Understanding Different Types of Pens: From Pen Tips to Choosing Ink & More

Pens are one of those everyday office essentials we don’t think much about until they stop working (usually at the worst possible moment).  We grow up in school taking notes and writing essays, then transition into work life where we’re analyzing our graphs and creating to-do lists. Through the years, we’ve all likely used many different types of pens, but those of us who write often will gravitate toward a favorite writing instrument.

Why do some types of pens write more smoothly than others, and why do some pens cost significantly more money? Not all pens are created equal. There are different types of pen tips, ink formulas, and writing mechanisms to cater to individual writing styles. From ballpoints and rollerballs to felt-tip and fountain pens, each has its own strengths. Some glide effortlessly, some have quick-drying ink, and others add a touch of executive elegance to your desk. These differences in the pens make a surprising impact on comfort, efficiency, and even the impression you leave on clients.

Know Your Pen Tip Types & Find the Right Writing Experience

Not all pens write the same, and a lot of that comes down to the pen tip or nib. The way a pen feels in your hand, how smoothly it glides across the page, and even how neat your handwriting looks can all be influenced by the type of tip it has. Some tips create fine, precise lines, while others offer bold, expressive strokes. Some are designed for quick note-taking, while others cater to calligraphy, technical work, or artistic expression.

Quick Pen Fact: The pen tip makes contact with the paper and controls the flow of ink. It plays a crucial role in how a pen feels when writing, how much ink it dispenses, and how the final result appears on the page.

1. Ballpoint Pen Tips

What it is: A small, rolling metal ball at the tip dispenses oil-based ink as you write. The ball continuously rotates, picking up ink from the pen’s reservoir and transferring it to paper.

Why it matters: Quick-drying, smudge-resistant, and low maintenance, making it one of the most reliable pen types for everyday use.

Best for: Office work, quick note-taking, signing documents.

Popular Models: BIC Cristal, Pilot Acroball, Parker Jotter, Zebra Z-Grip, Pentel R.S.V.P., HUB Javalina.

2. Gel Pen Tips 

What it is: Like a ballpoint tip, but with gel ink, typically a mix of water-based ink and pigment, although some pen brands have their own patented formulas. This makes for bold, smooth writing with vibrant ink color options.

Why it matters: Provides a smoother writing experience than ballpoint pens, but the ink takes longer to dry and can smudge.

Best for: Journaling, note-taking, artistic writing, and doodling.

Popular models: TUL GL, Uni-ball Zento, BIC Intensity Clic, Pilot G2.

3. Rollerball Pen Tips 

What it is: A ballpoint-style tip that uses water-based ink, which flows more freely than ballpoint ink, requiring less pressure to write.

Why it matters: Creates darker, smoother lines but can bleed through paper and takes longer to dry.

Best for: Professional writing, long-form writing, and those who love a fluid ink feel.

Popular models: Uni-ball Vision, Pilot Precise, Lamy Safari Rollerball, Pentel Floatune, Waterman Hemisphere.

4. Fountain Pen Nibs 

What it is: A metal nib with a slit that allows liquid ink to flow onto paper through capillary action. The ink is stored in an ink cartridge, converter, or refillable reservoir.

Why it matters: Customizable writing experience with different nib sizes (fine, medium, broad) and fountain pen ink colors.

Best for: Calligraphy, professional use, and those who love classic writing instruments.

Popular models: Lamy Safari, Pilot Varsity, Parker Im Blue, Waterman Allure.

5. Dip Pen Nibs

What it is: A detachable metal nib that must be dipped into an ink well before writing. Unlike fountain pens, dip pens do not have an ink reservoir.

Why it matters: Allows for customizable ink colors and line thicknesses, making it ideal for calligraphy and artistic writing.

Best for: Calligraphy, decorative writing, and artistic lettering.

Popular models: These are specialty pens with a niche audience. Experts recommend buying vintage dip pens or niche brands like Kakimori or Sailor Hocoro. 

6. Felt-Tip Pens & Fineliners

What it is: Uses a porous fine point felt or fiber tip instead of a metal ball or nib. The ink flows through the tip in a steady, controlled way.

Why it matters: Great for fine lines, bold strokes, and smooth ink flow without skipping.

Best for: Sketching, lettering, and technical writing.

Popular models: Sharpie Ultra Fine, Micron Pigma, Paper Mate Flair Felt, Pentel Sign Pen.

