink is so thick, ballpoint pens write well even on cheap paper and almost never leak.
Hybrid ink. Some ballpoint pens use hybrid or medium-density inks. In the composition of such ink, the percentage of fatty acids is higher, due to which the ball of the pen rotates more smoothly. Hybrid pens incorporate the best qualities: they write smoothly and brightly, like a gel, and their ink dries quickly and is resistant to moisture, like a ballpoint.
Ink in gel pens. Gel ink is composed of relatively large pigment particles mixed with a water-based gel. It is thanks to this feature of ink that gel pens write very brightly and clearly.
The ink flows very smoothly in them, which allows you to not press when writing, so the hand will not quickly get tired. Still, gel pens do not write letters from time to time. This is because water-based ink has a thinner layer than ballpoint ink. Gel ink also takes longer to dry, so be careful!
Roller pens. Rollerball inks use liquid, water-based paint. They themselves are very similar in consistency to fountain pen ink. They adhere to paper even smoother than ballpoint and gel pens. You can write with a rollerball pen almost without pressure: barely touching the surface. With it, the hand will not get tired quickly, and you will be comfortable writing long notes or taking notes.
When to use a certain type?
Ballpoint pens. Ballpoint pens are the most reliable and versatile. Thick ink is ideal for writing on smooth surfaces where water-based ink is more likely to run or seep through. Thanks to their reliability, ballpoint pens are a great companion for every day. Because ballpoint pens require pressure when writing, they are well suited for signing carbon-paper documents such as courier delivery notes.
Gel pens. The gel pens are ideal for daily writing. The best option for students who have to write 20-30 pages a day. Good gel pens are inexpensive, so many colours can be purchased to highlight headlines and important thoughts.
Rollerballs. Rollerball pens are especially useful for those who quickly get tired of writing. It is even easier to write with them than with gel but remember that you need to choose paper on which the ink will not flow. They also do not need to be painted and they never miss letters.
We hope that this article will make it easier for you to choose the right pen. Now when you know all the differences, visit the WHSmith website and choose your perfect writing accessory.
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