Home / Blog / Pens & writing / Are Gel Pens Better Than Ballpoint?
24th July 2024 in Pens & writing
If you’re a stationery geek, then you will know there are many types of pens that you can enjoy, from the colorful gel pen, to the standard ballpoint pen, all used for different styles of writing. After all, the United States produces 2 billion pens a year! But which is the better writing instrument, a gel pen or a ballpoint? We are going to outline the differences and the pros and cons so you can decide for yourself!
Ballpoint pens were invented by László Bíró in the late 1930s and over the years they have become one of the most used writing instruments. Ballpoint pens use an oil-based ink that is thick and almost paste-like in consistency. Ballpoint pen ink dries instantly when used because of the alcohol solvents used in the ink.
There are many positives to ballpoint pens with the main one being they are less likely to bleed through paper and are normally waterproof. They are available in a range of sizes for you to choose from, with the biggest pen in the world being a ballpoint pen at 5.5 meters high and 37 kilograms in weight - Although I don’t think you could buy this in the shops! However, there are some limitations when it comes to different tip sizes and ink colors.
Gel pens were invented by the Sakura Color Products Corporation of Osaka, Japan in 1984. The ink used in gel pens is much thinner than the ink used in ballpoint pens, however, they are delivered using the same mechanism through the rollerball technology. The benefits of gel pens is the ink does not smudge, and it flows through the pen quickly, which helps writers use little to no pressure. The ink in gel pens is made up of two components; pigment which adds color and a water-based solution that makes the ink less viscous, this allows gel pens to be available in many fun colors.
Unlike ballpoint pens, unfortunately gel pens take longer to dry, which can mean they are more prone to smudging.
Below you can find a few comparisons on different aspects which might influence your decision on whether gel pens are better than ballpoint.
Yes, we have a wide range of gel and ballpoint pens at Everything Branded. Custom pens are one of the most popular marketing tools available, as they are extremely useful, and you know whoever receives your custom design will use it time and time again, whilst constantly being reminded about your brand.
Our custom pens are provided with black ink as standard; however, our customer service team is happy to quote you a bespoke price if you would like specific colors. As well as being able to request different colors, you can also shop by material, including plastic and metal pens, or browse our novelty pens for a promotional item that will stand out. So, whether you are looking for a unicorn pink gel pen or a professional slick black ballpoint, we have a huge range for you to browse.
To conclude, if you are an everyday writer and need something affordable and long-lasting, then the ballpoint pen is the one for you. But if you prefer a smoother writing experience and want various colors to work with, then we would recommend the gel pen.
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