7. Markers

What it is: Similar to porous felt-tip pens, but with broader tip sizes and nibs.

Why it matters: When you need your letters to stand out or want to fill in larger areas with color, markers generally have a larger ink reservoir and wider points to get the job done. 

Common types:

•  Bullet Tip  –  Rounded tip at the top for medium-thickness lines for everyday writing. The classic nib of the Sharpie permanent marker and most dry-erase markers. 
• Brush Pens  –  Flexible tips that mimic a paintbrush, great for calligraphy and artistic strokes.
• Chisel Tip  –  Angled for thick and thin lines, used in highlighters and calligraphy marker pens.

Best for: Presentations, artistic projects, highlighting, and bold writing. 

Popular brands: Sharpie, Posca, Expo, Crayola.

How Types of Pen Ink Formulas Affect Your Writing & Documents

The type of ink inside a pen impacts everything from drying time and smoothness to whether your writing smudges or fades over time. Each formula is designed for a specific writing style and purpose. Some pen companies offer specialty inks like Hub’s anti-fraud ink that resists UV-fading and stands up to bleach and even hydrochloric acid. There are a handful of common pen ink types, each made with different ingredients to suit various writing preferences. 

Oil-Based Ink

How It’s Made: Oil-based ink contains dye or pigment suspended in a thick, oil-based solution (usually a mix of fatty acids and alcohols). This viscous formula prevents leakage and dries almost instantly. It is commonly used in ballpoint pens. 

 Pros:

• Quick-drying and smudge-resistant, a bonus for left-handed writers.
• Long-lasting ink that won’t dry out easily.
• Reliable on most types of paper.

 Cons:

• Requires more pressure to write, which can cause hand fatigue.
• Can feel less smooth compared to gel or rollerball pens.

Best for: Office work, quick note-taking, signing documents.

Water-Based Ink

How It’s Made: Water-based ink combines dye or pigment with water and stabilizers, creating a smoother, more fluid writing experience when compared to oil-based ink.

 Pros:

• Requires less pressure to write, offering a smoother writing experience.
• Produces darker, richer ink colors than ballpoint pens.
• Glides effortlessly, mimicking the feel of a fountain pen.

 Cons:

• Longer drying time, making it prone to smudging.
• Can bleed through thinner paper and does not write well on glossy paper.
• Ink runs out faster than oil-based pens.

Best for: Journaling, vibrant writing, artistic work, and professional signatures.

Liquid Ink 

How It’s Made: Liquid ink consists of dye or pigment dissolved in a water-based solution, creating a thin, free-flowing ink that is absorbed quickly by paper.

 Pros:

• Customizable ink colors that can be refilled with different ink cartridges or bottled ink.
• Free-flowing ink creates expressive lines, making it ideal for calligraphy and elegant writing.
• Works with different nib sizes for a personalized writing experience.

 Cons:

• Longer drying time and more prone to smudging.
• Can bleed through lower-quality paper.
• Requires more maintenance and proper storage.

Best for: Professional writing, personal letters, artistic calligraphy, luxury stationery.

Alcohol-Based Ink

How It’s Made: This ink contains alcohol instead of water, allowing it to dry almost instantly and adhere to various surfaces (not just paper).

 Pros:

• Quick-drying and water-resistant for long-lasting marks.
• Works on plastic, metal, glass, and other non-porous surfaces.
• Fade-resistant, making it great for labeling and industrial use.

 Cons:

• Will bleed through most paper.
• Strong odor in some permanent markers.
• Not suitable for fine writing or everyday use.

Best for: Industrial use, labeling, artwork, permanent markings.

Erasable Ink

How It’s Made: Erasable ink contains heat-sensitive compounds that become invisible when exposed to friction (or heat). Instead of removing ink, the heat generated by friction "erases" it.

 Pros:

• Erasable with heat or friction, making it perfect for mistake-free writing.
• Great for school, planners, and temporary notes.
• Available in multiple colors.

 Cons:

• Heat exposure, like leaving it in a hot car, can erase writing.
• Ink may fade over time.
• Limited to specific pen brands.

Best for: Students, bullet journaling, reusable notebooks, temporary writing.

Gel Ink

How It’s Made: A gel-based formula combines water-based ink with pigment particles that are suspended in a thick gel. This allows for bolder, more vivid colors while maintaining smooth writing.

 Pros:

• Rich, deep ink colors that stand out.
• Glides effortlessly, offering a luxurious writing experience.
• Less likely to bleed through paper compared to rollerball pens.

 Cons:

• Takes longer to dry, increasing the risk of smudging.
• Runs out faster than ballpoint ink due to higher ink flow.
• Can skip or clog if left unused for too long.

Best for: Everyday writing, colorful sketching, note-taking, and signatures.

Pen Mechanisms & Extra Features

The mechanism of a pen affects not just how it functions but also how convenient, stylish, and practical it is for different situations. There is the one-handed ease of a retractable click pen, the sophistication of a twist-action pen, or the elegance of a capped executive pen, the right choice depends on your writing habits and needs. 

Retractable Click Pens — These are spring-loaded pens with buttons to extend and retract the tip. With a simple click, your pen is ready to use, making it easy to use one-handed and store in a bag without worrying about the cap.

Twist Pens — Instead of clicking, a simple twist of the barrel extends or retracts the tip of your pen. This is a common feature in luxury Cross pens. Many high-end twist pens have ink cartridges that can be changed when the ink runs out. The premium feel makes them popular for corporate gifts.

Capped Pens — The pen tip here is protected by a removable cap. The cap prevents ink drying and leakage, but you have to make sure not to lose it!

Stylus Pens — A popular choice now that we all carry mobile phones with us on a daily basis, the rubber stylus tip or end cap lets you easily navigate on touchscreen devices.

Refillable vs. Disposable Pens

Refillable Pens are designed to use pen refills, ink cartridges, or converters, making them more sustainable and cost-effective over time. It’s a common feature in fountain pens and some high-end gel pens. Disposable pens are pre-filled and meant to be discarded after the ink runs out. They are generally cheaper upfront but can be wasteful over time.

If you’re concerned about the environment but want to order promotional pens for your company swag, consider one of our eco-friendly disposable pen options. We carry pens made of earth-friendly materials like recycled materials and even wheat straw plastic. They are budget-friendly and work well for bulk office supplies or trade show giveaways.

Tips For Choosing the Best Pens for Your Business Promotions

Promotional pens are one of the most effective and budget-friendly promotional products. Hand them out at trade shows or corporate events, or use them as branded business supplies. The right pens keep your logo front and center every time someone writes with it. How do you choose the best pens for your company? Here are some tips on choosing the best pens from our 21 years of experience:

1. Consider the Purpose

For everyday office use, choose workhorse pens like ballpoint pens with quick-drying ink and a comfortable grip. When it’s time for corporate gifting, opt for luxury refillable pens with twist-action or personalized engraving. For events, job fairs, and conference giveaways, pick one of our budget-friendly, high-quantity options like click pens with bold branding and a vibrant range of colors to catch attention.

For businesses in creative and artistic spaces, gel pens, fine liners, or marker pens with a variety of ink colors and smooth writing align best with your audience.

2. Think About Branding

Once you know the purpose of your custom logo pens, consider your imprint area. There are pens with a large imprint area for maximum logo visibility and others with a smaller area for a subtle nod to your branding. We also carry pens in a number of barrel colors so you can match your brand for a cohesive look. When you’re looking for milestone gifts or to welcome a new executive to the team, pick engraved or full-color printed pens for more elegance.

3. Prioritize Ink Quality

In general, quick-drying ballpoint ink is best for everyday business use. If you want to up your writing game or your work requires more handwritten note-taking, smooth-flowing gel ink makes for a more enjoyable writing experience. Remember that certain pens offer water-resistant or fade-resistant inks for extra durability.

Make Every Word Count When You’re Writing with the Right Type of Pen

Pens may seem like a small detail, but once you find the right one, it makes all the difference in comfort, efficiency, and even the impression you leave on others. From quick notes to signing important documents and being creative with calligraphy, the type of pen, ink formula, and writing mechanism all play a role in your overall writing experience.

There is a perfect writing instrument for everyone, depending on their preferences. Understanding the differences, like how pen tips affect precision and the way ink formulas influence drying time, means you’ll always have the best pen for the task at hand.

Add your logo custom pens for a budget-friendly promotional marketing campaign, an elegant executive gift, or a comfortable writing experience for everyone in your office. The right branded pen can keep your business in the hands of your customers on a daily basis!